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What Is Real Control Over The Mind? – Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji

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Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji answers the question - what is real control over the mind?

A fasting man or a man suffering from fever is not attracted by sweet smell of delicious food. His mind is not tempted. This does not mean that these desires have completely disappeared from his mind. When the fast is broken or when the fever subsides, the mind is again tempted by these attractions. This shows that the desires remain latent like embers under the ashes.

It follows that by merely fasting or observing other forms of penance, one cannot master the sense organs and control the mind. It may appear as if these had been mastered; but at the first trial of strength, the mind will succumb to temptations.


Therefore, it is that Bhagavan has emphasized more than once in the Bhagavad Gita that anyone desiring to acquire true knowledge and understand the Swaroopa of the Paramatma must surrender himself to Him.

Fasting and other forms of discipline create a proper atmosphere for self-control; but complete self-control can be acquired only through grace of God.

Real control over the mind comes with the realization that everything including oneself is Vasudeva -- Vasudeva Sarvam Iti. With the dawning of that realization a person's senses cease to be attracted by external objects, his mind does not run away with his sense-organs, and he maintains his mental equipoise even under the most trying circumstances.

– Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji (20 May 1894 – 8 January 1994), or the Sage of Kanchi, was the 68th Jagadguru of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

The Teaching: "Vasudeva Sarvam Iti"

The teaching "Vasudeva Sarvam Iti" comes from the Bhagavad Gita (7.19), where Lord Krishna declares that after many births of spiritual pursuit, a wise person realizes the truth that "Vasudeva (the Divine) is all that exists." This realization signifies the pinnacle of self-awareness and understanding, a state of complete unity with the cosmos and recognition of the interconnectedness of all existence.

This teaching carries immense philosophical depth, symbolic meaning, and practical application for both ancient and modern contexts.

Philosophical Meaning and Symbolism

  1. Vasudeva as the Supreme Consciousness:

    • Vasudeva is a name for Lord Krishna and represents the omnipresent, all-pervasive Brahman or universal consciousness. It indicates that every aspect of creation, from the smallest particle to the vast cosmos, is a manifestation of this Divine essence.
    • This teaching aligns with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which states that the apparent dualities of the world are illusory, and everything is ultimately one.

  2. The Unity of All Existence:

    • "Vasudeva Sarvam" dissolves the boundaries between the self and the other, emphasizing unity amidst diversity. This realization helps transcend ego, attachments, and the illusion of separateness.

  3. Symbol of Equipoise:

    • The state of recognizing everything as Vasudeva fosters mental steadiness, enabling one to stay balanced in happiness and sorrow, success and failure. This symbolizes mastery over the mind and senses, as described in the Gita's concept of "Sthitaprajna" (steadfast wisdom).

Importance Across Time

  1. Past:

    • This teaching was crucial during ancient times when sages meditated on the nature of reality. It served as a philosophical foundation for self-realization and liberation (moksha).

  2. Present:

    • In today's fragmented world, this principle encourages harmony, ecological awareness, and global unity. It reminds individuals that differences of race, religion, or nationality are superficial and that the essence of life is one.

  3. Future:

    • As humanity continues to grapple with challenges such as environmental crises, conflicts, and technological alienation, this teaching offers a timeless reminder of interconnectedness and the need to live in alignment with universal values.

How It Can Influence Modern Life

  1. Mental Health:

    • Recognizing Vasudeva in all things fosters inner peace and reduces anxiety, stress, and depression caused by over-identification with material pursuits.

  2. Overcoming Greed and Consumerism:

    • Realizing that material objects are temporary manifestations of the same Divine essence reduces attachment and helps cultivate contentment.

  3. Promoting Unity and Tolerance:

    • By understanding that all beings share the same essence, one can develop empathy, compassion, and tolerance, breaking down divisions caused by prejudice or ego.

  4. Encouraging Environmental Stewardship:

    • The teaching inspires respect for nature, viewing the earth and its ecosystems as sacred manifestations of the Divine.

Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Connection to Bhakti and Jnana:

    • While commonly associated with devotion (bhakti), this teaching also deeply resonates with the path of knowledge (jnana), showing that devotion and wisdom ultimately lead to the same truth.

  2. Echo in Other Traditions:

    • Similar ideas appear in other philosophies and religions, such as Sufism's concept of "Wahdat al-Wujud" (unity of being) and the Christian notion of God being omnipresent.

Stories and Quotes Supporting the Teaching

  1. Story of Prahlada:

    • Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu, saw the Divine everywhere, even in a pillar. When his father, Hiranyakashipu, challenged this belief, Vishnu appeared from the pillar in the form of Narasimha. This story illustrates the truth of "Vasudeva Sarvam Iti" and the omnipresence of the Divine.

  2. Quote from the Upanishads:

    • "Sarvam khalvidam Brahma" (Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1): This means "All this is indeed Brahman," reflecting the same teaching in a different context.

  3. Krishna's Universal Form (Vishvarupa):

    • In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 11), Krishna reveals his cosmic form to Arjuna, showing that all beings, forces, and elements are contained within Him. This is a direct visualization of "Vasudeva Sarvam."

Relevance to Overcoming Modern Problems

  1. Social Conflicts:

    • The recognition of a shared divine essence can reduce hatred, violence, and discrimination, fostering peaceful coexistence.

  2. Materialism:

    • By valuing spiritual realization over material accumulation, individuals can focus on inner happiness rather than fleeting external gains.

  3. Alienation in a Digital Age:

    • Modern life often disconnects people from themselves and others. This teaching reminds individuals of their intrinsic connection to the universe.

Universal Appeal

"Vasudeva Sarvam Iti" transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Its core idea of interconnectedness resonates with principles in modern science, such as quantum entanglement and ecology. It appeals to humanity's innate yearning for unity and purpose, making it relevant for all times.

By applying this wisdom in life, one can transform individual behavior, societal attitudes, and even global priorities, fostering a world rooted in compassion, respect, and unity.