Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.35
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् । अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते ॥३५॥
asaṃśayaṃ mahābāho mano durnigrahaṃ calam | abhyāsena tu kaunteya vairāgyeṇa ca gṛhyate ||35||
Complete Shloka Translation
Without doubt, mighty-armed one, the mind is restless and difficult to restrain. Yet it is held through practice and nonattachment, son of Kunti.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| असंशयम् | asaṁśayam | without a shadow of doubt |
| महाबाहो | mahā-bāho | O mighty-armed one (Arjuna) |
| मनः | manaḥ | the human mind |
| दुर्निग्रहम् | durnigraham | notoriously difficult to curb |
| चलम् | calam | fidgety and constantly moving |
| अभ्यासेन | abhyāsena | by steady, patient, repeated practice |
| तु | tu | however |
| कौन्तेय | kaunteya | O son of Kunti |
| वैराग्येण च | vairāgyeṇa ca | and by dispassionate detachment |
| गृह्यते | gṛhyate | is restrained, mastered, and conquered |
without a shadow of doubt
O mighty-armed one (Arjuna)
the human mind
notoriously difficult to curb
fidgety and constantly moving
by steady, patient, repeated practice
however
O son of Kunti
and by dispassionate detachment
is restrained, mastered, and conquered
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna first acknowledges Arjuna's difficulty. Abhyasa and vairagya provide complementary supports rather than an expectation of instant control.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Repeated practice and loosening attachment can work together."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can practice and nonattachment work together in your life?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master mental clarity and resilience: when your mind wanders into anxiety or distraction, gently bring it back without judgment, maintaining balance in food, sleep, work, and mindful reflection.