In the journey of life, we often face challenges that test our focus, perseverance, and ability to achieve mastery. Shree Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, provides profound guidance on overcoming the restless nature of the mind through the transformative power of practice. This wisdom, illuminated by Swami Mukundananda ji, offers a blueprint for personal growth and success by harnessing our innate potential.
The Ancient Wisdom of Practice
In the Bhagavad Gita, there's a profound conversation between Shree Krishna and Arjun that addresses a universal human challenge - the restless mind.
अथ चित्तं समाधातुं न शक्नोषि मयि स्थिरम् |अभ्यासयोगेन ततो मामिच्छाप्तुं धनञ्जय || 9||
atha chittaṁ samādhātuṁ na śhaknoṣhi mayi sthiram
abhyāsa-yogena tato mām ichchhāptuṁ dhanañjaya
BG 12.9: If you are unable to fix your mind steadily on Me, O Arjun, then practice remembering Me with devotion while constantly restraining the mind from worldly affairs.
Shree Krishna doesn't offer idealistic solutions that sound good but ultimately prove impractical. Instead, he presents a realistic approach centered on one fundamental principle - practice.
Shree Krishna acknowledges that maintaining mental focus is challenging. The mind, by nature, is restless – one moment in despair, the next in elation. His solution? "Abhyasa Yoga" or the Yoga of Practice. This practical approach recognizes that transformation doesn't happen overnight but through consistent, dedicated effort.
The Hockey Magician: A Testament to Practice
The power of practice isn't just spiritual theory – it's demonstrated throughout human achievement. Consider the remarkable story of Dhyan Chand, India's legendary field hockey player who dominated the sport globally.
Nicknamed the "Magician of Hockey," Dhyan Chand's story is not just about talent but about extraordinary dedication to practice. Despite beginning his journey as a wrestler, Dhyan Chand discovered hockey after joining the army. His commitment was so intense that he would practice under moonlight after his regular training, earning him the name 'Chand' (moon). He would challenge himself by balancing the ball on railway tracks, running for miles without letting it fall.
Under his leadership, India achieved phenomenal victories, including an 8-1 win against Germany in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, olympic gold in 1928, scoring the most goals in the tournament and a historic 24-1 victory over USA in the 1932 Olympics.
The Science Behind Practice: Rewiring Your Brain
Modern neuroscience validates what ancient wisdom and great achievers have long known: practice physically changes your brain. Every time you practice something, you're not just going through motions – you're creating and strengthening neural pathways.
The 21-Day Neural Revolution
Research suggests that consistent practice for 21 days can create new neural grooves in your brain. These physical changes make new behaviors feel natural and automatic. Whether you're adopting a new morning routine, changing your eating habits, developing a meditation practice or learning a new skill. Your brain is constantly adapting to your practiced behaviors, creating new neural highways for these activities to flow through more easily.
Steps to Embrace the Practice of Transformation
The beauty of practice lies in its democratic nature – it's available to everyone. Here's how you can harness its power:
1. Start Small, Stay Consistent
Don't expect perfection immediately. If your mind wanders during meditation 95% of the time in the first hour, that's okay. Keep practicing. Soon it might be 90%, then 85%, and gradually improve. Begin with manageable goals.
2. Embrace the Process
Progress isn't linear. Some days you'll advance, others you'll seem to regress. What matters is maintaining the practice. Each attempt, even the "failed" ones, contributes to rewiring your brain. Like Arjun's struggles with focus, your initial attempts might feel inept. Celebrate incremental progress instead of aiming for perfection.
3. Repetition Over Time
Dedication over weeks and months rewires the brain, turning effort into second nature.
4. Track Progress
Documenting small victories keeps motivation high and reinforces positive changes.
Inspirational Insights for Everyday Life
Shree Krishna’s philosophy extends beyond spirituality; it resonates in our daily lives. Whether you're pursuing professional growth, personal goals, or deeper connections with loved ones, consistent effort shapes outcomes. This wisdom can be applied universally:
· In Careers: Skill mastery comes from practice. Whether you're honing a technical skill or developing leadership qualities, persistence pays off.
· In Relationships: Cultivating patience, empathy, and communication requires continuous effort to nurture meaningful bonds.
· In Self-Development: Adopting mindfulness or overcoming procrastination demands daily commitment to change.
Overcoming Challenges in Practice
Swami Mukundananda emphasizes that failure is part of the process. Initially, you may succeed only 5% of the time in focusing your mind or achieving your goals. However, with persistence, this percentage grows exponentially. Each setback becomes a stepping stone, propelling you closer to success.
For those who find practice difficult, start with simpler steps, gradually building momentum. This adaptable approach ensures no effort is wasted, making growth accessible to everyone.
The Inspirational Legacy of Practice
As Swamiji reflects, mastery is not reserved for the extraordinary; it is attainable by anyone willing to embrace consistent effort. Dhyan Chand's story reminds us that greatness is not an innate gift but a product of relentless dedication. Similarly, Shree Krishna's teachings affirm that the mind, though restless, is infinitely teachable through practice.
Closing Thoughts: The Path Forward
In a world often fixated on instant gratification, Shree Krishna's emphasis on practice serves as a timeless reminder of the value of persistence. By committing to regular effort, you can overcome limitations, rewire your mind, and unlock boundless potential.
Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, professional excellence, or personal fulfillment, let this wisdom guide you: "Practice, practice, practice. The brain is infinitely teachable." Embrace the journey, and watch as consistent effort transforms not only your habits but your entire life.
Call to Action
If you’re ready to start this journey of developing mental focus, check out Swamiji’s Staying Inspired and Motivated Everyday playlist on his YouTube Channel to deepen your understanding.
Resources
The Way Practice Rewires your Brain - Shree Krishna's Guide to Mental Focus | Swami Mukundananda
Mukundananda, S. (2022). Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, Westland Publications: Chennai, India.
Mukundananda, S. (2020). The Science of Mind Management, Westland Publications: Chennai, India.