Mastering yourself
Self-control is the foundation of all achievement. Learn to align your actions with your highest intentions.
Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah
Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself. The mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.
Bandhur atmatmanas tasya yenatmaivatmana jitah, anatmanas tu shatrutve vartetatmaiva shatru-vat
For those who have conquered the mind, it is their friend. For those who have failed to do so, the mind works like an enemy.
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.
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.
Evam buddheh param buddhva samstabhyatmanam atmana, jahi shatrum maha-baho kama-rupam durasadam
Thus knowing the soul to be superior to the material intellect, O mighty-armed Arjuna, subdue the self by the self and conquer lust, the formidable enemy.
Vishaya vinivartante niraharasya dehinah, rasa-varjam raso 'py asya param drishtva nivartate
The objects of the senses turn away from those who abstain from them, but the taste remains. However, even this taste ceases for those who have seen the Supreme.
Tasmad yasya maha-baho nigrhitani sarvashah, indriyanindriyarthebhyas tasya prajna pratishthita
Therefore, O mighty-armed Arjuna, one whose senses are completely restrained from their objects is established in steady wisdom.
Shanaih shanair uparamed buddhya dhriti-grihitaya, atma-samstham manah kritva na kinchid api chintayet
Gradually, step by step, with the intellect endowed with steadiness, one should bring the mind to stillness, and think of nothing else.
Indriyani parany ahur indriyebhyah param manah, manasas tu para buddhir yo buddheh paratas tu sah
The senses are superior to the gross body, the mind is superior to the senses, the intellect is superior to the mind, and the soul is superior to the intellect.
Abhayam sattva-samsuddhir jnana-yoga-vyavasthitih, danam damas cha yajnas cha svadhyayas tapa arjavam
Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge and yoga, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study of scriptures, austerity, and straightforwardness.
Ahimsa satyam akrodhas tyagah shantir apaishunam, daya bhuteshv aloluptvam mardavam hrir achapalam
Non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, tranquility, absence of slander, compassion toward all, absence of greed, gentleness, modesty, and steadiness.
Tejah kshama dhritih shaucham adroho nati-manita, bhavanti sampadam daivim abhijatasya bharata
Vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, absence of malice, and absence of pride—these qualities belong to those endowed with divine nature, O Arjuna.
Deva-dwija-guru-prājña-pūjanaṁ śhaucham ārjavam, brahmacharyam ahinsā cha śhārīraṁ tapa uchyate
Worship of the deities, the twice-born, teachers, and the wise; purity, straightforwardness, celibacy, and non-violence—these are said to be austerity of the body.
Anudvega-karam vakyam satyam priya-hitam cha yat, svadhyayabhyasanam chaiva van-mayam tapa ucyate
Speech that does not cause distress, is truthful, pleasant, beneficial, and includes the regular recitation of scriptures—this is said to be austerity of speech.
Read slowly and contemplate. Don't rush through these verses. Pick one that resonates and sit with it for a few minutes.
Return regularly. Ancient wisdom reveals itself gradually. Come back to these verses when you need them.
Apply to your situation. Consider how each teaching relates specifically to what you're experiencing right now.
Share what helps. If a verse brings you peace or clarity, share it with others who might need it.