Like a tortoise

yadā saṃharate cāyaṃ kūrmo’aṅgānīva sarvaśaḥindriyāṇīndriyārthebhyastasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā

When one draws the senses back from their objects, as a tortoise draws in its limbs, that person's wisdom stands firm.

What it means

Krishna gives a famous image, the tortoise. When danger comes, it calmly pulls in its legs and head. The steady person can do the same with the senses. Not shutting out the world forever, but choosing when to withdraw and turn inward. That ability is wisdom.

The story

Arjuna's senses have been flooded by the sight of his family, the noise of war, the weight of the moment. Krishna offers a simple practice. Draw in, like the tortoise, and find your centre. Then come out again, steady.

In your life

Picture someone on a noisy train who closes their eyes, slows their breathing, and goes quiet inside. Ten breaths later they're calm. When the world gets too loud today, become the tortoise for a minute.