Bhagavad Gita 6.34
चञ्चलं हि मनः कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद्दृढम्। तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम्॥
cañcalaṃ hi manaḥ kṛṣṇa pramāthi balavaddṛḍham tasyāhaṃ nigrahaṃ manye vāyoriva suduṣkaram
Meaning
My Lord! Verily, the mind is fickle and turbulent, obstinate, and strong; indeed, it is extremely difficult to control, like the wind.
Understanding this verse
Simple meaning
Arjuna is completely honest: "The mind is restless, stubborn and powerful. Controlling it seems as hard as controlling the wind." Even great people struggle with their minds, and saying so is the start of change.
In real life
A topper admits to juniors that she also struggles with distraction. They feel less alone and more willing to try.
A man who overthinks every decision accepts that his mind is restless instead of hating himself for it, which makes it easier to work with.
Try this today: Write down the three thoughts that most often hijack your mind. Naming them weakens their grip.
What's your duvidha?
English translation by Shri Purohit Swami (1935), public domain. Sanskrit text in the public domain. About Duvidha