The Yoga of Meditation

Krishna acknowledges Arjuna's assessment and provides the solution. 'Asaṁśayaṁ mahābāho mano durnigrahaṁ calam'—undoubtedly (asaṁśayam), O mighty-armed (mahābāho), the mind (manaḥ) is difficult to control (durnigraham) and restless (calam). This means: Krishna agrees with Arjuna—the mind is indeed restless and difficult to control. There's no denying this truth. 'Abhyāsena tu kaunteya vairāgyeṇa ca gṛhyate'—but (tu), O son of Kunti (kaunteya), it can be mastered (gṛhyate) through practice (abhyāsena) and (ca) detachment (vairāgyeṇa). This means: even though the mind is difficult, it can be controlled. The solution is twofold: practice and detachment. Practice means consistent effort—not occasional, but regular, persistent practice. Detachment means letting go of attachments—not being bound by desires, outcomes, or results. Together, practice and detachment can master the restless mind. This is the answer to Arjuna's doubt.