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yatindriyaṁ

yatindriya

accusative singular neuter of yatindriya (adjective); also used as adverb

1. with senses controlled
2. restraining the faculties
3. guarding the senses

Built from

• yata — stem · restrained, controlled
  Past participle of yatati (to restrain). Reflects the active vigilance needed in meditation practice.
• indriya — stem · sense faculties
  The five sense-organs plus the mind; from a root meaning 'to rule' or 'be lord of', suggesting faculties as powers to be governed.
• ṁ — ending · accusative singular neuter
  Marks the accusative case, here used adverbially ('with senses restrained') or as a predicate adjective describing the practitioner.

Analysis. yata + indriya: yata is the past participle of yatati (to restrain, control), and indriya means the sense faculties (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind); the compound means 'having restrained the senses' or 'with senses controlled', a key virtue in monastic training.

Etymology. yatati is related to Sanskrit yatate (to be attentive, vigilant); indriya from Sanskrit indriya, related to Indra (the controller, lord), from the root ind- (to rule, be strong). The image is of mastery over the sense-doors rather than passivity; a meditator actively holds the senses in check.

Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.

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