Mystic Mantra: Are you in command?

So long as one is living, it is not possible to give up action. The inevitability of action is an undeniable truth. This was explained and proved by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagvad Gita. However, someone may feel that he can remain absolutely still. He sits down and restrains all the organs of action.  But, from experience we know the mind cannot be stopped from wandering.Physically restraining the body but allowing the mind to dwell on various pleasures can lead to dire consequences.

Then a contrasting scenario of a person who acts on the physical plane while keeping his senses firmly under control is presented by the Lord. The word ‘control’ is often misunderstood. We assume it means — not to see, hear or touch. To control something cannot be equated with not using it. This is like saying, “I have perfect control over my car.  It has never met with an accident –because I never use it!”

The Bhagvad Gita itself portrays mastery with the apt comparison of a turtle who has the ability to withdraw its limbs, into its hard shell, the moment it senses danger. Once the threat has passed, it continues on its path. Control or mastery over the senses has two aspects: the ability to withdraw the senses from non-conducive and unfavourable surroundings; and engaging them in positive pursuits. A good driver is one who can steer the car through traffic jams, slow down or speedup up as the situation requires. Such a person has control or mastery over the car.