How to strengthen the mind and stay focused on our goals after having a hard time with the outer world ?

Thank you for writing with your question.

In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna says:

vyavasayatmika buddhir

ekeha kuru-nandana

bahu-shaka hy anantash ca

buddhayo 'vyavasayinam

"Those on the path of spiritual advancement are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. The intelligence of those who

are irresolute is many-branched."

We must focus our intelligence on one aim, otherwise all of our endeavours will result in failure. One whose mind is

branched in many directions fails to concentrate on anything and is simply left in confusion. The nature of the mind is to

drift. We must learn to control the mind with our spiritual intelligence, otherwise the mind will be the cause of our own

bondage. In the Gita Krishna describes that the mind can either be our best friend or our worst enemy:

bandhur atmatmanas tasya

yenatmaivatmana jitah

anatmanas tu shatrutve

vartetatmaiva shatru-vat

"For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will

remain the greatest enemy."

The mind is the repository of all sensual perception. Through our five knowledge acquiring senses we experience the

world, and the resultant experience is transmitted to the mind, where it is classified as either enjoyment or distress.

The uncontrolled mind begins to dwell on the desires and fears created by these experiences. The result is a whirlpool

of thoughts making it unable for us to think,

concentrate, and focus our selves.

Krishna

says:

nasti buddhir ayuktasya

na cayuktasya bhavana

na cabhavayatah shantir

ashantasya kutah sukham

"One who is not connected with the Supreme can have neither transcendental intelligence nor a steady mind, without

which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?"

Thus it is necessary to develop a link with the Supreme. This process is known technically as yoga. Either through

bhakti-yoga, jnana-yoga, or karma yoga one must link oneself to the Supreme, for this will give one spiritual

intelligence. With spiritual intelligence it will be possible to control the mind. With a controlled mind it will be possible to

attain peace. And with peace, the internal happiness will become manifested to oneself.

Yours in service,

Jahnava Nitai Das,

Bhaktivedanta Ashram &

Bhaktivedanta International Charities

How to strengthen the mind and stay focused on our goals