DESIRE (charioteer)

एवं बुद्धे: परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना |

जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम् || 3.43||

Thus knowing the soul to be superior to the material intellect, O mighty armed Arjun, subdue the lower self (senses, mind, and intellect) by the higher self (strength of the soul), and kill this formidable enemy called lust.

Kaṭhopaniṣhad 1.3.3-4:

"Know the Self as the rider in the chariot, and the body as the chariot itself. Know the intellect (buddhi) as the charioteer, and the mind as the reins. The senses, they say, are the horses, and the sense objects are the roads they travel. The wise call the Self united with the body, senses, and mind, the enjoyer."

Explanation of the metaphor:

1. Atman (the Self) is the passenger, the true essence of a person.

2. The body is compared to the chariot, a vehicle that carries the Self through life.

3. Buddhi (intellect) is the charioteer, responsible for guiding the journey with wisdom and discernment.

4. The mind is likened to the reins, which control the senses and keep them in check.

5. The senses are the horses, which must be controlled by the mind (reins), and they constantly seek out sensory objects (the paths).

This metaphor demonstrates that to achieve self-realization, the intellect (charioteer) must wisely guide the mind (reins), and the senses (horses) should be kept under control. When this alignment is achieved, the Self (passenger) enjoys a harmonious journey toward the ultimate goal of liberation or moksha.