Discipline — Lesson 13

Verse

Transliteration

asaṁśayaṁ mahā-bāho mano durnigrahaṁ calam
abhyāsena tu kaunteya vairāgyeṇa ca gṛhyate

Meaning

No doubt, the mind is restless and difficult to control. But, through practice and dispassion, it can be trained.

Key Words

• asaṁśayam — without doubt
• durnigraham — difficult to control
• calam — restless
• abhyāsa — repeated practice
• vairāgya — dispassion, letting go

Teaching

Arjuna raises a doubt: the mind seems impossible to control. Krishna agrees. The mind is indeed restless. But he adds something important: It is trainable. Two tools are given: Practice — returning again and again. Dispassion — not getting pulled by every thought or desire. Together, they slowly reshape the mind.

Connection to Discipline

Discipline is built over time. Not by force, but by repetition and letting go. Practice builds strength. Dispassion reduces disturbance. This verse gives the core method of sādhana.

Reflection

What is one practice I can repeat daily? What is one thing I can begin to let go of, that disturbs my mind?