The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless spiritual guide that addresses the most profound aspects of human existence. One of its most compelling lessons is on controlling the mind, as revealed by Shree Krishna to Arjun. This discourse, found in Chapter 2, Verse 39, emphasizes the power of Buddhi Yog, the Yog of the intellect, as the key to mastering the mind and achieving inner peace.
In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions abound and desires seem endless, Shree Krishna’s wisdom remains ever relevant. This blog explores his teachings on how to control the mind, detach from worldly influences, and channel one’s intellect toward higher consciousness.
The Root of Attachment and Desire
Shree Krishna explains that our intellect (Buddhi) plays a crucial role in shaping our desires. If the intellect values material pleasures, the mind follows suit, craving wealth, fame, or sensory indulgences. For example:
- A sports enthusiast constantly follows basketball, checking whether the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics are winning.
- A businessman obsesses over money, money, money, believing that wealth is the ultimate source of happiness.
- A spiritual seeker devotes his life to God, believing that true joy lies in divine realization.
This demonstrates that our intellect dictates what we chase in life. If the intellect decides that happiness is found in material gains, the mind becomes restless in pursuit of those things. But if the intellect realizes that lasting peace lies in spiritual wisdom, the mind aligns accordingly.
Shree Krishna’s Message: Buddhi Yog – The Yog of the Intellect
एषा तेऽभिहिता साङ्ख्ये बुद्धिर्योगे त्विमां शृणु |
बुद्ध्या युक्तो यया पार्थ कर्मबन्धं प्रहास्यसि || 39||
"Hitherto, I have explained to you Sānkhya Yog, or analytic knowledge regarding the nature of the soul. Now listen, O Parth, as I reveal Buddhi Yog, or the Yog of Intellect. When you work with such understanding, you will be freed from the bondage of karma."
In this verse, Shree Krishna emphasizes Buddhi Yog, a lesser known but highly significant form of Yog. While many are familiar with Karma Yog (Yog of action), Bhakti Yog (Yog of devotion), and Gyan Yog (Yog of knowledge), Shree Krishna repeatedly highlights Buddhi Yog as the most crucial practice for controlling the mind.
How the Intellect Controls the Mind
To understand mind control, we must first recognize the relationship between the mind and the intellect:
- The Mind Creates Desires – It constantly seeks pleasure, whether through food, entertainment, relationships, or power.
- The Intellect Makes Decisions – It determines whether fulfilling a desire is beneficial or harmful.
For example, imagine a person craving ice cream on a hot summer day. If their intellect warns about high cholesterol and heart risks, they may resist temptation. But if the intellect lacks conviction, the craving wins.
Thus, the stronger the intellect, the greater the control over the mind. When the intellect is weak, desires overpower reason, leading to impulsive actions and attachment.
The Role of Knowledge and Deep Conviction
A significant part of mastering the mind involves acquiring deep knowledge. Shree Krishna states that knowledge can be shallow or deep, and the depth of knowledge determines its influence on our actions.
Example of Deep Knowledge
Imagine you are about to eat food. Suddenly, someone warns you that it is poisoned. Without hesitation, you drop the food, even if you are extremely hungry.
Why? Because your conviction in the truth of that warning is deep. Similarly, if one develops deep conviction in Shree Krishna’s teachings, the mind automatically follows the right path.
This is why Shree Krishna advises:
- Seek knowledge from scriptures
- Attend spiritual discourses (Satsangs)
- Surround yourself with enlightened individuals
By doing so, the intellect strengthens, making it easier to detach from worldly distractions.
How to Detach from the World
One of the greatest struggles in spiritual life is detaching the mind from material desires. Shree Krishna provides a simple yet powerful solution is to use the intellect to change the direction of our mind.
"The reason why our mind is attached to the world is because the intellect tells us that happiness lies in worldly pleasures."
For example, someone may listen to an entire spiritual lecture and agree with it, but afterward, they think:
"That was inspiring… but I still need to focus on becoming a millionaire."
Here, the intellect is still convinced that happiness lies in wealth, rendering the spiritual knowledge ineffective.
The solution? Strengthen the intellect with spiritual wisdom.
As we discussed in the previous section that the Depth of the Knowledge determines its influence on our actions. When the intellect firmly believes in the scriptural knowledge that true happiness comes from within, not external possessions, the mind automatically detaches.
The Importance of Discipline in Daily Life
Shree Krishna highlights that people unconsciously control their minds all the time.
- In a formal meeting, you sit properly, even if it’s uncomfortable, because your intellect tells you it is appropriate behaviour.
- At work, you exchange polite greetings with colleagues, even if you don’t feel like it, because your intellect values social etiquette.
This proves that self-discipline is already present in our lives. The key is to extend this discipline to spiritual growth, rather than limiting it to societal norms.
Difference Between Humans and Animals
Shree Krishna explains that animals lack the ability to control their minds. Their actions are purely driven by instincts.
- A cow will always eat the greenest grass without considering self-restraint.
- A tiger will hunt without questioning whether it is ethical.
In contrast, humans have the gift of intellect and discrimination (Vivek). We can choose between right and wrong, moral and immoral, material and spiritual. However, if we fail to exercise this power, we fall to the level of animals.
"पश्वातत्वविस्मरनात् धेकिवत्"
"When human beings forget their higher knowledge, they become like animals."
This Vedic statement reinforces Shree Krishna’s message: Without the guidance of the intellect, we act on impulses, just as animals do.
Thus, we must consciously nurture our intellect with divine wisdom to rise above lower instincts.
A Powerful Prayer for Enlightenment
The Shvetashvatara Upanishad offers a beautiful prayer:
"यो ब्रह्मानम् विदधाति पूर्वम् यो वै वेदान्ष्च प्रहिणोति तस्मै तग्वम्ः देवमात्म बुद्धि प्रकाशम् मुमुक्षुर्वै शर्णमहं प्रपद्धे"
"O Supreme Lord, who illuminates the three worlds, who has revealed the Vedas to Brahma, and who is the object of Vedic knowledge, I surrender to You. May You enlighten my intellect with divine wisdom."
This prayer is a perfect reminder that true enlightenment begins with an empowered intellect. When God blesses us with clarity and wisdom, our mind naturally aligns with righteousness.
Call to Action: Apply Shree Krishna’s Teachings in Daily Life
Shree Krishna’s wisdom is not just for Arjun—it is for all of us. In a world filled with distractions, practicing Buddhi Yog is more crucial than ever.
Start your journey by associating with devotees in Satsang—join "Morning Gems with Swamiji", a daily spiritual class where you can absorb divine knowledge, meditate, and strengthen your intellect.
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