mind

Chapter 06, Verse 34

अर्जुन उवाच:

चञ्चलं हि मनः कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद् दृढम् ।

तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम् ॥ 6.34 ॥

arjuna uvaca:

cancalam hi manah Krsna pramathi balavad drdham ।

tasyaham nigraham manye vayor iva suduskaram ॥ 6.34 ॥

Word-by-Word Analysis

Word Meaning
अर्जुन उवाच (arjuna uvaca)
Arjuna said
चञ्चलम् (cancalam)
Restless, unsteady
हि (hi)
Indeed, certainly
मनः (manah)
Mind
कृष्ण (Krsna)
O Krishna
प्रमाथि (pramathi)
Turbulent, agitating
बलवत् (balavat)
Strong, powerful
दृढम् (drdham)
Obstinate, firm
तस्य (tasya)
Its
अहम् (aham)
I
निग्रहम् (nigraham)
Control, restraint
मन्ये (manye)
Think, consider
वायोः (vayoh)
Of the wind
इव (iva)
Like, as
सुदुष्करम् (suduskaram)
Very difficult, hard to do

Translation

            The mind is actually very restless and definitely moves around like a strong wind that will not stop. O Krishna, as per my understanding, controlling this mind is more difficult than controlling the wind itself. Regarding subduing it, it seems nearly impossible to achieve.

Context of the Verse:

            Arjuna speaks this verse to Krishna regarding his concerns.

            Further, after Krishna explains meditation and Yogic discipline in Chapter 6, Arjuna surely expresses his difficulties with these practices. Moreover, he finds it challenging to follow the strict path that Krishna has described. He admits that controlling the mind seems almost impossible because we are seeing its restless and turbulent nature only.

            This verse comes after Arjuna’s statement in 6.33, where he already questioned if steady meditation was practical or not. It’s the same doubt continuing forward. Basically, in verse 6.34, Krishna explains the same thing – the mind is restless, powerful, and very hard to control.

Key Teachings in This Verse:

  • Basically, the mind is the same restless and turbulent force that is also very powerful and stubborn by nature.
  • Controlling the mind is actually like trying to control the wind – it definitely needs strong discipline to master it.
  • Basically, even Arjuna admits that controlling the mind is the same huge struggle that all humans face in their inner discipline.
  • Further, this admission is only setting the base for Krishna’s next teaching, where we are seeing that through practice and detachment, the mind can be controlled properly.

Relevance to Arjuna:

  • Arjuna actually shows how ordinary people definitely struggle with meditation because their minds are restless. He represents the common seeker who finds it hard to focus during spiritual practice.
  • Basically, Arjuna was the same warrior who could defeat enemies in battle but struggled to control his own mind.
  • Basically, his honest doubts are the same questions every spiritual seeker has, making his conversation with Krishna very relatable.
  • Basically, this verse sets up the foundation for Krishna’s practical advice that comes in the next verse, which is the same pattern used throughout the text.

Explanation:

            Arjuna is saying he can control the wind but cannot control his mind – the same way external forces are easier to manage than internal ones. So, let us actually see what Lord Krishna definitely replies now. Moreover, arjuna, you should further release the need to control your mind. The mind itself will find balance when you stop trying to manage it. Moreover, as per his statement, he is confirming that it is possible. Regarding the matter, he is giving positive confirmation.

Yoga

Chapter 06, Verse 35

श्रीभगवानुवाच:

असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम्।

अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते।। 6.35 ।।

sri-bhagavan uvaca:

asamsayam maha-baho mano durnigraham calam।

abhyasena tu kaunteya vairagyena ca grhyate।। 6.35 ।।

Word-by-Word Analysis

Word Meaning
श्रीभगवानुवाच: (sri-bhagavan uvaca)
The Supreme Lord said: This marks Krishna’s first direct speech in the Bhagavad Gita, where he begins guiding Arjuna.
असंशयम् (asamsayam)
Without doubt
महाबाहो (maha-baho)
O mighty-armed one (Arjuna)
मनः (manah)
The mind
दुर्निग्रहम् (durnigraham)
Difficult to control
चलम् (calam)
Restless
अभ्यासेन (abhyasena)
By practice, constant effort
तु (tu)
But / however
कौन्तेय (kaunteya)
O son of Kuntī (Arjuna)
वैराग्येण (vairagyena)
By detachment, renunciation
च (ca)
And
गृह्यते (grhyate)
Is controlled / restrained

Translation

            The Lord said that regulate the hyperactive mind is definitely highly challenging, but it is possible through regular practice and detachment.

Context of the Verse:

            Arjuna had shown worry in the earlier verse (6.34) that the mind is only too restless and strong, and controlling it seems as hard as controlling the wind.

            In this verse (6.35), we are seeing Sri Krishna agreeing with Arjuna’s point but telling him that the mind can be controlled through only two main methods: Abhyasa (regular practice) and Vairagya (letting go of attachments).

Key Teachings in This Verse:

  • We are seeing that controlling the mind is difficult work, but Krishna says it is only possible with proper practice. The mind keeps moving restlessly, but it can be controlled if we try the right way.
  • Regular practice of meditation and spiritual exercises brings stability to the mind. Further, disciplined effort itself creates lasting inner balance.
  • Also, as per yogic principles, vairagya means letting go of too much wanting and attachment regarding worldly things for proper mind control.
  • As per spiritual practice, one requires both active effort for regular practice and detachment regarding outcomes. The balance involves working diligently while letting go of excessive attachment to results.

Relevance to Arjuna:

  • Arjuna is actually a warrior who definitely faces many battles and distractions around him. He is always in action and cannot find peace easily. Krishna tells him that controlling the mind is like a warrior’s battle, but with proper effort and detachment, one can achieve it. The mind itself becomes manageable through further practice and determination.
  • Further, as per Arjuna’s doubt regarding meditation and Yoga, this directly answers whether these practices are practical for someone like him.

Explanation:

           The mind surely goes to the past because it stores memories and experiences that shape our present thinking. Moreover, past events often contain unresolved emotions or important lessons that the brain continues to process. Moreover, as per our attachment to certain things, we face difficulties. Regarding past attachments, they also create problems in our lives.

           We are seeing that it only moves forward because time has a natural direction. This happens due to the way energy spreads out in our universe. Attachment surely makes us worry about uncertain future events that may never occur. Moreover, this anxiety stems from our emotional bonds with outcomes beyond our control. So we are seeing that one has to practice detachment only, and this detachment comes automatically when a person does Yoga practice. As per spiritual teachings, one must develop understanding regarding the temporary nature of this world. This knowledge needs proper cultivation through study and practice. Further, i am actually not this physical body that people see. I am definitely something beyond this material form. Surely, one must cultivate knowledge through the practice of the Yoga system. Moreover, this practice itself becomes the means to develop deeper understanding. Krishna has surely emphasized that constant practice is required here. Moreover, he indicates that regular effort is essential for spiritual progress. This Yoga system is actually very challenging. Students definitely need regular practice to master these techniques. Astang Yoga recommends eight limbs of practice that guide spiritual development. Further, the system itself focuses on ethical conduct, physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation for complete transformation. As per Kali Yoga, the method regarding mind control is chanting and hearing God’s names to get the same result. When we actually clean the dust from our mind’s mirror, we can definitely see our true self in the supreme self. Our relationship with the supreme self is actually about understanding our true nature. We are definitely connected to this higher consciousness in our daily spiritual practice. Therefore, constant practice is required further to develop the skill itself. Basically, Krishna explains about Sankirtan in the ninth chapter for the same reason. This task must surely be performed continuously for 24 hours without any break. Moreover, constant monitoring is required throughout the entire duration. Basically, it is the same simple thing only. We are seeing that people are only getting interested in the scientific way of looking at things, which means doing experiments. We should surely conduct experiments in our lives. Moreover, such experimentation helps us discover new possibilities and grow as individuals. As per spiritual practice, one should chant Krishna’s names throughout the day regarding devotional worship. You actually observe the outcome then. This definitely shows what happens next. Also, basically, various other scriptures mention the same specific combination.

           That is Hari Krishna, Hari Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hari Hari, Hari Ram, Hari Ram, Ram Ram, Hari Hari.

           As per ancient texts, these 16 words completely destroy Kali’s power. Regarding spiritual practice, chanting these specific words removes all negative effects of Kali Yuga. All effects of Kaliyoga millennium show themselves further in society itself. This age brings moral decline and spiritual darkness further affecting humanity itself. No better solution than this could be found by searching through the Vedas further. The Vedic texts itself contain no superior remedy. We are seeing that all these processes mentioned here are only genuine and proper. Moreover, basically, Gyana Yoga, Astang Yoga, and Karma Yoga are all the same fundamental practices available in yoga.

           Actually, this approach is not practical in real situations. It definitely creates problems when we try to use it. Param Yoga actually means acting with Krishna consciousness through Bhakti Yoga. This definitely involves doing all actions while remembering Krishna. As per the requirements of Kali Yuga, these are the practical methods. Regarding this present age, these things can be easily followed. We are seeing that the same results which people got by doing hard practice in earlier times can only be achieved if we do it regularly without stopping. As per Krishna’s teaching, one can achieve success by doing constant practice and maintaining detachment regarding worldly things. When we actually do regular practice, detachment will definitely come by itself automatically.

           As per the current situation, this process will require considerable time period. Regarding the timeline, it will take long duration to complete. As per health guidelines, avoid consuming items that increase disease if you are following both treatments. Regarding diet, do not eat anything that worsens your condition. Actually, you should eat that food which definitely cures the disease. This medicine will definitely help your body get better. As per medical advice, take medicines properly regarding your health condition. We are seeing that prescription means telling what to do, while proscription only means telling what not to do. If you follow both methods, you can get quick relief from the disease itself. Further, this approach helps in faster recovery. As per spiritual practices, this chanting holds tremendous power regarding its effects on practitioners. As per spiritual practice, detachment will come automatically, but it may take long time regarding the process.

           Basically, if you want quick results and quick mind control, practice detachment from anything that entangles you in the same material world. One should practice detachment itself while keeping constant Sankirtan practice under spiritual master’s guidance. Further, this detachment and practice must continue together for spiritual progress. Krishna has surely agreed that this path is very difficult, but moreover, he confirms it is possible to achieve. It is actually possible. This can definitely happen. Basically, constant practice of detachment makes it possible to achieve the same result.

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