TeachmysoulBlog · 5 min read
Wellness · Discipline
The Bhagavad Gita on Self-Discipline and Building Good Habits
The Bhagavad Gita’s idea of self-discipline is not harsh self-denial — it’s balance, steady practice, and treating yourself as an ally rather than an enemy. It’s a surprisingly modern, sustainable approach to building habits.
1. Gita 6.16–17, Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga
nātyaśnatas tu yogo’sti na caikāntam anaśnataḥ
“Yoga is not for one who eats too much or too little, sleeps too much or too little. For the balanced, it destroys sorrow.”
What it means today. Discipline is balance, not extremes. Crash diets and all-nighters aren’t the path. Practice — choose the sustainable middle, not the heroic extreme.
2. Gita 6.35, Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga
abhyāsena tu kaunteya vairāgyeṇa ca gṛhyate
“The restless mind is mastered by practice (abhyasa) and dispassion (vairagya).”
What it means today. Habits are built by abhyasa — gentle, repeated practice. Practice — shrink the habit until it’s impossible to fail, then repeat daily.
3. Gita 6.5, Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga
uddhared ātmanātmānaṃ nātmānam avasādayet
“Lift yourself by your own self; do not degrade yourself.”
What it means today. Self-discipline grounded in self-compassion lasts; self-attack doesn’t. Practice — when you slip, coach yourself back kindly instead of berating yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about self-discipline?
The Gita teaches disciplined balance (6.16–17) and steady practice with non-attachment (6.35), grounded in self-respect rather than harshness (6.5).
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