Gita 18.33

Chapter 18: Liberation

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Gita 18.33
धृत्या यया धारयते मनःप्राणेन्द्रियक्रियाः। योगेनाव्यभिचारिण्या धृतिः सा पार्थ सात्त्विकी॥

dhṛtyā yayā dhārayate manaḥ-prāṇendriya-kriyāḥ yogenāvyabhicāriṇyā dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī

"The fortitude by which one holds firm the activities of mind, prana, and senses through unswerving yoga—that, O Partha, is sattvic."

What This Means:

Sattvic fortitude is the steady willpower that keeps your mind, energy, and senses under control through consistent spiritual practice. It doesn't waver.

Going Deeper:

'Dharayate' (holds firm) indicates sustained control. The three domains - manas (mind), prana (vital energy), and indriya (senses) - cover all internal activity. 'Avyabhicharini' means unswerving, completely faithful to the practice. This dhriti enables yoga to work over time, maintaining discipline through difficulties.

How To Apply This:

Cultivate the willpower to maintain your spiritual practices consistently - not just when you feel like it. Sattvic fortitude means not abandoning your path.

Key Sanskrit Terms:

Dhriti= fortitude, sustaining willpowerManas= mindPrana= vital energy, life forceIndriya= sensesAvyabhicharini= unswerving, unfailing