Taking an exam?

Sometimes, the most unlikely students do well, while others perform below expectation. Is there a component other than hard work and study that makes for success? Similarly, in sport, top players sometimes fail while novices win. What is the reason for this? Researchers have now understood the major role played by the mind, in success. In a world obsessed with measuring talent and ability, we often overlook the importance of the mind, which is subtle and difficult to evaluate.

The Bhagwad Gita gives valuable insights into the mind and its role in success. The Gita, verse 2:48, says, 'Samatvam yoga ucyate - equanimity of mind is success'; verse 2:50 says, 'Yogah karmasu kaushalam - proficiency of action makes for success'. Together, they present the formula for success. When the mind is calm, intellect is clear, and the action is brilliant. However well prepared you may be, if the mind is disturbed, thinking gets confused and you are not able to access your own knowledge.

What disturbs the mind? Unfulfilled desire. Everyone has desire. The difference is - is your desire under control of the intellect? Or has the mind revved up desire into a force that wreaks havoc within you? Concentration is a vital link in success. A batsman may play brilliantly till he reaches the score of 90. At 90, his mind shifts from the present to worry over past failures and anxiety for the hundred. He gets out. Hence the term 'nervous nineties'.


The mind distracts you. The intellect keeps you focused. When the intellect is strong and alert, the mind is able to concentrate, and you emerge a winner.