Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.20.21
Mukti· LiberationGuide the Mind With Patient Intelligence
“An expert horseman, desiring to tame a headstrong horse, first lets the horse have his way for a moment and then, pulling the reins, gradually places the horse on the desired path. Similarly, the supreme yoga process is that by which one carefully observes the movements and desires of the mind and gradually brings them under full control.”
What the purport teaches
- An expert horseman understands a horse’s tendencies and gradually guides it onto the right path. Similarly, one should carefully observe the mind’s desires and control them through superior intelligence.
- A learned transcendentalist never forgets self-realization or allows the senses to engage in sinful activity. Excessive restriction can disturb the mind, just as pulling too hard on the reins can disturb a horse.
- The easiest way to acquire clear spiritual intelligence is surrender to Lord Kṛṣṇa. To one sincerely engaged in loving service without envy or personal motivation, the Lord reveals within the heart how to control the mind.
Try this today
Notice one recurring desire today, and pray to Lord Kṛṣṇa for intelligence to guide it while continuing your loving service.
Ask yourself
Am I guiding my mind with clear intelligence, or merely imposing restrictions that leave me disturbed?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.