Asanshayam maha-baho mano durnigraham calam, abhyasena tu kaunteya vairagyena ca grhyate
The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice and detachment.
- •The mind requires consistent practice
- •Patience and persistence are key
- •Detachment aids mental control
Yato yato nishcharati manash chanchalam asthiram, tatas tato niyamyaitad atmany eva vasham nayet
Whenever and wherever the restless and unsteady mind wanders, one should bring it back to focus on the self.
- •The mind will wander—this is natural
- •Gently bring it back again and again
- •Practice patience with yourself
Raja-vidya raja-guhyam pavitram idam uttamam, pratyakshavagamam dharmyam su-sukham kartum avyayam
This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, directly experienced, righteous, easy to practice, and everlasting.
- •This is the highest knowledge
- •Direct experience validates truth
- •Spiritual practice can be joyful
Yajna-dana-tapah-karma na tyajyam karyam eva tat, yajno danam tapash chaiva pavanani manishinam
Acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should indeed be performed, for sacrifice, charity, and austerity are purifying for the wise.
- •Don't abandon spiritual practices
- •They purify even the wise
- •Renunciation doesn't mean inaction
Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru, mam evaisyasi satyam te pratijane priyo 'si me
Always think of Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, and offer obeisance to Me. Doing so, you will certainly come to Me. This is My pledge to you, for you are My dear friend.
- •Four-fold practice repeated
- •Divine promise of union
- •God's friendship with devotees
Satatam kirtayanto mam yatantas cha dridha-vratah, namasyantas cha mam bhaktya nitya-yukta upasate
Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with determination, and bowing down to Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.
- •Constant practice of devotion
- •Determination in spiritual life
- •Multiple forms of worship