Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam 11.20.19

dharyamanam mano yarhi

bhramyad asv anavasthitam

atandrito 'nurodhena

margenatma-vasam nayet

SYNONYMS

dharyamanam -- being concentrated on the spiritual platform; manah -- the mind; yarhi -- when; bhramyat -- is deviated; asu -- suddenly; anavasthitam -- not situated on the spiritual platform; atandritah -- carefully; anurodhena -- according to the prescribed regulations; margena -- by the process; atma -- of the soul; vasam -- under the control; nayet -- one should bring.

TRANSLATION

Whenever the mind, being concentrated on the spiritual platform, is suddenly deviated from its spiritual position, one should carefully bring it under the control of the self by following the prescribed means.

PURPORT

Although one is seriously engaging the mind in Krishna consciousness, the mind is so flickering that it may suddenly be deviated from its spiritual position. One should then carefully bring the mind back under the control of the self. It is stated in Bhagavad-gita that if one is too austere or too sensuous one cannot control the mind. Sometimes one may bring the mind under control by allowing the material senses limited satisfaction. For example, although one may eat austerely, from time to time one may accept a reasonable amount of maha-prasadam, opulent foods offered to the temple Deities, so that the mind will not become disturbed. Similarly, one may occasionally relax with other transcendentalists through joking, swimming and so forth. But if such activities are performed excessively, they will lead to a setback in spiritual life. When the mind desires sinful gratification such as illicit sex or intoxication, one must simply tolerate the mind's foolishness and by strenuous effort push on with Krishna consciousness. Then the waves of illusion will soon subside, and the path of advancement will again open wide.

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His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
His Holiness Hrdayananda dasa Goswami
Gopiparanadhana dasa Adhikari
Dravida dasa Brahmacari