Bhagavad Gita 6.6 — Bandhur Atmatmanas Tasya — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ६.६ — बन्धुरात्माऽऽत्मनस्तस्य
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
बन्धुः
bandhuḥ
friend
आत्मा
ātmā
the mind / the self
आत्मनः
ātmanaḥ
for the person, of the self
तस्य
tasya
of him
येन
yena
by whom
आत्मा
ātmā
the mind / lower self
एव
eva
certainly
आत्मना
ātmanā
by the self
जितः
jitaḥ
conquered, subdued
अनात्मनः
anātmanaḥ
of one with an unconquered mind / self
तु
tu
but
शत्रुत्वे
śhatrutve
in enmity, as an enemy
वर्तेत
varteta
remains, behaves
शत्रुवत्
śhatru-vat
like an enemy (external foe)
Complete Translation
For one who has conquered the mind by the Self, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, the very same mind remains the greatest enemy, like an external foe.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 6
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the sixth chapter, Dhyana Yoga (the Yoga of Meditation), Krishna teaches Arjuna how to steady the mind. He first urges 'lift yourself by yourself,' since the self can be its own friend or enemy. This verse clarifies the secret: the mind becomes a true friend only when it has been conquered by the higher Self, and otherwise behaves like a hostile foe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Bhagavad Gita 6.6?▼
Krishna teaches that the mind is a friend to the person who has conquered it through the higher Self, but an enemy to the one who has not. Whether the mind uplifts or destroys us depends entirely on whether we have mastered it.
What does 'conquering the mind by the Self' mean?▼
It means using the higher Self — through discrimination, steadiness and meditation — to govern the lower mind with its desires, moods and impulses. When the Self rules, the mind cooperates as a friend; when the mind rules unchecked, it becomes a hostile force.
How does this verse connect with the previous one (6.5)?▼
Verse 6.5 declares 'lift yourself by yourself; do not degrade yourself, for the self can be both friend and enemy.' Verse 6.6 explains the principle behind it: the deciding factor is whether the mind has been conquered by the Self.
How can I make my mind a friend in daily life?▼
Practice steady self-discipline — regular meditation, moderation, and watching the mind without being swept away. Over time the mind, once trained, supports your goals and peace instead of dragging you toward distraction and suffering.
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