Vedic Q&AAnswered according to Bhaktivedanta Siddhānta
How to control and steady a restless and flickering mind according to the Bhagavad Gita?
✨Vedic Scholar Answer
Verified against Śrīmad Bhagavad-gītā As It IsIn Bhagavad-gītā Chapter 6, Arjuna confesses to Lord Kṛṣṇa that the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate, and stronger than the wind (BG 6.34). Lord Kṛṣṇa does not deny Arjuna's struggle, but reassures him in BG 6.35 that the restless mind can indeed be curbed through two essential disciplines: suitable spiritual practice (abhyāsa) and detachment from material sense objects (vairāgya).
Furthermore, in BG 6.26, Lord Kṛṣṇa provides the practical daily technique: from wherever the flickering and unsteady mind wanders, one must repeatedly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the transcendental self. Ultimately, the highest yogī is one who fixes their mind upon Kṛṣṇa with unwavering faith and devotion (BG 6.47).
Canonical Verse Citations (3)
BG 6.34Read Full Verse & Purport →
“The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Kṛṣṇa, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind.”
BG 6.35Read Full Verse & Purport →
“Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa said: O mighty-armed son of Kuntī, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment.”
BG 6.26Read Full Verse & Purport →
“From wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the self.”
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