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Chapter 6 · Dhyāna-yoga · 47 verses

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Mind & yogaChapter 6 · Dhyāna-yoga
6.356.37

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 6.36

Practice and detachment steady the mind

असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मति: ।

वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्‍तुमुपायत: ॥ ३६ ॥

asaṁyatātmanā yogo

duṣprāpa iti me matiḥ

vaśyātmanā tu yatatā

śakyo ’vāptum upāyataḥ

Translation

For one whose mind is unbridled, self-realization is difficult work. But he whose mind is controlled and who strives by appropriate means is assured of success. That is My opinion.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
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Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

Controlling the Mind for Success

  1. 1Self-realization is difficult with an uncontrolled mind, but controlling it and striving by proper means assures success.
  2. 2Prabhupāda explains that steady mind control requires Kṛṣṇa consciousness—constantly engaging the mind in loving service to the Lord.
  3. 3Practice keeping your mind engaged in loving service to Kṛṣṇa rather than in material enjoyment.

Where we are

In the story

Chapter 6, Dhyāna-yoga: practice and detachment steady the mind.

What it teaches

Theme summary

A disciplined mind is one's best friend.

2

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: manas, indriya, yoga.

3

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 6.36 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to mind & yoga?

Practice

Sit quietly for ten minutes and gently return the mind.

4

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 6 ›
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Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 6.35Practice and detachment

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

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Back to step 3The key ideasNext · Step 5 of 7 · 5 minLive the teachingsBring it into your day with a practice and a question, straight from Prabhupāda's purports.