Mind - A modern interpretation of as explained in Bhagavad Gita

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Every living being has a mind, but human beings are considered the most evolved among all species. The mind plays a crucial role in shaping behavior—not only in humans, but in animals as well. 

The different shades of behavior we see in a single person are directly linked to their state of mind. Our behavior, in turn, influences those around us, subtly shaping their minds as well.

For example, I might be in a calm, balanced state on a quiet Sunday morning. Then I receive a call from a friend who is deeply disturbed and agitated. As I listen and connect with her emotions, my own mind begins to reflect that agitation. If I then interact with another person, that disturbance can pass along to them. It becomes a chain reaction.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us the importance of maintaining a balanced mind—Sthitaprajna, that is to stay steady and not be carried away by emotional extremes.

But why does the mind feels so difficult to control?

Think of the mind like a coin with two sides. One side is outward-facing—it constantly receives inputs from the external world (the objective mind, or Manas). The other side is inward-facing—it processes, judges, and responds to those inputs (the subjective mind, or Buddhi)

The human mind can be compared to a finely balanced scale, where the objective mind (Manas) and the subjective mind (Buddhi) sit on opposite sides. The objective mind constantly gathers inputs from the external world—what we see, hear, and experience—placing weight on one side of the scale. The subjective mind, on the other hand, evaluates, interprets, and decides how to respond, acting as the counterweight. When both are aligned, the scale remains balanced, leading to clarity, stability, and thoughtful action. But when the inflow of unchecked impressions overwhelms the discerning capacity of the intellect, the scale tips, resulting in emotional disturbance and impulsive behavior. A steady life, therefore, depends on strengthening the subjective mind so it can wisely regulate and balance the constant inputs received by the objective mind.

The objective mind constantly receives inputs from the world throughout the day. These inputs are then passed to the subjective mind for interpretation and response. The subjective mind operates based on stored impressions and past experiences, so the way a new situation is processed depends largely on those existing impressions. A practical example is how we react differently to repeated behavior from the same person over time, or how we become judgmental because we already carry a fixed impression about someone — “He or she always behaves this way.” In this manner, every experience leaves a new impression on the mind, and this continuous cycle goes on 24/7.

Ref: The Holy Geeta by Swami Chinmayananda


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