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When Arjuna speaks to Lord Krishna amid the great battlefield that “ O revered one, the control over mind is difficult to achieve” (Bhagavad GITA Chapter 6 Verse 34 )
चञ्चलं हि मन: कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद्दृढम् |
तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम् || 34||
The mind is very restless, turbulent, strong and obstinate, O Krishna. It appears to me that it is more difficult to control than the wind.
Lord Krishna agrees with Arjuna,( Bhagavad GITA Chapter 6 Verse 35)
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् |
अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते || 35||
Lord Krishna said: O mighty-armed son of Kunti, what you say is correct; the mind is indeed very difficult to restrain. But by practice and detachment, it can be controlled.
“Parth, you are right, controlling mind is difficult. In order to control mind, Lord Krishna gave the following way to Arjuna
Parth, you can control mind by
- Abhyasa (Practice)
- Vairagya (Detachment)
Prelims examination is around the corner.
This blog is specifically targeted for those students who feel demotivated, doubtful, anxious or lack of confidence as examination is approaching.
One reason why we start to feel this way is because we are attached to forms. Now, what is form? Well, form is perceived outcome or way in which we want someone or ourselves or any situation to be. It is “what ought to be” as per our idea of universe.
Sir, I should have scored this much marks. I should have done these many revisions till now. I should have remembered all these facts. I should not have done these mistakes this year etc.
From one point of view, all questions asked above are valid because it points towards the improvement that should be done. Then, what is the issue?
The issue is that as examination approach, your mind shall throw these forms at you and an aspirant feel demotivated or anxious because the mind is consistently triggering the insecurities. The source of insecurity is the form that your mind is attached to.
What does Vairagya(detachment) means from examination point of view
Vairagya/Detachment means de + attachment from all these forms about “what ought to be”. Making peace with “What it is”. Making peace with “what it is” does not mean not making effort towards “what ought to be”. It is making effort
- Surrendering judgments about yourself.
- Surrendering expectations about result.
How can you surrender?
It is by having faith in the process of preparation. As your belief in process shall grow, your attachment to forms shall shrink. This belief in process of preparation is right understanding that will enable right effort from your end.
Abhayasa (Practice)
It will happen with Abhyasa i.e Practice. Practice is the cornerstone of excellency. At some of point time, both practice and belief merge into one and becomes one. Practice again and again the right understanding about process of preparation, it will improve your focus on effort and decrease your attachment with forms.
As an immediate solution to anxiety, take help of prayers and positive affirmations to universe to give you right understanding. It is true that controlling mind is more difficult than controlling wind, however GITA gives you solution i.e practice and detachment.
Wish best wishes,
Prabhat U
Disclaimer : The views are personal and represent the writer’s humble interpretation. Writer is a student of GITA and does not claim authority over interpretation
