Katha Upanishad Verse 1.3.3

The “Chariot Analogy” is a central teaching where the Atman (Self) is represented as the lord of the chariot, the body is the vehicle, the intellect (buddhi) is the driver, and the mind is the reins.

Sanskrit Verse

आत्मानँ रथितं विद्धि शरीरँ रथमेव तु ।
बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहमेव च ॥ ३ ॥

Transliteration

ātmānam̐ rathitaṃ viddhi śarīram̐ rathameva tu |
buddhiṃ tu sārathiṃ viddhi manaḥ pragrahameva ca || 3 ||

Translation

Know the atman as the lord of the chariot, the body as only the chariot, know also intelligence as the driver; know the minds as the reins.

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Cross-references:

• Dhammapada Verse 17.2 (The true charioteer checks rising anger)