Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita on the Mind
Arjuna says the mind is as hard to restrain as the wind. Krishna agrees—and still teaches practice.
These verses describe mind in the Gita’s yoga vocabulary, not in contemporary neuroscience.
Bhagavad Gita 6.5
Lift the self by the self.
Man should uplift himself by his own self and not degrade himself; for the Self alone is the friend of the Self, and the Self alone is the enemy of the Self.
Bhagavad Gita 6.6
The self as friend or enemy.
For him who has conquered the lower self (senses, etc.) by the higher Self, the Self is his friend; but for him who has not conquered the senses, the Self remains like an enemy.
Bhagavad Gita 6.26
Bring the wandering mind back.
Whatever causes this restless and unsteady mind to wander—by restraining those, the aspirant should bring it under the control of the Self alone.
Bhagavad Gita 6.34
Arjuna’s objection: the mind is restless, turbulent, powerful, and obstinate.
For, O Krishna! This mind is restless, turbulent, strong and obstinate; I consider restraining it as difficult as restraining the wind.
Bhagavad Gita 6.35
Krishna’s reply: practice and dispassion.
Shri Bhagavan said: O mighty-armed one! Without doubt the mind is restless and difficult to control; but, O son of Kunti! it can be subdued by practice and dispassion.
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