7 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on self-control. Explore teachings across 4 chapters.
Arjuna uvaca: Atha kena prayukto 'yam papam carati purushah, anicchann api varshneya balad iva niyojitah
Arjuna said: O descendant of Vrishni, by what is one impelled to sinful acts, even unwillingly, as if engaged by force?
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.
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 this formidable enemy called lust.
Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah
Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself, for the mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.
Santushṭaḥ satataṁ yogī yatātmā dṛiḍha-niśhchayaḥ, mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ
Ever content, steadfast in meditation, self-controlled, and of firm resolve, with mind and intellect offered to Me—such devotees are very dear to Me.
Santushṭaḥ satataṁ yogī yatātmā dṛiḍha-niśhchayaḥ, mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ
Ever content, steadfast in meditation, self-controlled, and of firm resolve, with mind and intellect offered to Me—such devotees are very dear to Me.
Manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ, bhāva-saṁśhuddhir ity etat tapo mānasam uchyate
Serenity of thought, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of purpose—these are called austerity of the mind.