buddhyā viśuddhayā yukto dhṛtyātmānaṁ niyamya ca śabdādīn viṣayāṁs tyaktvā rāga-dveṣau vyudasya ca
"Endowed with purified intellect, controlling the self with fortitude, relinquishing sense objects beginning with sound, and casting aside attraction and aversion..."
What This Means:
The path to Brahman begins with: pure intelligence, self-control through willpower, giving up attachment to sense pleasures, and being free from likes and dislikes.
Going Deeper:
This verse (continuing into the next) lists prerequisites. 'Vishuddha buddhi' - purified intellect, free from distortion. 'Dhriti' - fortitude sustains the discipline. 'Shabdadin vishayan tyaktva' - renouncing sense objects (sound, touch, form, taste, smell). 'Raga-dvesha vyudasya' - throwing out attraction and aversion. This is comprehensive inner preparation.
How To Apply This:
Purify your thinking, strengthen your willpower, reduce dependence on sensory pleasures, and work on your automatic likes and dislikes. These prepare the ground for realization.
Key Sanskrit Terms: