Bhagavad Gita 6.35

śrī-bhagavān uvāca

asaṁśayaṁ mahā-bāho

mano durnigrahaṁ calam

abhyāsena tu kaunteya

vairāgyeṇa ca gṛhyate

 

“The Lord said: Without a doubt, the mind is wild,

unsteady and restless, like a child.

Yet you can curb it with persistence,

Provided you couple it with abstinence.”

 

My dear Lord, you explain that mind management is ultimately a task of reprogramming the mind. The mind’s past programming cannot be erased, but it can be overridden through abstinence and overwritten through persistence.

Because of its past programming, my mind constantly brings forth harmful propositions. To counter them, I need to create a strong inner resolution that acts like an override switch for my default mental conditioning.

Each time I say no to my mind’s unwanted propositions, the inner programming associated with my override switch strengthens. Over time, the override switch will become my default programming; and abstinence will, by your mercy, O Lord, become my second nature.

Simultaneously, my Lord, I can overwrite the conditionings of my mind by creating alternative engagements that are more meaningful and fulfilling. You, O Lord, open for me an entire universe of experience and adventure, centred on a life of loving service to you. When I engage in such service, you reciprocate by creating potent new impressions that rapidly reprogram my mind. 

Bless me, my Lord, to do my part in reprogramming my mind according to my capacity — and let me faithfully wait to see how you do your part in transforming my mind into my friend.

***

06.35 Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa said: O mighty-armed son of Kuntī, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment.