On Tuesday, 11 November 2025, seekers from across Bangkok gathered at Oriental Towers Condominium for an enlightening session titled “Master the Mind, Master the World – The Gita’s Guide to Mental Sovereignty.” The talk, led by Swami Avyayananda, Spiritual Guide of Chinmaya Mission Singapore, explored timeless wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and how it applies to modern life, stress, desire, and mental discipline.
The evening began with guided meditation, setting a serene tone before Swami Avyayananda unpacked concepts of mind mastery in a relatable, practical way. Here are the key takeaways from the session.
1. The Nature of Desire and Happiness
Swami Avyayananda reminded attendees how, as babies, happiness was effortless — comfort came naturally. But as adults, we begin to chase happiness through fulfilled desires, believing each achievement or possession will complete us.
However, desire itself disturbs peace. The more we satisfy desires, the faster new ones arise, creating a cycle of entitlement, impatience, and restlessness.
2. When the Mind Runs Wild
Using a vivid analogy, he compared the uncontrolled mind to a rider on a wild horse.
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The horse is the mind.
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The rider is us.
If we fail to hold the reins, the mind pulls us into chaos, anxiety, and unproductive habits.
3. What the Gita Says About Inner Turmoil
Drawing from the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, Swami Avyayananda explained:
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Arjuna admits: “I know what is right, but I cannot control myself.”
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Krishna clarifies: desire and anger are the inner enemies.
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Unfulfilled desire → anger
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Fulfilled desire → greed
Recognizing these emotional triggers is the first step toward mental sovereignty.
4. Taking Responsibility for Your Inner State
One of the most empowering teachings of the night was the reminder that no external force — not even God — will do the inner work for you.
The Gita advises: “Lift yourself by yourself.”
This means acknowledging how we’ve become slaves to our minds, then consciously choosing new mental habits and disciplined actions.
5. Staying Vigilant Against Ego
Swami Avyayananda cautioned that the moment we claim, “I have mastered my mind,” the ego slips in quietly.
The guidance?
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Stay humble
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Maintain self-awareness
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Avoid negative self-talk
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Keep thoughts factual, positive, and steady
Often, it is not the world that brings us down — we do it to ourselves.
6. Your Mind: Friend or Enemy
The mind, he explained, is like a knife:
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Dangerous when untrained
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Transformative when cultivated with discipline
A well-trained mind becomes your greatest ally.
7. The Power of Living in the Present
A controlled mind lives in the Now.
We lose mental energy by:
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Regretting the past
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Worrying about the future
This “brain drain” leads to confusion, stress, and emotional fatigue. Being present restores clarity.
8. Where Desire Begins
Desire often starts innocently: “That new phone looks nice.”
Then comes:
FOMO → desire → obsession
In this stage, we lose peace, focus, health, and sometimes dignity.
As Swami Avyayananda said:
“Disappointment comes to those who make appointment with the future.”
9. Breaking the Cycle of Desire
To stop desire before it escalates, Swami Avyayananda offered a practical 5-step method — similar to how you would guide a child:
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Explain – Is this necessary or just a passing fancy?
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Redirect – Engage in sādhanā like chanting, japa, or service.
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Stay present – Keep the mind where the hands are.
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Reward – Encourage good focus and mental discipline.
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Discipline – If the mind is stubborn, apply non-cooperation.
10. The Essence of Mastery
According to the Gita, the real formula for mastering life is:
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Control the senses
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Discipline desires
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Strengthen the mind
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Live consciously and presently
Only then can one truly “master the world” — by first mastering oneself.
The talk left attendees with a renewed sense of clarity and a deeper understanding of how ancient teachings can guide modern living. Whether navigating personal stress, emotional triggers, or the fast pace of city life, Swami Avyayananda’s message was clear:
Mastery begins within.
Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Swami Avyayananda. Follow us today on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
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