How to Control the Mind

The control of the mind is the central challenge of human life. In the Vedic scriptures, the mind is described as the driving instrument of the body. If it is uncontrolled, it leads the soul into the darkest regions of material existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that we cannot remain passive; we must actively take charge of the mind, or it will take charge of us.

Harder Than the Wind

Śrīla Prabhupāda often cites the example of Arjuna, a warrior of immense strength who admitted to Kṛṣṇa that controlling the mind was more difficult than stopping the wind. This illustrates that mechanical repression is not a practical solution.

• The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krsna, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind.
• Arjuna said in the Bhagavad-gita that controlling the mind is as impractical as stopping the blowing of a hurricane.

Friend or Enemy?

The mind is not neutral. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that its position changes based on our mastery over it. A controlled mind is the best friend because it leads us to Kṛṣṇa, whereas an uncontrolled mind is the worst enemy because it binds us to matter.

• For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.
• The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and the mind is the enemy of the conditioned soul.

The Secret of Engagement

How do we turn the enemy into a friend? Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the mind must be engaged, not emptied. By giving the mind a superior engagement—thinking of Kṛṣṇa's form, name, and pastimes—it naturally becomes controlled.

• The mind cannot be void of desire. The best way to control the mind is to engage it always in Krsna consciousness.
• The easiest way to control the mind, as suggested by Lord Caitanya, is chanting "Hare Krsna," the great mantra for deliverance, in all humility.

Conclusion

We do not have to fight the mind with force; we simply have to give it a better occupation. When the mind is fixed on Kṛṣṇa, control is automatic.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Control the Mind. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.