How to Control the Mind: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "<div class="toc-right"> __TOC__ </div> 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 th...") |
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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. | 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. | ||
* [[Vaniquotes: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 | * [[Vaniquotes:For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his very mind will be the greatest enemy. BG 6.6 - 1972|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.]] | ||
* [[Vaniquotes:The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and | * [[Vaniquotes:A man must elevate himself by his own mind, not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well. BG 6.5 - 1972|The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and the mind is the enemy of the conditioned soul.]] | ||
=== The Secret of Engagement === | === The Secret of Engagement === | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
* [[Vaniquotes: | * [[Vaniquotes:TThe best way to control the mind is to engage it always in Krsna consciousness (sa vai manah krsna-padaravindayoh)|The mind cannot be void of desire. The best way to control the mind is to engage it always in Krsna consciousness.]] | ||
* [[Vaniquotes:If you simply think of Krsna, then your mind is controlled. You haven't got to endeavor separately|If you simply think of Krsna, then your mind is controlled. You haven't got to endeavor separately.]] | * [[Vaniquotes:If you simply think of Krsna, then your mind is controlled. You haven't got to endeavor separately|If you simply think of Krsna, then your mind is controlled. You haven't got to endeavor separately.]] | ||
Revision as of 11:24, 11 December 2025
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.
- To control the mind means you have to force the mind to be controlled to the dictation of the soul.
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.
- If you simply think of Krsna, then your mind is controlled. You haven't got to endeavor separately.
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 Srila Prabhupada's Vani
Srila Prabhupada 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 Srila Prabhupada's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.