The Human mind can give us happiness or distress. The images and experiences that register in our minds decide our emotions, likes and dislikes. At the time of death, it can liberate us from suffering or put us into more suffering. Therefore, what we do, see, talk, listen and engage in daily activities all have a direct bearing on the mind. Hence it is our topmost priority to keep the mind always clean from frivolous matter.
Although the mind (subtle body) is material, according to Vedic science, it still determines where the soul (the self) goes in its next life. Therefore, the mind is the vehicle for the soul.
Krishna clearly stresses the great importance of the function of mind in relation to the soul (self). Below are Krishna's words from the Bhagavad Gita that were spoken to Arjuna some 5000 years ago.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: O Pārtha, when a man gives up all varieties of desire for sense gratification, which arise from mental concoction, and when his mind, thus purified, finds satisfaction in the self alone, then he is said to be in pure transcendental consciousness. – BG 2.55
Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, O mighty-armed Arjuna, one should steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence [Kṛṣṇa consciousness] and thus — by spiritual strength — conquer this insatiable enemy known as lust. – BG 3.43
One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well. – BG 6.5
For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy – BG 6.6
From wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the self. - BG 6.26
For one whose mind is unbridled, self-realization is difficult work. But he whose mind is controlled and who strives by appropriate means is assured of success. That is My opinion. – BG 6.36
And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me — he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion. – BG 6.47
And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body, remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt. – BG 8.5
Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kuntī, that state he will attain without fail. – BG 8.6
Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Kṛṣṇa and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt. – BG 8.7
He who meditates on Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his mind constantly engaged in remembering Me, undeviated from the path, he, O Pārtha, is sure to reach Me. – BG 8.8
One who, at the time of death, fixes his life air between the eyebrows and, by the strength of yoga, with an undeviating mind, engages himself in remembering the Supreme Lord in full devotion, will certainly attain to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. – BG 8.10
For one who always remembers Me without deviation, I am easy to obtain, O son of Pṛthā, because of his constant engagement in devotional service. BG 8.14
One who sees the Supersoul equally present everywhere, in every living being, does not degrade himself by his mind. Thus he approaches the transcendental destination. - BG 13.29
Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. – BG 18.65
Hare Krishna
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