Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 6 verse 26
Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga

Gently Returning · Taming the Wandering Mind

यतो यतो निश्चरति मनश्चञ्चलमस्थिरम् । ततस्ततो नियम्यैतदात्मन्येव वशं नयेत् ॥

yato yato niścarati manaś cañcalam asthiram tatas tato niyamyaitad ātmany eva vaśaṁ nayet

Meaning

"From wherever the restless and unsteady mind wanders, one should draw it back and bring it under the control of the self."

Explanation

This isn't a one-time fix but a repeated, patient practice — noticing the mind has wandered, again, and gently bringing it back, again. The verse doesn't promise the wandering will stop; it just asks you to keep returning.

Today's Life Lesson

Each time your mind wanders today, don't fight it — just gently bring it back, as many times as it takes.

More verses to reflect on