There is only one method by which the mind can be controlled. Not by philosophy, not by reading a lot of books on this subject or by reading religious books, not even by leading a religious life. Only by a yogic life can one control the mind; one can control the physical brain, the physical heart and the physical muscles. When you are able to control the physical aspects of the brain, the psychological aspects are also controlled.
If you take a little drug, ganja or LSD, immediately you see the effect. Some people get more effect and some less. In the same manner, there are people in our society who can develop their equilibrium, mental peace and calmness to a great extent, but there are people who have absolutely nil, not even a fraction of equilibrium. Even the little things in life upset them, not to mind big things. If you know that someone has been talking against you in the street, you do not get sleep at night. Yoga means mental control.
Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita, talks about control; it does not talk about renouncing life, wife, children, property and accomplishments. It says, ‘Have everything with you, but have perfect control over the reactions, over the effects of the actions on your mind. You do your karma; you do your duty, but as far as the effects are concerned, they should not affect you. They should not bring about a crisis in your life.’ This is the fundamental teaching of yoga according to the Bhagavad Gita.
29 May 1968, Indo-Japan Society, Japan