self-discipline and focus to maintain wisdom and spiritual balance

The verse you are referring to is from the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Shloka 67.

Here’s the Sanskrit text along with its translation:

Sanskrit:
इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते।
तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि।।

Transliteration:
Indriyāṇāṁ hi caratāṁ yan mano ’nuvidhīyate,
Tad asya harati prajñāṁ vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi.

Translation:
For a person whose mind follows the wandering senses, his intellect is carried away just as a boat is swept off course by the wind on water.

Commentary:
This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind and senses. When the mind indulges in the desires driven by the senses, it loses its steadiness and clarity. Just as a boat in a stormy sea is carried away by strong winds, similarly, a person without control over their senses is swayed by temptations and distractions, losing their ability to make sound decisions. This verse advises cultivating self-discipline and focus to maintain wisdom and spiritual balance.