Friendship Quote by Devdutt Pattanaik
““Arjuna, your mind is your friend and your enemy. If you control the mind, it is your friend. If your mind controls you, it is your enemy.—Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 6, verses 5 and 6””
About This Quote
Source Book: “Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation”, 2020
The verse teaches that the mind can be either an ally or a foe, depending on whether we master it or let it dominate us.
In simple terms: Control your mind to make it a friend, not a master.
Cultivate mental discipline to harness the mind’s power.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditation
- stress management
- decision making
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice when the mind is controlling you?
- What practices help you regain mental authority?
Mastering the mind is challenging and may cause frustration.