6.36 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 6, Verse 36

In Bhagavad Gita 6.36, Krishna addresses the reality of spiritual practice and self-mastery. He tells Arjuna that the path of yoga—meaning not merely physical posture but union with the higher self—is extremely difficult for those who do not have control over their minds. Krishna uses emphatic language, leaving no room for doubt: for the person whose mind is unbridled, success on the yogic path is almost unattainable. Yet, he immediately balances this by stating that for those who have learned to govern their inner world, and who strive diligently with the right method, the goal of yoga is indeed reachable.

The verse is structured almost like a mathematical equation: uncontrolled mind equals hardship in yoga, while controlled mind, plus earnest effort, leads to success. This clarity reflects Krishna’s practical wisdom. He is not offering mystical shortcuts but highlighting the direct relationship between mastery over the mind and spiritual accomplishment. Control here refers to channeling thoughts, emotions, and impulses so that they become aligned with one’s higher aspirations. The “right means” that Krishna refers to are practices such as meditation, self-discipline, mindfulness, and detachment from distracting pleasures.

What makes the verse especially compelling is Krishna’s acknowledgement of the challenge involved. He does not dismiss Arjuna’s concern as trivial; he validates the difficulty, saying yoga is “difficult to attain” for the uncontrolled mind. In this, there is realism and empathy. Krishna recognizes human struggle—the fact that the mind is inherently restless, prone to distraction, and often resists quietude. Yet he does not leave Arjuna stranded in despair, but offers a solution rooted in persistent effort and the cultivation of self-control.

The logic of this verse can be illustrated vividly. Imagine someone trying to row a boat across a river while the current keeps pulling in the opposite direction. If the rower’s arms are weak or if they give up halfway, they will drift aimlessly. But if the rower commits to a steady, focused effort—rowing with rhythm and determination—they can navigate the current and reach their destination. The mind, untamed, is like the current; if we do not learn to guide it, we are carried wherever it wishes to go.

Krishna also draws a distinction between merely knowing what should be done and actually practicing it. Simply desiring inner peace or wisdom is not enough. It is the consistent, day-by-day practice—bringing the mind back when it wanders, letting go of distractions, and persevering through setbacks—that gradually leads to mastery. This is why “yoga is possible to attain by those who strive by proper means.” Success is not reserved for the rare, naturally serene person, but for anyone who sincerely commits to the process and persists through challenges.

The verse subtly alludes to the importance of detachment (vairagya) and disciplined practice (abhyasa). Without these, even the most well-intentioned effort will falter. Krishna’s mention of the “right means” is not a call for blind effort but for intelligent, purposeful practice. This involves withdrawing the senses from tempting pleasures, cultivating good habits, and patiently bringing the mind back to focus, just as a gardener patiently weeds a garden to allow flowers to grow.

Fundamentally, BG 6.36 is a statement about human potential. It does not condemn anyone for struggling with the mind, nor does it place certain people beyond redemption. Instead, Krishna’s words serve as a mirror, reflecting both the difficulty of the task and the possibility of triumph. For those willing to put in the effort, guided by the proper techniques, the uncontrolled mind gradually becomes a powerful ally rather than an adversary.

This verse encapsulates Krishna’s balanced approach: honest about obstacles, yet optimistic about solutions. It invites reflection on the state of one’s own mind and encourages a gentle but unwavering commitment to self-mastery. Through this teaching, the Bhagavad Gita affirms that inner discipline, practiced with patience and perseverance, is the key to unlocking the deepest states of peace and unity—the heart of yoga.