Most of us were never taught how to work with our own minds.
We were taught how to:
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- Get degrees
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- Build careers
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- Manage time
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- Solve external problems
But not how to handle:
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- Constant overthinking
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- Emotional reactions
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- Self-doubt
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- Mental exhaustion
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- The inner voice that criticizes, compares, and catastrophizes
In modern life—filled with notifications, social pressure, and endless choices—the mind often feels less like a helpful tool and more like an unruly boss.
Interestingly, this problem isn’t new.
The Bhagavad Gita, written over two thousand years ago, addresses this exact problem with startling clarity. It doesn’t treat the mind as something mystical or sinful. It treats it as something trainable.
“Let a person lift oneself by one’s own mind; let one not degrade oneself.
The mind alone is the friend of the self, and the mind alone is the enemy of the self.”
— Bhagavad Gita 6.5
This verse is startlingly modern. It doesn’t blame the world, fate, or other people. It points straight to the mind—and then gives us responsibility and power.
This article explores nine practical ways to work with your mind rather than letting it control your life, blending Gita wisdom with situations modern readers face every day.
Most mental suffering begins with a subtle mistake:
we assume our thoughts define us.
A passing thought like “I’m failing” quietly becomes “I am a failure.”
The Gita repeatedly reminds us that what is constantly changing cannot be our true self.
“The unreal has no existence; the real never ceases to be.” — Bhagavad Gita 2.16
The verse distinguishes between what is temporary and what is real—implying that fluctuating mental states do not define who we are.
The Gita makes a subtle but powerful distinction:
You are the observer of the mind, not the mind itself.
Practical shift:
Instead of saying “I am anxious,” try “Anxiety is present right now.”
That single sentence restores distance—and dignity.
2. Don’t Try to Silence the Mind — Learn to Guide It
Many people assume mental control means a silent mind.
That expectation alone creates frustration.
The Gita offers a far more compassionate approach.
“Whenever the restless and unsteady mind wanders, one should gently bring it back.” — Bhagavad Gita 6.26
It openly acknowledges that the mind will wander—and advises gently bringing it back, again and again.
This matters because fighting thoughts often strengthens them. Guidance works better than force.
In modern terms:
Mental discipline isn’t about suppression. It’s about redirection.
Practical tip:
When your mind drifts, don’t criticize it. Simply notice and return to what matters. Repetition—not perfection—is the practice.
3. Train the Mind Through Practice, Not Willpower
Willpower feels heroic, but it rarely lasts.
The Gita is refreshingly honest here.
“The mind is difficult to control, but it can be mastered through practice and detachment.” — Bhagavad Gita 6.35
It admits that the mind is difficult to control—but reassures that it becomes steady through consistent practice and gradual detachment.
This aligns perfectly with modern neuroscience: the brain changes through repetition, not motivation.
Practical approach:
Choose one small mental habit—such as regular breath awareness or ending the day with reflection—and repeat it daily. The mind reshapes quietly over time.
4. Pause Before Reacting — This Is Where Freedom Begins
Most regretful moments don’t come from bad intentions.
They come from unexamined reactions.
The Gita describes this cascade vividly explaining how unchecked emotions cloud memory, judgment, and discernment—long before external damage is done.
“From anger comes delusion; from delusion, loss of memory; from loss of memory, destruction of discernment.” — Bhagavad Gita 2.63
This insight is crucial for:
- Relationships
- Leadership
- Parenting
- Difficult conversations
Practical tip:
Insert a brief pause—three conscious breaths—before responding emotionally. That pause often changes the entire outcome.
Developing mastery over the mind is also the foundation of emotional intelligence, a theme explored further in how the Bhagavad Gita connects self-control with healthier relationships and leadership.
5. Feed the Mind What Strengthens It
The mind is shaped by what it repeatedly consumes.
Endless news cycles, constant comparison, and overstimulation quietly train the mind toward restlessness.
The Gita recognizes this in its discussion of mental discipline.
“Mental austerity is serenity, simplicity, silence, self-control, and purity of thought.” — Bhagavad Gita 17.16
It defines mental clarity as calmness, self-control, and purity of thought—suggesting that inner hygiene matters as much as outer behavior.
Practical reflection:
Ask regularly:
- Does this content calm or agitate me?
- Does it clarify or confuse?
Mental strength grows through conscious input.
6. Give the Mind Meaningful Work
An idle mind doesn’t rest—it spirals.
The Gita repeatedly emphasizes purposeful engagement.
“Perform your duty, for action is better than inaction.” — Bhagavad Gita 3.8
It states that meaningful action is healthier for the mind than inaction.
This is especially relevant today, when people feel mentally exhausted despite doing very little that feels meaningful.
Practical application:
Each day, give your mind one task that feels purposeful—learning, creating, helping, or focusing deeply. Purpose anchors the mind better than distraction.
7. Use the Breath to Reset the Mind Instantly
Few tools affect the mind as quickly as the breath.
The Gita explicitly mentions breath regulation as a mental discipline.
“Some focus on regulating the incoming and outgoing breath.” — Bhagavad Gita 4.29
Here attention to inhalation and exhalation is described as a direct path to inner balance.
Modern science now confirms this: slow breathing calms the nervous system.
Simple practice:
Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6.
Repeat for 2–3 minutes when overwhelmed.
This is mental control without struggle.
8. Expect Mental Turbulence During Growth
Many people abandon inner work because their mind feels more unsettled during change.
The Gita normalizes this experience.
“Pleasure and pain come and go; endure them.” — Bhagavad Gita 2.14
It explains that discomfort naturally arises during transitions and should be endured without panic.
Periods of:
- Career reassessment
- Emotional healin
- Identity shifts
- Transition
Often bring inner noise before clarity.
Reframe the experience:
Mental disturbance doesn’t mean failure. Often, it signals transformation.
9. Build Friendship With Your Mind, Not a Battlefield
The most misunderstood idea about mental mastery is that it requires domination.
The Gita offers a gentler vision.
“For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends.” — Bhagavad Gita 6.6
The verse states that for one who understands it, the mind becomes a trusted friend.
Friendship with the mind means:
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- Correcting without shaming
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- Guiding without hostility
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- Listening without surrendering control
Daily reflection:
Ask at night: Did I cooperate with my mind today—or fight it?
That question alone reshapes the relationship.
Conclusion: Mastery Is Understanding, Not Suppression
Letting your mind work for you doesn’t mean eliminating thoughts or emotions.
It means:
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- Awareness instead of autopilot
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- Response instead of reaction
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- Partnership instead of inner conflict
The Bhagavad Gita doesn’t teach escape from life. It teaches how to live fully—without being ruled internally.
In a world that constantly pulls attention outward, learning to work with your own mind may be the most practical skill you can develop.
FAQ's:
❓ What does the Bhagavad Gita say about controlling the mind?
The Bhagavad Gita explains that the mind can either become our greatest ally or our greatest obstacle. Rather than suppressing thoughts, it teaches steady practice, self-awareness, and gentle discipline to guide the mind toward clarity and balance.
❓ Is controlling the mind the same as suppressing emotions?
No. The Gita does not advocate suppressing emotions. It emphasizes observing emotions without being ruled by them, allowing wiser responses instead of impulsive reactions.
❓ Why does the mind feel restless even when life seems fine?
According to the Gita, an unengaged or overstimulated mind naturally becomes restless. When the mind lacks meaningful direction or is overloaded with external inputs, it turns inward and creates unnecessary anxiety or overthinking.
❓ How can I calm my mind without meditation experience?
Simple practices such as conscious breathing, pausing before reacting, and redirecting attention can calm the mind effectively. The Gita itself highlights breath awareness as a direct method for mental balance.
❓ Can the mind really become a friend instead of an enemy?
Yes. The Bhagavad Gita explains that when the mind is understood and trained through awareness and practice, it becomes supportive rather than self-sabotaging.
❓ Is mental turbulence a sign of failure in personal growth?
No. The Gita suggests that mental discomfort often appears during periods of inner growth, transition, or self-reflection. Turbulence is not failure—it is frequently part of transformation.
❓ How long does it take to gain control over the mind?
The Gita emphasizes gradual progress through consistent practice. Mental mastery is not a one-time achievement but a steady, lifelong process of awareness and refinement.
Author
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Deep Ranjan Singh Deep is a Certified Life coach specializing in emotional resilience, mental clarity, and self-mastery. For over a decade, he has worked with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, and inner transformation.
His professional journey began in the corporate and technology world. He holds a B.Tech degree from IIT Kanpur, and previously worked in the Information Technology sector.
Over time, however, he felt drawn toward work that focused less on systems and more on human experience—how people think, feel, cope, and grow. That curiosity led him to formally train as a Life Coach and transition into work centered on emotional well-being, clarity, and self-understanding.
He uses Sanskrit mantras, sounds, and verses for healing and wisdom-sharing purposes in his works.
You can reach him at deep@iitkalumni.org.
