Bhagavad Gita 6.35

 

Bhagavad Gita 6.35 : Conquering the Restless Mind

Sanskrit Verse:

श्रीभगवानुवाच
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् |
अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते || ६.३५ ||

Translation:

Sri Bhagavan said:

“O mighty-armed Arjuna, undoubtedly, the mind is restless and difficult to control, but it can be conquered through practice (abhyasa) and detachment (vairagya).”

हे महाबाहु अर्जुन! निःसंदेह मन चंचल है और इसे नियंत्रित करना कठिन है, किन्तु अभ्यास और वैराग्य से इस पर विजय प्राप्त की जा सकती है।

Explanation:

In this verse, Lord Krishna acknowledges Arjuna’s concern about the unstable and wavering nature of the human mind. He admits that the mind is indeed restless and challenging to restrain, but He provides a solution—through continuous practice (abhyasa) and detachment (vairagya), one can master it.

Key Insights from this Verse:

1. Restlessness of the Mind:
   The human mind is naturally fickle, constantly wandering from one thought to another. It is influenced by desires, emotions, and external distractions, making it difficult to focus.

2. Importance of Abhyasa (Practice):
   Regular spiritual practice, such as meditation (dhyana), self-discipline, and devotion, helps in steadying the mind. Just as a river can be channeled through discipline, the mind too can be trained.

3. Power of Vairagya (Detachment):
   Detachment does not mean renouncing life but developing an attitude of non-attachment to material desires and temporary pleasures. A person who cultivates detachment remains unaffected by worldly distractions.

Practical Application in Daily Life:

• Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation daily helps bring inner stability.

• Self-Discipline: Engaging in positive habits and avoiding distractions strengthens mental control.

• Letting Go of Attachments: Learning to detach from unnecessary worries and material cravings brings peace.

Conclusion:

Bhagavad Gita 6.35 provides a practical approach to controlling the mind. By consistently practicing self-discipline and cultivating detachment, one can overcome restlessness and achieve inner harmony. Lord Krishna’s wisdom reminds us that while the journey is challenging, with perseverance, the mind can be tamed, leading to self-realization and spiritual fulfillment.