How can we control our mind according to Bhagavad Gita?

1. Introduction: 

Understanding the Mind

How can we control our mind according to Bhagavad Gita, as the mind is like a big, complex puzzle? It can come up with amazing ideas and understand things deeply. But sometimes, it can also get easily distracted or start thinking negative thoughts.

In that case, the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text of Hindu philosophy, suggests that if we want to have a happy and balanced life, it’s super important to learn how to control and understand our minds. This means being the boss of your thoughts and not letting them run wild!

1.1 The Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is like a wise old friend giving us some really good advice. It says that to have a calm and happy mind, we need to know ourselves well (self-awareness) and be disciplined.

Imagine desires and attachments as things that come and go, like waves in the ocean. The Bhagavad Gita suggests that if we understand this, we can find a special kind of inner peace and be content with ourselves. So, let’s explore the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita for controlling the mind.

2. How can we control our mind according to Bhagavad Gita?

           Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind, as it is the source of both our bondage and liberation. But how can we control our mind? In the answer, he suggests three steps for controlling the mind:

2.1 Discipline and Practice

Okay, so imagine that training your mind is like training a puppy. Discipline, or being consistent and focused, is super important. According to the Bhagavad Gita, this is the key to controlling your mind.

Krishna mentioned in Chapter 6, Verse 25, of the Bhagavad Gita that “gradually, the mind becomes established in self-realization through constant practice and detachment.” It is essential to cultivate qualities such as self-control, determination, and perseverance. You can practice this by doing things like meditation (which is like a workout for your mind), yoga (which helps your body and mind relax), and being mindful (which means paying attention to what you’re thinking and feeling). This helps your mind get really good at thinking positive thoughts and letting go of any bad habits or negative thinking.

2.2 Detachment and Equanimity

Detachment might sound like not caring, but it’s more about finding a healthy balance between caring and not letting things overwhelm you. It’s like riding a rollercoaster of emotions; detachment helps you step off that ride.

In addition to it, when you practice ‘equanimity,’ which means staying calm and balanced, it’s like having a stable center even when things are up and down. This makes your mind more steady and focused.

Lord Krishna says that developing a sense of detachment towards the outcomes of our actions and offering them to the divine can also help in controlling the mind.

2.3 Meditation and Mindfulness

Alright, let’s talk about meditation and mindfulness. Meditation is a special exercise for your mind. When you do it regularly, it’s like diving deep into your thoughts and feelings. This helps you see things more clearly and understand yourself better. It’s like having a compass that guides your mind towards positive and meaningful thoughts and actions.

On the other hand, Mindfulness is like a special way of paying attention. It’s about being really present in the moment, fully aware of what’s happening around you and inside you. It’s like giving your full focus to whatever you’re doing, whether it’s eating, walking, or just taking a moment to breathe. It helps you appreciate the little things in life and can bring a sense of calm and clarity.

By withdrawing from external distractions and consistently practicing meditation or any form of devotion, the mind can be trained to stay calm and focused.

3. Strengthening the Mind

Now come to the next step which is Strengthening the Mind. You can strengthen your mind by following some simple steps, which are:

• • Cultivating Positive Habits

• • Gratitude and Acceptance

• • Inner Peace and Tranquility

3.1 Cultivating Positive Habits: 

By Cultivating Positive Habits, we can make our minds stronger. It’s like going to the mental gym! Building positive habits is the key. Doing simple things like keeping a gratitude journal (where you write down things you’re thankful for), exercising regularly, and being kind to others can really make a big difference in how your mind feels and works.

3.2 Gratitude and Acceptance:

Gratitude is like having a thankful heart. It’s about appreciating even the little things in life. When you do this, it’s like changing your focus from what you don’t have to realizing how much you do have. This can make your mind feel more peaceful and happy.

Acceptance is another big player. It’s about being okay with things, even when they’re tough. It’s like finding a calm place inside yourself, even when things around you are a bit stormy. This helps you feel more at ease, no matter what’s going on.

3.3 Inner Peace and Tranquility:

Having Inner Peace isn’t just sitting around doing nothing. It’s a decision you make to stay calm and centered, even when things around you are busy or challenging.

The Bhagavad Gita gives us some really cool tricks, which we have discussed above, to find calmness (Tranquility), even when life gets tough. It’s like having a special toolkit for your mind that helps you stay cool, calm, and collected, no matter what’s happening around you.

4. Overcoming Negative Thoughts

Overcoming Negative Thoughts is an extremely important part of controlling the mind. According to the Bhagavad Gita, we can overcome our negative thoughts by following the following steps:

Let’s explore them.

4.1 Identifying Destructive Patterns

Recognizing negative thought patterns is the first step towards overcoming them. In Chapter 6, Verse 6, Lord Krishna explains that the mind is both a friend and an enemy. It can be a friend when it is controlled and focused, but it can also be an enemy when it becomes overcome by desires. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize these negative thought patterns and learn to redirect them towards a positive and righteous path.

4.2 Affirmations and Positive Affirmations

Affirmations are like little messages you tell yourself to make your mind think in a positive way. It’s like giving your mind a pep talk! Instead of saying negative things to yourself, you say positive things. This helps your mind feel more sure of itself (confidence), valuable (self-worth), and in a good mood (positivism).

4.3 Redirecting the Mind

Imagine you’re on a hiking trail, and suddenly you come across a fork in the path. One way looks rocky and steep, while the other is a gentle, scenic route. Now, your thoughts are a bit like those paths. Sometimes, they might take you on a bumpy ride filled with worries and doubts.

Now, here’s the cool part: just like you can choose the smoother trail, you can also choose your thoughts! That’s what redirecting the mind is all about. When those tricky, negative thoughts pop up, you can gently guide your mind towards brighter, more positive ones.

It’s like being the captain of a ship, setting your course for a beautiful destination. The Bhagavad Gita, this ancient book of wisdom, tells us that when we focus our thoughts and set our intentions on good things, our minds can achieve amazing things. It’s like having a superpower that lets you reach your highest potential!

5. Achieving Mental Clarity

In order to control our mind, mental clarity should be achieved by us. This can be done by the following ways:

5.1 Focus and Concentration

Picture yourself in a magical forest. There are so many enchanting things around: colorful birds, sparkling streams, and hidden treasures. But there’s a catch: everywhere you look, there’s something trying to grab your attention. It’s like a carnival of wonders!

Now, think of your mind as this forest. It’s filled with all sorts of thoughts and ideas, just like those magical wonders. But, sometimes, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement and lose track of what’s truly important.

That’s where focus and concentration come in. They’re like your special forest guides, helping you stay on track. The Bhagavad Gita holds the secrets to becoming a master guide. It teaches you techniques to sharpen your focus, like a knight sharpening their sword. Krishna says that with the skill of focus and concentration, you can steer your mental energy towards the things that truly matter to you. I personally had very negative thoughts and inferiority complexes in my life. My mind wandered around many difficult situations, but the path of focus and concentration explained by Lord Krishna really helped me focus on my way.

So, you should also try this amazing path.

5.2 Mind-Body Connection

Think of your mind and body as best friends—when one feels good, the other does too! Taking care of your body with good food, exercise, and rest not only makes your body happy but also boosts your mind. It’s like a special code for feeling awesome inside and out!

5.3 Deep Breathing Techniques

Let’s talk about deep breathing! It’s like giving your mind a nice, soothing massage. When you do these special breathing exercises, it’s like telling your mind, “Hey, let’s take a little break and relax.“

Just like how a gentle breeze can calm the waters of a lake, deep breathing can calm your thoughts. It’s like turning down the volume on all the noise in your head. This brings a clearer mind and a sharper sense of what’s going on around you. It’s like turning on a superpower that helps you think and see better!

6. Conclusion 

Now you have understood how we can control our mind according to the Bhagavad Gita. Okay, here’s the bottom line: Imagine the Bhagavad Gita as your wise life coach. If you use its advice in your daily life, something truly special happens. It’s like a magical makeover for your mind!

Think about it like this: you become really good at staying focused and disciplined (like sticking to your goals), letting go of things that don’t serve you (kind of like decluttering your life), and building positive habits (like making exercise a regular thing).

And the result? Your mind becomes this super-clear and calm force that helps you handle whatever life throws your way. So, by following these teachings, you can truly find inner peace and become the boss of your own mind!

7. FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to see results in mind control through Bhagavad Gita teachings?

A1: The timeline for seeing results varies from individual to individual. Consistent practice and patience are key.

Q2: Can anyone practice the techniques mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, regardless of their religious beliefs?

A2: Yes, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are universal and can be applied by individuals of all faiths or beliefs.

Q3: Are there any specific meditation techniques recommended in the Bhagavad Gita?

A3: The Bhagavad Gita offers various meditation techniques, including breath awareness and mantra meditation, but encourages individuals to find what resonates with them.

Q4: How can I incorporate gratitude into my daily routine?

A4: Keeping a gratitude journal or taking a few moments each day to reflect on things you’re thankful for are simple yet effective ways to cultivate gratitude.

Q5: Is it necessary to seek guidance from a spiritual teacher to benefit from Bhagavad Gita teachings?

A5: While guidance from a teacher can be valuable, many find meaningful insights by studying the Bhagavad Gita independently. It ultimately depends on personal preference and circumstances.

If you have any question or feedback, feel free to leave it in the comment section below.

Further reading 

You can find many yoga practices and meditations for absolute beginners on the following website:

Yoga International