Chapter 6 Verse 6
Dhyān Yog
बन्धुरात्माऽऽत्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः। अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत्।।6.6।।
bandhur ātmātmanas tasya yenātmaivātmanā jitaḥ anātmanas tu śhatrutve vartetātmaiva śhatru-vat
Word Meanings
| bandhuḥ | friend |
| ātmā | the mind |
| ātmanaḥ | for the person |
| tasya | of him |
| yena | by whom |
| ātmā | the mind |
| eva | certainly |
| ātmanā | for the person |
| jitaḥ | conquered |
| anātmanaḥ | of those with unconquered mind |
| tu | but |
| śhatrutve | for an enemy |
| varteta | remains |
| ātmā | the mind |
| eva | as |
| śhatru-vat | like an enemy |
Translation
The Self is the friend of the self of him by whom the Self has been conquered; but to the unconquered self, this Self stands in the position of an enemy, like an external foe.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that when a person has mastered their own mind—calmed desires, controlled reactions, and knows themselves—the deeper Self becomes their true friend. The inner Self supports and guides someone who is steady and disciplined.
If the mind is not controlled, the same Self acts like an enemy. Unchecked habits, strong emotions, and repeated wrong choices lead the person into confusion and harm, so the inner nature works against them as if it were hostile.
Philosophically, it teaches that inner victory matters more than outer battles. Peace and freedom come from training the mind with kindness and steady effort, not from forcing or denying oneself harshly.
Life Application
- Practice simple daily awareness: pause and take three deep breaths before reacting to anger or urge.
- Keep small promises to yourself (sleep, food, work routines) to build inner trust and discipline.
- Use a short daily meditation or quiet reflection (5–15 minutes) to notice habits and gently redirect the mind.
Reflection Question
When you face a strong urge or emotion, do you act in ways that help you grow or that harm you?