त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः | कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् || १६ २१ || trividham narakasyedam dvaaram naashana-maat-manaha kaamah krodhas-tathaa lobhas- tasmaad-etat-trayam tyajet (SBG 16:21) There are three gates to the hell of destroying oneself – they are lust, anger, and greed. These three should therefore be given up. (SBG 16:21)
The choice between carrying good thoughts and bad ones rests with each individual.
दैवी संपद्विमोक्षाय निबन्धायासुरी मता | मा शुचः संपदं दैवीमभिजातोऽसि पाण्डव || १६ ५ || daivee sampad-vimokshaaya nibandhaa-yaasuree mataa maa shuchah sampadam daiveem- abhijaato’si paandava (SBG 16:05) Divine qualities lead a person towards liberation, while demoniacal qualities cause bondage. Do not worry, O Arjuna, because you were born with divine qualities! (SBG 16:05)
Having an uncontrolled mind is like riding an unbridled, powerful horse that destroys all it comes across.
असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मतिः | वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायतः || ६ ३६ || asamya-taatmanaa yogo dush-praapa iti me matihi vash-yaatmanaa tu yatataa shakyo’vaaptum-upaa-yataha (SBG 6:36) Yoga is difficult to attain for a person whose mind is not controlled. But it is possible for one who has his mind under control and works through prescribed means.
In My opinion, attaining Yoga by a person whose mind is not bridled is difficult. However, people who have learned to control their minds, and who strive sincerely through righteous means, can reach perfection in Yoga. (SBG 6:36)
Dedication and practice can help a person achieve even the toughest of goals – such as that of controlling their own mind.
श्रीभगवानुवाच | असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् | अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते || ६ ३५ || Sri Bhagavaan uvaacha: asamshayam mahaabaaho mano durnigraham chalam abhyaasena tu kaunteya vairaagyeNa cha gruhyate (SBG 6:35) Sri Bhagavan Krishna said: Undoubtedly, O Arjuna, the mind is restless and difficult to control, but it can be restrained through practice and dispassion. (6:35)
चंचलं हि मनः कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद् दृढम् | तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम् || ६ ३४ || chanchalam hi manah krushNa pramaathi balavad drud-ham tasyaa-ham nigra-ham manye vaayoriva sudush-karam (SBG 6:34)
(Arjuna said) The mind is certainly restless, turbulent, strong and unyielding, O Krishna! I think it is extremely difficult to control it, just as the wind is. (SBG 6:34)
Mind Management needs to be anybody’s Priority No. 1
अर्जुन उवाच | योऽयं योगस्त्वया प्रोक्तः साम्येन मधुसूदन | एतस्याहं न पश्यामि चंचलत्वात्स्थितिं स्थिराम् || ६ ३३ || Arjuna Uvaacha : yo’yam yogastvayaa proktah saamyena madhu soodana etasyaaham na pashyaami chanchalat-vaat-sthitim sthiraam (SBG6:33) Arjuna said, “This Yoga of equanimity that you have described, O Madhusudana, seems impractical and not attainable because of restlessness of the mind. (SBG 6:33)
Those who are free from passion and anger, who have their minds under control, who have realised the Self and are constantly aiming for perfection, are sages who are assured of liberation in the Supreme Brahman. (SBG 5:26)
Those who are free from all sins, whose minds are disciplined and are beyond dualities arising out of doubts, and who are always engaged in the welfare of all living beings, are Rishis (holy people) who attain Brahmanirvana (liberation). (SBG 5:25)
योऽन्तःसुखोऽन्तरारामस्तथान्तर्ज्योतिरेव यः | स योगी ब्रह्मनिर्वाणं ब्रह्मभूतोऽधिगच्छति || ५ २४ || yo’ntaha sukho’ntaraa raamas- ta thaantar jyotir eva yaha sa yogee brahma nirvaaNam brahma bhooto’dhigacchati (SBG 5:24)
One who is happy from within, rejoices within, and is illumined within, is a yogi. Such a yogi attains self-realisation, complete freedom, and becoming Brahman, he attains Brahma nirvana or salvation. (SBG 5:24)