Bhagavad Gita 6.35 — The Mind Can Be Controlled Through Practice and Detachment
श्रीभगवानुवाच
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम्।
अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते॥ ६.३५॥
The Blessed Lord said: O mighty-armed Arjuna! There is no doubt that the mind is restless and difficult to control. Yet, O son of Kunti, it can be brought under control through constant practice and detachment.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śrībhagavān | the Blessed Lord |
| uvāca | said |
| asaṃśayam | undoubtedly |
| mahābāho | O mighty-armed Arjuna! |
| manaḥ | the mind |
| durnigraham | difficult to control |
| calam | restless |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| abhyāsena | through constant practice |
| tu | however |
| kaunteya | O son of Kuntī! |
| vairāgyeṇa | through detachment |
| ca | and |
| gṛhyate | it can be brought under control |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śrībhagavān | the Blessed Lord | abhyāsena | through constant practice |
| uvāca | said | tu | however |
| asaṃśayam | undoubtedly | kaunteya | O son of Kuntī! |
| mahābāho | O mighty-armed Arjuna! | vairāgyeṇa | through detachment |
| manaḥ | the mind | ca | and |
| durnigraham | difficult to control | gṛhyate | it can be brought under control |
| calam | restless | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna accepts Arjuna's concern and explains that although the mind is undoubtedly difficult to control, it can be mastered through two essential disciplines: abhyāsa and vairāgya.
Essence
Lord Krishna's Practical Solution
Rather than dismissing Arjuna's concern, Lord Krishna first acknowledges that it is completely valid. He then offers a practical and timeless solution for mastering the mind.
Asaṁśayaṁ (without doubt): Lord Krishna openly agrees that the mind is restless and difficult to control. Spiritual wisdom begins with accepting reality rather than denying it.
Manaḥ durnigraham calam (the restless mind is hard to restrain): The mind naturally moves toward distractions, desires, and countless thoughts. Lord Krishna does not expect immediate perfection from the seeker.
Abhyāsena (through steady practice): The first key is abhyāsa—regular, sincere, and repeated effort. Every time the mind wanders and is gently brought back, it becomes a little stronger and more disciplined. Progress comes through consistency rather than intensity.
Vairāgyeṇa (through detachment): The second key is vairāgya. This does not mean abandoning the world but letting go of unhealthy attachment and dependence upon worldly pleasures and expectations. As attachment weakens, the mind naturally becomes calmer.
Lord Krishna teaches that these two principles work together. Practice strengthens concentration, while detachment removes the inner forces that continually pull the mind away. Together they make mastery of the mind possible.
Message for Everyday Life (The Two Wings of Spiritual Growth)
Growth requires both effort and letting go: Improvement comes not only from practicing what is beneficial but also from gradually releasing habits and attachments that keep the mind restless.
Practical approach: Maintain a regular spiritual discipline while also reducing unnecessary attachments that drain your mental energy. With patient practice and healthy detachment, the mind steadily becomes peaceful and obedient.
Next Topic
Having explained the means of controlling the mind, Lord Krishna now clarifies who can attain yoga and why self-discipline is indispensable for success on this path.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Consistency transforms what once seemed impossible.
The mind changes through repetition and direction.
Freedom grows when attachment weakens.
A restless mind can be trained with patient effort.
Practice creates strength; detachment creates freedom.
Mastery begins when excuses end and practice begins.
Abhyāsa and Vairāgya are the twin wings of spiritual progress.