# The nature of the mind *The mind is the subtle instrument through which the living entity experiences both happiness and distress. It can be one's best friend or worst enemy — when controlled, it leads to liberation, but when uncontrolled, it binds the soul to material existence. The Vedic scriptures explain how the mind, being the leader of the senses, must be disciplined through spiritual practice. By engaging the mind in devotional service to Krishna, one can transform this greatest enemy into the most faithful friend.* ## The Mind Can Be Friend or Enemy ![[bg/6/5]] ![[bg/6/6]] ## The Mind Is the Leader of the Senses ![[bg/3/42]] ![[sb/3/25/32]] ## The Uncontrolled Mind Is the Greatest Enemy ![[sb/5/11/17]] ![[sb/7/8/9]] ## The Mind Is Difficult to Control ![[bg/6/34]] ![[bg/6/35]] ## Controlled Through Devotional Service ![[bg/2/61]] ![[sb/7/8/9]] ## The Purified Mind Leads to Liberation ![[sb/5/11/7]] ![[sb/5/11/8]] ## From the Index - [[index/entries/mind|Mind]] — Friend or enemy - [[index/entries/intelligence|Intelligence]] — Superior to the mind - [[index/entries/meditation|Meditation]] — Fixing the mind on the Lord