Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.6
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः । अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत् ॥६॥
bandhurātmātmanastasya yenātmaivātmanā jitaḥ | anātmanastu śatrutve vartetātmaiva śatruvat ||6||
Complete Shloka Translation
For one who has mastered oneself through oneself, oneself is a friend. For the undisciplined person, oneself behaves like an enemy.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| बन्धुः | bandhuḥ | a friend and protector |
| आत्मा | ātmā | the mind |
| आत्मनः | ātmanaḥ | of that person |
| तस्य | tasya | for whom |
| येन | yena | by whom |
| आत्मा एव | ātmā eva | the self / mind itself |
| आत्मना | ātmanā | by higher awareness |
| जितः | jitaḥ | has been conquered and controlled |
| अनात्मनः तु | anātmanaḥ tu | but for one with an unconquered mind |
| शत्रुत्वे | śatrutve | in sheer enmity and sabotage |
| वर्तेत | varteta | behaves and operates |
| आत्मा एव | ātmā eva | that very mind |
| शत्रु-वत् | śatru-vat | like a hostile foe |
a friend and protector
the mind
of that person
for whom
by whom
the self / mind itself
by higher awareness
has been conquered and controlled
but for one with an unconquered mind
in sheer enmity and sabotage
behaves and operates
that very mind
like a hostile foe
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This completes the friend/enemy image of 6.5. The contrast concerns mastery of the inner faculties rather than hatred toward oneself.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Consistent discipline can turn recurring habits into sources of support."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which recurring habit could be trained into a source of support?
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.