BG 2.41
The mind must remain resolute and single-pointed. The minds of the irresolute have many endless branches.
बहुशाखा ह्यनन्ताश्च बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम्
-
vyavasāyātmikā — resolute
vyavasāya-ātmikā—resolute -
buddhir — intellect
-
ekeha — singular in this
-
ekā — single
-
iha — on this
-
-
kuru-nandana — Arjuna
Epithet for Arjuna as "joy of the Kurus"-
kuru — Kuru
-
nandana — rejoice
-
-
bahu-śhākhā — many branches
-
bahu — many
-
śhākhā — branches
-
-
hyanantāśh — endless indeed
-
hi — indeed
-
anantāḥ — endless
-
-
cha — also
-
buddhayo — intellect
-
’vyavasāyinām — of the irresolute
Having imparted this philosophy concerning the body and soul, I will now tell you how one may use their intellect to release themselves from the bondage of action. One does not lose anything by doing this, nor do they trigger any adverse results. Even a small amount of practice protects one from great danger. The mind must remain resolute and single-pointed. The minds of the irresolute have many endless branches.
Similar verses
-
Wherever the restless and unsteady mind wanders, one should subdue it and bring it back under control of the self alone.
- Verse 6.26
-
The mind is fickle, impetuous, powerful, and stubborn - restraining it must be as difficult as controlling the wind.
- Verse 6.34
-
... one should slowly withdraw oneself from objects other than the self, with an intellect held in strong determination. Fixing the mind in the self, one should not think of anything at all.
- Verse 6.25
-
Krishna replied: The mind is indeed fickle and difficult to restrain, but it can be brought under control through practice and renunciation.
- Verse 6.35
-
The saint, steadfast in meditation and aware of these two paths, does not become deluded.
- Verse 8.27