चञ्चलं हि मनः कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद्दृढम्। तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम्
Arjuna compares the mind to the wind because both are extremely difficult to control. The mind's nature is restless, powerful, and persistent, much like the wind, making it a challenging task to keep it steady and focused.
A distracted mind can return, again and again. Try a short, comfortable period of attention and restart gently when it wanders. This is a practice, not a test of your worth.
What is one point of attention I can return to without force?
Write a private reflectionGo deeper into this verse
What qualities of the mind does Arjuna describe to Krishna in this teaching on Krsna?
Arjuna describes the mind as unsteady, turbulent, tenacious, and powerful. These characteristics make it challenging for him to control, similar to the difficulties in controlling the wind.
In Chapter 6, Verse 34, what does Arjuna imply about the difficulty of controlling the mind?
Arjuna implies that controlling the mind is an extremely challenging task due to its restless and powerful nature. He equates this difficulty to the nearly impossible task of controlling the wind, highlighting the mind's inherent instability.
How does Arjuna express his struggle with the mind to Krishna?
Arjuna expresses his struggle by acknowledging the mind's unstable and forceful nature. He admits that its constant motion and strength make it exceedingly difficult to master, comparing it to the uncontrollable nature of the wind.
What philosophical insight can we gain from Arjuna's comparison of the mind to the wind?
The comparison suggests that the mind's nature is inherently restless and requires diligent effort to control. This insight emphasizes the importance of discipline and practice in achieving mental stability, reminding us that despite its challenges, mastery over the mind is necessary for spiritual growth and inner peace.
For the mind is verily restless, O Krishna; it is impetuous, strong and difficult to bend. I deem it as hard to curb as the wind.