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Establishing control over the mind is the first step in achieving not only worldly success, but success also in the spiritual realm wherein the aspirant aims at achieving the realization of the divine presence in his being, says the Bhagavad Gita in its chapter on the Yoga of meditation. Before achieving this control over the mind, it is essential to establish control over the sense organs. Because it is the senses that tend to lead man astray, creating turbulence and agitation in his mind, thereby distracting man from his goal of achieving spiritual growth. The Gita clearly says that one who does not achieve control over his senses cannot achieve anything in this world, spiritual or otherwise. This calls for effort. Not just effort, but the right kind of effort, clarifies the Gita. As revered Swami Chinmayananda puts it, the Gita nowhere prohibits man from enjoying the pleasures of this world, provided they are attained in the right manner. But “do not become a slave to your senses. Make the right kind of effort so that the senses are subservient to you, not the other way round. Just by avoiding relaxing pastimes like watching a movie or playing games, a student will not pass in the examination. Knowing when and what and how to study and when to relax by apportioning time suitably will bring success”. The Gita significantly points out that man simply fritters away his physical and intellectual energies in pursuits that bring neither worldly success nor spiritual emancipation. The same energy, if invested judiciously in activities that enhance not only his material progress, but his spiritual progress also will aid in his inner emotional development. From the perspective of Vedanta, this is one step forward in the soul’s journey towards reaching the divine consciousness that abides in all beings. This is the ‘Yoga’ which the Gita talks of.
Here, the Gita makes a noteworthy point. “You are bound to falter in your efforts. Because the very nature of the mind is instability, restlessness and fickleness. It will lure and drag you towards seemingly attractive enjoyments. If you succumb to its tricks, you will be like a cloud that is pushed hither and thither by the wind, tattered and directionless. Firmly, consciously, resist the temptations and steadfastly work towards your goal. Success will be yours, sooner or later. Your effort will never be in vain” assures the Gita.