Devotee: It is so hard to control the mind! Sometimes when I am telling my beads, uttering His name orally, my mind wanders here and there, indulging in ideas I never before thought of.

Swamiji: That is true. The rascal mind causes all the trouble. You must control this mind, or it will take you here and there. However, sincere efforts will bring self-control. When disciplined, this wicked mind behaves right; it functions as the guru, repeats His name, guides the aspirant along righteous ways and gives him inspiration in noble undertakings. Practise self-control constantly, pray sincerely to the Lord and discriminate between the real and the unreal. My child, self-control cannot be accomplished in a day. Rightly has the Lord said in the Gita:

"Doubtless, O mighty-armed, the mind is restless and difficult to control; but, O son of Kunti, through practice and dispassion it can be conquered."

Practice, continual practice, and discrimination are what is needed. God alone is the one eternal substance, the abiding reality. It is necessary to be fully convinced of this in one's heart.

~ For Seekers of God by Swami Shivananda, a direct disciple of Sri Paramahamsa Ramakrishna.