Higher and higher within

indriyāṇi parāṇyāhurindriyebhyaḥ paraṃ manaḥmanasastu parā buddhiryo buddheḥ paratastu saḥ

The senses are higher than the body, the mind higher than the senses, intellect higher than the mind, and higher still is the Self.

What it means

Krishna draws a ladder inside us. Above the body are the senses. Above the senses, the mind. Above the mind, buddhi, the discerning intellect. And beyond even that is the atman, the Self. Each level can guide the one below. The highest is who we truly are.

The story

Arjuna has been tossed around by his senses and mind. Krishna shows him there's a higher place to stand. From the Self, he can look down at the storm of feelings with steadiness, like someone on a mountain watching weather below.

In your life

Picture someone in a panic who pauses and says, I notice my heart racing, I notice my thoughts spinning. The one noticing is calmer. Try it next time you're stressed. Step up a rung and observe.