Chapter 6, Verse 35 (Bhagavad Gita 6.35)
Chapter 6: Dhyān Yog – Path of Meditation
Sanskrit Shloka
श्री भगवानुवाच असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलं। अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते
Transliteration
śhrī bhagavān uvācha asanśhayaṁ mahā-bāho mano durnigrahaṁ chalam abhyāsena tu kaunteya vairāgyeṇa cha gṛihyate
Word Meanings
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—Lord Krishna said; asanśhayam—undoubtedly; mahā-bāho—mighty-armed one; manaḥ—the mind; durnigraham—difficult to restrain; chalam—restless; abhyāsena—by practice; tu—but; kaunteya—Arjun, the son of Kunti; vairāgyeṇa—by detachment; cha—and; gṛihyate—can be controlled
Translation
The Blessed Lord said: 'Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed Arjuna, the mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is mastered through constant practice and detachment.'
Meaning & Commentary
This verse offers a profound psychological roadmap for human transcendence, acknowledging the inherent instability of the human mind without falling into pessimism. It teaches that the mind's erratic nature is not a moral failing but a natural state that requires conscious intervention through discipline. 'Abhyasa' or practice represents the commitment to repeated effort, while 'Vairagya' or detachment signifies the wisdom to withdraw our attention from sensory distractions. By balancing these two forces, we transform the mind from a runaway master into a refined instrument of awareness. Ultimately, this wisdom empowers the seeker to reclaim their inner sovereignty and find stability amidst the flux of worldly experiences.