Quotes on Conquering from Bhagavad Gita
What if victory was guaranteed? Find game-changing conquering quotes from the Bhagavad Gita you never imagined.
%20(2).webp)
When we think of conquering, we often picture external battles - winning competitions, defeating opponents, or achieving dominance. But the Bhagavad Gita presents a radically different vision of conquest. True victory, according to this ancient wisdom, begins within ourselves. It's about mastering our own minds, transcending our limitations, and discovering an unshakeable strength that no external force can defeat.
In this collection of profound quotes from the Bhagavad Gita, we'll explore what it really means to conquer - not just in the worldly sense, but in the deepest spiritual dimension. These teachings, spoken by Lord Krishna to the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, reveal how the greatest conquest is the conquest of the self. Through these verses, we'll understand how to overcome fear, attachment, anger, and ultimately, the illusion of separateness itself.
Each quote we'll examine offers a unique perspective on conquering - from conquering the restless mind to conquering death itself through spiritual realization. These aren't just philosophical concepts but practical teachings that can transform how we face every challenge in our lives. Let's dive into these timeless words and discover what true conquest means.
"My nature is weighed down with the taint of feeble-mindedness; my understanding is confused as to duty. I ask You: tell me decisively what is good for me. I am Your disciple. Instruct me who has taken refuge in You." - Arjuna to Lord Krishna
This powerful moment captures Arjuna at his most vulnerable, yet it marks the beginning of his greatest conquest.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः।यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्॥
**English Translation:**
My nature is weighed down with the taint of feeble-mindedness; my understanding is confused as to duty. I ask You: tell me decisively what is good for me. I am Your disciple. Instruct me who has taken refuge in You.
The first step to conquering anything is admitting we don't have all the answers. Arjuna, one of the greatest warriors of his time, shows us that true strength lies in acknowledging our confusion. He doesn't pretend to know what's right when faced with an impossible situation.
This surrender isn't weakness - it's the ultimate strategic move. When we let go of our ego and seek guidance, we open ourselves to wisdom far greater than our limited understanding. Arjuna's confession becomes his first victory, not on the battlefield, but over his own pride.
We often think conquering means never showing vulnerability. But Arjuna teaches us the opposite.
By saying "I am Your disciple," he conquers the illusion that he must face everything alone. This quote shows us that the path to conquering our challenges starts with conquering our need to appear invincible. When we accept our limitations, we create space for transformation. When we admit our confusion, clarity can enter. This is why spiritual conquest always begins with humility - because only an empty cup can be filled with wisdom.
"One must elevate oneself by one's own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind alone is one's friend as well as one's enemy." - Lord Krishna
Here, Lord Krishna reveals one of the most fundamental truths about conquering - that our greatest battle is with ourselves.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
**English Translation:**
One must elevate oneself by one's own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind alone is one's friend as well as one's enemy.
The mind can be our greatest ally or our worst enemy. Lord Krishna isn't talking about conquering others - He's pointing to something much more challenging. The real conquest is internal.
Think about it. How many times has your own mind defeated you before you even tried? How often have your thoughts become obstacles bigger than any external challenge? This quote flips our understanding of conquest. It's not about defeating what's outside us. It's about mastering what's within. When we elevate ourselves through positive thinking, discipline, and self-awareness, we become unconquerable from the outside because we've already won the battle within.
Your mind becomes your friend when it's under your control. It becomes your enemy when it controls you.
This duality is what makes self-conquest so challenging. The same mind that can motivate you to achieve greatness can also paralyze you with doubt. The same thoughts that inspire courage can breed fear. Lord Krishna is telling us that conquering means learning to direct our mental energy constructively. It's about training the mind to work for us, not against us. This internal conquest is harder than any external battle because the enemy and the ally live in the same place - within us.
"Treating pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, engage yourself in the battle. Thus you shall incur no sin." - Lord Krishna
This teaching transforms our entire approach to conquering by removing the very foundation of victory and defeat.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि॥
**English Translation:**
Treating pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, engage yourself in the battle. Thus you shall incur no sin.
Lord Krishna presents a radical idea - what if conquering has nothing to do with the outcome?
When we're attached to victory, we've already lost our inner peace. When we fear defeat, we're conquered by that fear before the battle even begins. This quote teaches us to conquer our attachment to results. It's not about not caring - it's about not being controlled by outcomes. True conquest happens when we can engage fully in our actions without being enslaved by the need to win or the fear of losing.
Equanimity isn't indifference. It's the highest form of mental strength.
When you treat success and failure equally, you become truly unconquerable. Why? Because nothing can disturb your inner stability. You've conquered the emotional rollercoaster that most people ride their entire lives. This quote shows us that real conquering isn't about always winning - it's about maintaining your balance regardless of what happens. It's about conquering your reactions, not just your circumstances.
"The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krishna, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind." - Arjuna"Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed one, the mind is difficult to control and restless, but it is subdued by practice and detachment." - Lord Krishna
This exchange reveals both the challenge and the method of conquering our most formidable opponent - our own mind.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
श्री भगवानुवाच:असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम्।अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते॥
**English Translation:**
The Blessed Lord said: Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed one, the mind is difficult to control and restless, but it is subdued by practice and detachment.
Lord Krishna doesn't sugarcoat it - conquering the mind is tough. But He also gives us hope.
The word "practice" here is key. Conquering isn't a one-time event. It's a daily discipline. Just like a muscle gets stronger with exercise, our ability to control our mind grows with consistent effort. Every time you bring your wandering attention back to the present, you're conquering. Every moment you choose response over reaction, you're winning. This quote reminds us that conquering the mind isn't about perfection - it's about persistence.
Detachment doesn't mean not caring. It means not being controlled by what you care about.
When we're too attached to thoughts, emotions, or outcomes, they conquer us. But when we learn to observe our mental activity without being swept away by it, we gain power over it. This quote teaches us that conquering the mind requires two tools working together - practice to build strength and detachment to maintain freedom. It's like learning to swim in turbulent waters - you need both skill and the ability to stay calm.
"Do not yield to unmanliness, O son of Pritha. It does not become you. Shake off this faint-heartedness and arise, O scorcher of enemies!" - Lord Krishna
Sometimes conquering requires a wake-up call, and Lord Krishna delivers one here with fierce compassion.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते।क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप॥
**English Translation:**
Do not yield to unmanliness, O son of Pritha. It does not become you. Shake off this faint-heartedness and arise, O scorcher of enemies!
Lord Krishna isn't being harsh - He's being truthful. Sometimes we need to hear that we're capable of more.
This quote shows us that conquering often starts with conquering our tendency to give up. When Lord Krishna calls Arjuna a "scorcher of enemies," He's reminding him of his true nature. We all have moments when we forget our strength. This teaching tells us that conquering weakness isn't about never feeling weak - it's about not letting weakness define us. It's about remembering who we really are beneath the temporary cloud of doubt.
Faint-heartedness is different from fear. It's when we have the strength but choose not to use it.
This quote challenges us to conquer our tendency to play small. Sometimes the biggest obstacle to conquering our challenges is our own reluctance to stand up and face them. Lord Krishna is saying that conquering requires us to access our inner warrior - not to harm others, but to overcome our own limitations. Rising up isn't just physical - it's mental, emotional, and spiritual. It's about conquering the voice that says "I can't" with the truth that says "I must."
"Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, one should control the lower self by the higher self and thus - by spiritual strength - conquer this insatiable enemy known as lust." - Lord Krishna
Here, Lord Krishna reveals the hierarchy of conquest - using our higher nature to conquer our lower tendencies.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना।जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम्॥
**English Translation:**
Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, one should control the lower self by the higher self and thus - by spiritual strength - conquer this insatiable enemy known as lust.
You can't conquer what you don't understand. Lord Krishna first asks us to know ourselves.
This quote reveals that we are more than our desires, more than our thoughts, more than our emotions. When we realize our true nature is beyond all these temporary experiences, we gain the power to conquer them. It's like discovering you're the ocean, not just the waves. From this higher perspective, conquering desire becomes possible because you're no longer identified with it. You see it as something passing through you, not something that defines you.
Spiritual strength isn't mystical - it's practical. It's the power that comes from knowing who you really are.
When Lord Krishna talks about conquering lust (representing all binding desires), He's not suggesting suppression. He's pointing to transformation through understanding. Spiritual strength means using your higher wisdom to guide your lower impulses. It's like having an inner parent who lovingly but firmly guides the inner child. This quote teaches us that true conquering doesn't come from fighting our nature but from ascending to our higher nature and operating from there.
"Content with whatever comes unsought, beyond the pairs of opposites, free from envy, equal in success and failure - even acting, one is not bound." - Lord Krishna
This verse presents conquering as a state of being rather than an act of doing.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः।समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते॥
**English Translation:**
Content with whatever comes unsought, beyond the pairs of opposites, free from envy, equal in success and failure - even acting, one is not bound.
When you're content with whatever comes, you've conquered the endless chase for more.
This doesn't mean being passive. It means being free from the tyranny of constant wanting. True conquering happens when external circumstances lose their power over your inner state. When you can remain centered whether you get what you want or not, you've achieved a victory greater than any worldly success. This quote shows us that the highest conquest is conquering our need to conquer - finding fulfillment in being rather than in achieving.
Most of us live bouncing between extremes - happy when things go our way, miserable when they don't.
Lord Krishna describes a different way of conquering - transcending these opposites altogether. When you're no longer pulled between pleasure and pain, praise and blame, you've conquered the emotional slavery most people experience. This freedom doesn't make you indifferent - it makes you stable. Like a mountain unshaken by changing weather, you remain steady through life's ups and downs. This is true conquest - not controlling outcomes but mastering your responses to them.
"One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated." - Lord Krishna
This quote revolutionizes our understanding of conquering by showing it's not about rejection but transcendence.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
ज्ञेयः स नित्यसंन्यासी यो न द्वेष्टि न काङ्क्षति।निर्द्वन्द्वो हि महाबाहो सुखं बन्धात्प्रमुच्यते॥
**English Translation:**
One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated.
Real conquering isn't about suppressing desires or developing aversions. It's about rising above both.
When you neither crave success nor fear failure, you've conquered the emotional pendulum that controls most people. This quote teaches us that conquering happens not through force but through understanding. You don't have to hate material things to be free from them. You don't have to desire spiritual things to attain them. True conquest comes from a balanced state where you're neither running toward nor running from anything. You're simply present, acting from clarity rather than compulsion.
Lord Krishna says this person "easily overcomes material bondage." How can conquering be easy?
When you stop fighting with life, conquering becomes natural. Most of our energy goes into internal conflicts - wanting this, rejecting that. When these conflicts end, all that energy becomes available for living. This quote reveals that the hardest battles are the ones we create in our own minds. When we stop creating these battles through likes and dislikes, conquering happens effortlessly. It's not that challenges disappear - it's that we stop making them harder than they need to be.
"A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego - he alone attains real peace." - Lord Krishna
This verse shows us that ultimate conquering leads to ultimate peace.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति निःस्पृहः।निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः स शान्तिमधिगच्छति॥
**English Translation:**
A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego - he alone attains real peace.
We suffer not because we have things, but because we think we own them.
This quote reveals a deep secret of conquering - letting go of the sense of "mine." When you stop believing you own anything (including your achievements), you conquer the fear of loss. When you realize nothing truly belongs to you, you're free to enjoy everything without attachment. This isn't about having nothing - it's about holding nothing too tightly. True conquering happens when you can use everything but be attached to nothing.
The false ego is the voice that says "I am this" and "This is mine." It's the source of all our battles.
When Lord Krishna speaks of being "devoid of false ego," He's pointing to the ultimate conquest. Every other form of conquering is temporary as long as the ego remains. But when you conquer the very idea of being a separate conqueror, you find lasting peace. This isn't about becoming nobody - it's about discovering who you really are beyond the ego's stories. This quote shows us that the final frontier of conquering is conquering the conqueror itself.
"If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditional life by My grace. If, however, you act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost." - Lord Krishna
This verse reveals that ultimate conquering comes not from individual effort alone but through divine grace.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
मच्चित्तः सर्वदुर्गाणि मत्प्रसादात्तरिष्यसि।अथ चेत्त्वमहङ्कारान्न श्रोष्यसि विनङ्क्ष्यसि॥
**English Translation:**
If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditional life by My grace. If, however, you act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.
From Chapter 18, Verse 58
Being conscious of the Divine doesn't mean thinking about God all day. It means living with awareness of a higher reality.
This quote promises something remarkable - that through divine connection, we can conquer obstacles that seem impossible to overcome alone. It's not magic - it's alignment. When we align ourselves with divine consciousness, we tap into a wisdom and strength beyond our limited ego. Problems that seemed insurmountable become stepping stones. This isn't about avoiding responsibility - it's about accessing resources beyond our individual capacity.
The ego says "I can do it all myself." But can it really?
Lord Krishna warns that acting through false ego leads to being lost. Why? Because the ego has limited vision. It sees only from its narrow perspective and refuses help, even divine help. This quote teaches us that true conquering requires humility to accept grace. It's like trying to lift a heavy weight - you can struggle alone or accept help. The ego's insistence on solo conquering often leads to failure. Real strength lies in knowing when to surrender to something greater.
"Those who are free from false prestige, illusion and false association, who understand the eternal, who are done with material lust, who are freed from the dualities of happiness and distress, and who, unbewildered, know how to surrender unto the Supreme Person attain that eternal kingdom." - Lord Krishna
This comprehensive verse outlines the complete path of conquering that leads to the ultimate destination.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
निर्मानमोहा जितसङ्गदोषा अध्यात्मनित्या विनिवृत्तकामाः।द्वन्द्वैर्विमुक्ताः सुखदुःखसंज्ञैर्गच्छन्त्यमूढाः पदमव्ययं तत्॥
**English Translation:**
Those who are free from false prestige, illusion and false association, who understand the eternal, who are done with material lust, who are freed from the dualities of happiness and distress, and who, unbewildered, know how to surrender unto the Supreme Person attain that eternal kingdom.
From Chapter 15, Verse 15
False prestige is the mask we wear to appear important. It's exhausting to maintain.
This quote begins with conquering our need to impress others. Why? Because as long as we're performing for approval, we can't be authentic. True conquering starts when we stop conquering for show and start conquering for growth. When you're free from false prestige, you can admit your weaknesses, ask for help, and learn from anyone. This humility becomes your strength. Conquering the need to appear perfect allows you to become genuinely powerful.
Illusion isn't just misunderstanding - it's mistaking the temporary for the eternal.
Lord Krishna shows us that conquering illusion means seeing through the tricks our mind plays. We think pleasure will last forever and pain will never end. We believe we're separate from others and from the Divine. These illusions keep us trapped. When we conquer them through spiritual understanding, we see reality as it is - interconnected, eternal, and full of meaning. This clarity makes every other form of conquering possible because we're no longer fighting shadows.
"O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed." - Lord Krishna
This profound teaching shows us how to conquer our reactions by understanding the temporary nature of all experiences.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः।आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥
**English Translation:**
O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.
Just as you don't panic when winter comes because you know summer will return, you can face life's challenges with calm.
This quote gives us a powerful tool for conquering - perspective. When we understand that both pleasure and pain are temporary visitors, we stop being controlled by them. We don't chase pleasure desperately because we know it won't last. We don't despair in pain because we know it will pass. This understanding doesn't make us passive - it makes us stable. Like a tree that bends with the wind but doesn't break, we learn to move with life's changes without losing our center.
Tolerance here isn't gritting your teeth and enduring. It's understanding at such a deep level that disturbance becomes impossible.
When Lord Krishna asks us to tolerate without being disturbed, He's pointing to a state of consciousness, not just behavior. It's like watching clouds pass in the sky - you see them, but they don't shake you. This kind of conquering doesn't fight with reality - it accepts what is while maintaining inner equilibrium. True tolerance comes from wisdom, not willpower. When you really understand that everything is temporary, conquering happens naturally through that understanding.
Through these profound verses from the Bhagavad Gita, we've discovered that true conquering is far different from what we usually imagine. Let's consolidate these timeless teachings:
These teachings from the Bhagavad Gita show us that conquering isn't about domination or control - it's about mastery, understanding, and ultimately, transcendence. The real victory is not over others or even over circumstances, but over our own limitations, reactions, and false identifications. This is the conquest that leads to lasting peace and freedom.
When we think of conquering, we often picture external battles - winning competitions, defeating opponents, or achieving dominance. But the Bhagavad Gita presents a radically different vision of conquest. True victory, according to this ancient wisdom, begins within ourselves. It's about mastering our own minds, transcending our limitations, and discovering an unshakeable strength that no external force can defeat.
In this collection of profound quotes from the Bhagavad Gita, we'll explore what it really means to conquer - not just in the worldly sense, but in the deepest spiritual dimension. These teachings, spoken by Lord Krishna to the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, reveal how the greatest conquest is the conquest of the self. Through these verses, we'll understand how to overcome fear, attachment, anger, and ultimately, the illusion of separateness itself.
Each quote we'll examine offers a unique perspective on conquering - from conquering the restless mind to conquering death itself through spiritual realization. These aren't just philosophical concepts but practical teachings that can transform how we face every challenge in our lives. Let's dive into these timeless words and discover what true conquest means.
"My nature is weighed down with the taint of feeble-mindedness; my understanding is confused as to duty. I ask You: tell me decisively what is good for me. I am Your disciple. Instruct me who has taken refuge in You." - Arjuna to Lord Krishna
This powerful moment captures Arjuna at his most vulnerable, yet it marks the beginning of his greatest conquest.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः।यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्॥
**English Translation:**
My nature is weighed down with the taint of feeble-mindedness; my understanding is confused as to duty. I ask You: tell me decisively what is good for me. I am Your disciple. Instruct me who has taken refuge in You.
The first step to conquering anything is admitting we don't have all the answers. Arjuna, one of the greatest warriors of his time, shows us that true strength lies in acknowledging our confusion. He doesn't pretend to know what's right when faced with an impossible situation.
This surrender isn't weakness - it's the ultimate strategic move. When we let go of our ego and seek guidance, we open ourselves to wisdom far greater than our limited understanding. Arjuna's confession becomes his first victory, not on the battlefield, but over his own pride.
We often think conquering means never showing vulnerability. But Arjuna teaches us the opposite.
By saying "I am Your disciple," he conquers the illusion that he must face everything alone. This quote shows us that the path to conquering our challenges starts with conquering our need to appear invincible. When we accept our limitations, we create space for transformation. When we admit our confusion, clarity can enter. This is why spiritual conquest always begins with humility - because only an empty cup can be filled with wisdom.
"One must elevate oneself by one's own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind alone is one's friend as well as one's enemy." - Lord Krishna
Here, Lord Krishna reveals one of the most fundamental truths about conquering - that our greatest battle is with ourselves.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
**English Translation:**
One must elevate oneself by one's own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind alone is one's friend as well as one's enemy.
The mind can be our greatest ally or our worst enemy. Lord Krishna isn't talking about conquering others - He's pointing to something much more challenging. The real conquest is internal.
Think about it. How many times has your own mind defeated you before you even tried? How often have your thoughts become obstacles bigger than any external challenge? This quote flips our understanding of conquest. It's not about defeating what's outside us. It's about mastering what's within. When we elevate ourselves through positive thinking, discipline, and self-awareness, we become unconquerable from the outside because we've already won the battle within.
Your mind becomes your friend when it's under your control. It becomes your enemy when it controls you.
This duality is what makes self-conquest so challenging. The same mind that can motivate you to achieve greatness can also paralyze you with doubt. The same thoughts that inspire courage can breed fear. Lord Krishna is telling us that conquering means learning to direct our mental energy constructively. It's about training the mind to work for us, not against us. This internal conquest is harder than any external battle because the enemy and the ally live in the same place - within us.
"Treating pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, engage yourself in the battle. Thus you shall incur no sin." - Lord Krishna
This teaching transforms our entire approach to conquering by removing the very foundation of victory and defeat.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि॥
**English Translation:**
Treating pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, engage yourself in the battle. Thus you shall incur no sin.
Lord Krishna presents a radical idea - what if conquering has nothing to do with the outcome?
When we're attached to victory, we've already lost our inner peace. When we fear defeat, we're conquered by that fear before the battle even begins. This quote teaches us to conquer our attachment to results. It's not about not caring - it's about not being controlled by outcomes. True conquest happens when we can engage fully in our actions without being enslaved by the need to win or the fear of losing.
Equanimity isn't indifference. It's the highest form of mental strength.
When you treat success and failure equally, you become truly unconquerable. Why? Because nothing can disturb your inner stability. You've conquered the emotional rollercoaster that most people ride their entire lives. This quote shows us that real conquering isn't about always winning - it's about maintaining your balance regardless of what happens. It's about conquering your reactions, not just your circumstances.
"The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krishna, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind." - Arjuna"Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed one, the mind is difficult to control and restless, but it is subdued by practice and detachment." - Lord Krishna
This exchange reveals both the challenge and the method of conquering our most formidable opponent - our own mind.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
श्री भगवानुवाच:असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम्।अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते॥
**English Translation:**
The Blessed Lord said: Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed one, the mind is difficult to control and restless, but it is subdued by practice and detachment.
Lord Krishna doesn't sugarcoat it - conquering the mind is tough. But He also gives us hope.
The word "practice" here is key. Conquering isn't a one-time event. It's a daily discipline. Just like a muscle gets stronger with exercise, our ability to control our mind grows with consistent effort. Every time you bring your wandering attention back to the present, you're conquering. Every moment you choose response over reaction, you're winning. This quote reminds us that conquering the mind isn't about perfection - it's about persistence.
Detachment doesn't mean not caring. It means not being controlled by what you care about.
When we're too attached to thoughts, emotions, or outcomes, they conquer us. But when we learn to observe our mental activity without being swept away by it, we gain power over it. This quote teaches us that conquering the mind requires two tools working together - practice to build strength and detachment to maintain freedom. It's like learning to swim in turbulent waters - you need both skill and the ability to stay calm.
"Do not yield to unmanliness, O son of Pritha. It does not become you. Shake off this faint-heartedness and arise, O scorcher of enemies!" - Lord Krishna
Sometimes conquering requires a wake-up call, and Lord Krishna delivers one here with fierce compassion.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते।क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप॥
**English Translation:**
Do not yield to unmanliness, O son of Pritha. It does not become you. Shake off this faint-heartedness and arise, O scorcher of enemies!
Lord Krishna isn't being harsh - He's being truthful. Sometimes we need to hear that we're capable of more.
This quote shows us that conquering often starts with conquering our tendency to give up. When Lord Krishna calls Arjuna a "scorcher of enemies," He's reminding him of his true nature. We all have moments when we forget our strength. This teaching tells us that conquering weakness isn't about never feeling weak - it's about not letting weakness define us. It's about remembering who we really are beneath the temporary cloud of doubt.
Faint-heartedness is different from fear. It's when we have the strength but choose not to use it.
This quote challenges us to conquer our tendency to play small. Sometimes the biggest obstacle to conquering our challenges is our own reluctance to stand up and face them. Lord Krishna is saying that conquering requires us to access our inner warrior - not to harm others, but to overcome our own limitations. Rising up isn't just physical - it's mental, emotional, and spiritual. It's about conquering the voice that says "I can't" with the truth that says "I must."
"Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, one should control the lower self by the higher self and thus - by spiritual strength - conquer this insatiable enemy known as lust." - Lord Krishna
Here, Lord Krishna reveals the hierarchy of conquest - using our higher nature to conquer our lower tendencies.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना।जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम्॥
**English Translation:**
Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, one should control the lower self by the higher self and thus - by spiritual strength - conquer this insatiable enemy known as lust.
You can't conquer what you don't understand. Lord Krishna first asks us to know ourselves.
This quote reveals that we are more than our desires, more than our thoughts, more than our emotions. When we realize our true nature is beyond all these temporary experiences, we gain the power to conquer them. It's like discovering you're the ocean, not just the waves. From this higher perspective, conquering desire becomes possible because you're no longer identified with it. You see it as something passing through you, not something that defines you.
Spiritual strength isn't mystical - it's practical. It's the power that comes from knowing who you really are.
When Lord Krishna talks about conquering lust (representing all binding desires), He's not suggesting suppression. He's pointing to transformation through understanding. Spiritual strength means using your higher wisdom to guide your lower impulses. It's like having an inner parent who lovingly but firmly guides the inner child. This quote teaches us that true conquering doesn't come from fighting our nature but from ascending to our higher nature and operating from there.
"Content with whatever comes unsought, beyond the pairs of opposites, free from envy, equal in success and failure - even acting, one is not bound." - Lord Krishna
This verse presents conquering as a state of being rather than an act of doing.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः।समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते॥
**English Translation:**
Content with whatever comes unsought, beyond the pairs of opposites, free from envy, equal in success and failure - even acting, one is not bound.
When you're content with whatever comes, you've conquered the endless chase for more.
This doesn't mean being passive. It means being free from the tyranny of constant wanting. True conquering happens when external circumstances lose their power over your inner state. When you can remain centered whether you get what you want or not, you've achieved a victory greater than any worldly success. This quote shows us that the highest conquest is conquering our need to conquer - finding fulfillment in being rather than in achieving.
Most of us live bouncing between extremes - happy when things go our way, miserable when they don't.
Lord Krishna describes a different way of conquering - transcending these opposites altogether. When you're no longer pulled between pleasure and pain, praise and blame, you've conquered the emotional slavery most people experience. This freedom doesn't make you indifferent - it makes you stable. Like a mountain unshaken by changing weather, you remain steady through life's ups and downs. This is true conquest - not controlling outcomes but mastering your responses to them.
"One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated." - Lord Krishna
This quote revolutionizes our understanding of conquering by showing it's not about rejection but transcendence.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
ज्ञेयः स नित्यसंन्यासी यो न द्वेष्टि न काङ्क्षति।निर्द्वन्द्वो हि महाबाहो सुखं बन्धात्प्रमुच्यते॥
**English Translation:**
One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated.
Real conquering isn't about suppressing desires or developing aversions. It's about rising above both.
When you neither crave success nor fear failure, you've conquered the emotional pendulum that controls most people. This quote teaches us that conquering happens not through force but through understanding. You don't have to hate material things to be free from them. You don't have to desire spiritual things to attain them. True conquest comes from a balanced state where you're neither running toward nor running from anything. You're simply present, acting from clarity rather than compulsion.
Lord Krishna says this person "easily overcomes material bondage." How can conquering be easy?
When you stop fighting with life, conquering becomes natural. Most of our energy goes into internal conflicts - wanting this, rejecting that. When these conflicts end, all that energy becomes available for living. This quote reveals that the hardest battles are the ones we create in our own minds. When we stop creating these battles through likes and dislikes, conquering happens effortlessly. It's not that challenges disappear - it's that we stop making them harder than they need to be.
"A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego - he alone attains real peace." - Lord Krishna
This verse shows us that ultimate conquering leads to ultimate peace.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
विहाय कामान्यः सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति निःस्पृहः।निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः स शान्तिमधिगच्छति॥
**English Translation:**
A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego - he alone attains real peace.
We suffer not because we have things, but because we think we own them.
This quote reveals a deep secret of conquering - letting go of the sense of "mine." When you stop believing you own anything (including your achievements), you conquer the fear of loss. When you realize nothing truly belongs to you, you're free to enjoy everything without attachment. This isn't about having nothing - it's about holding nothing too tightly. True conquering happens when you can use everything but be attached to nothing.
The false ego is the voice that says "I am this" and "This is mine." It's the source of all our battles.
When Lord Krishna speaks of being "devoid of false ego," He's pointing to the ultimate conquest. Every other form of conquering is temporary as long as the ego remains. But when you conquer the very idea of being a separate conqueror, you find lasting peace. This isn't about becoming nobody - it's about discovering who you really are beyond the ego's stories. This quote shows us that the final frontier of conquering is conquering the conqueror itself.
"If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditional life by My grace. If, however, you act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost." - Lord Krishna
This verse reveals that ultimate conquering comes not from individual effort alone but through divine grace.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
मच्चित्तः सर्वदुर्गाणि मत्प्रसादात्तरिष्यसि।अथ चेत्त्वमहङ्कारान्न श्रोष्यसि विनङ्क्ष्यसि॥
**English Translation:**
If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditional life by My grace. If, however, you act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.
From Chapter 18, Verse 58
Being conscious of the Divine doesn't mean thinking about God all day. It means living with awareness of a higher reality.
This quote promises something remarkable - that through divine connection, we can conquer obstacles that seem impossible to overcome alone. It's not magic - it's alignment. When we align ourselves with divine consciousness, we tap into a wisdom and strength beyond our limited ego. Problems that seemed insurmountable become stepping stones. This isn't about avoiding responsibility - it's about accessing resources beyond our individual capacity.
The ego says "I can do it all myself." But can it really?
Lord Krishna warns that acting through false ego leads to being lost. Why? Because the ego has limited vision. It sees only from its narrow perspective and refuses help, even divine help. This quote teaches us that true conquering requires humility to accept grace. It's like trying to lift a heavy weight - you can struggle alone or accept help. The ego's insistence on solo conquering often leads to failure. Real strength lies in knowing when to surrender to something greater.
"Those who are free from false prestige, illusion and false association, who understand the eternal, who are done with material lust, who are freed from the dualities of happiness and distress, and who, unbewildered, know how to surrender unto the Supreme Person attain that eternal kingdom." - Lord Krishna
This comprehensive verse outlines the complete path of conquering that leads to the ultimate destination.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
निर्मानमोहा जितसङ्गदोषा अध्यात्मनित्या विनिवृत्तकामाः।द्वन्द्वैर्विमुक्ताः सुखदुःखसंज्ञैर्गच्छन्त्यमूढाः पदमव्ययं तत्॥
**English Translation:**
Those who are free from false prestige, illusion and false association, who understand the eternal, who are done with material lust, who are freed from the dualities of happiness and distress, and who, unbewildered, know how to surrender unto the Supreme Person attain that eternal kingdom.
From Chapter 15, Verse 15
False prestige is the mask we wear to appear important. It's exhausting to maintain.
This quote begins with conquering our need to impress others. Why? Because as long as we're performing for approval, we can't be authentic. True conquering starts when we stop conquering for show and start conquering for growth. When you're free from false prestige, you can admit your weaknesses, ask for help, and learn from anyone. This humility becomes your strength. Conquering the need to appear perfect allows you to become genuinely powerful.
Illusion isn't just misunderstanding - it's mistaking the temporary for the eternal.
Lord Krishna shows us that conquering illusion means seeing through the tricks our mind plays. We think pleasure will last forever and pain will never end. We believe we're separate from others and from the Divine. These illusions keep us trapped. When we conquer them through spiritual understanding, we see reality as it is - interconnected, eternal, and full of meaning. This clarity makes every other form of conquering possible because we're no longer fighting shadows.
"O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed." - Lord Krishna
This profound teaching shows us how to conquer our reactions by understanding the temporary nature of all experiences.
**Full Verse in Sanskrit:**
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः।आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥
**English Translation:**
O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.
Just as you don't panic when winter comes because you know summer will return, you can face life's challenges with calm.
This quote gives us a powerful tool for conquering - perspective. When we understand that both pleasure and pain are temporary visitors, we stop being controlled by them. We don't chase pleasure desperately because we know it won't last. We don't despair in pain because we know it will pass. This understanding doesn't make us passive - it makes us stable. Like a tree that bends with the wind but doesn't break, we learn to move with life's changes without losing our center.
Tolerance here isn't gritting your teeth and enduring. It's understanding at such a deep level that disturbance becomes impossible.
When Lord Krishna asks us to tolerate without being disturbed, He's pointing to a state of consciousness, not just behavior. It's like watching clouds pass in the sky - you see them, but they don't shake you. This kind of conquering doesn't fight with reality - it accepts what is while maintaining inner equilibrium. True tolerance comes from wisdom, not willpower. When you really understand that everything is temporary, conquering happens naturally through that understanding.
Through these profound verses from the Bhagavad Gita, we've discovered that true conquering is far different from what we usually imagine. Let's consolidate these timeless teachings:
These teachings from the Bhagavad Gita show us that conquering isn't about domination or control - it's about mastery, understanding, and ultimately, transcendence. The real victory is not over others or even over circumstances, but over our own limitations, reactions, and false identifications. This is the conquest that leads to lasting peace and freedom.