Taming (Conquering) The Mind

In ancient times, the mind was understood to be extremely difficult to
control. It was said to be like the wind: you could never catch it, or hold
it - it went where it wished and no human being could become its master. In
other instances, it was said that the mind was like an elephant: extremely
powerful but equally gentle and patient, able to do a lot of work for its
master. However, when an elephant turns wild, its gentleness and patience
completely disappear and it destroys and damages everything in its path.
When the mind is under stress, it resembles a wild elephant; it has no
control and cannot be controlled.

Taming the mind is regarded as a great art requiring time, attention,
practice and, above all, a sincerity of heart where individuals truly want
to change their way of thinking. To relax, to be positive, to be peaceful
and kind all require a change in our thought patterns and this can only
happen when we look deeply within. However hard they try, other people
cannot change us; we must have personal realization and the desire to make
changes through our own effort. Permanent and positive change cannot be
imposed from outside; it is something that we choose.