Chapter 17 • Verse 16
मनःप्रसादः सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रहः। भावसंशुद्धिरित्येतत्तपो मानसमुच्यते॥
manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ bhāva-sanśhuddhir ity etat tapo mānasam uchyate
Meaning
Serenity of mind, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of being — this is called austerity of the mind.
Mental austerity includes: peaceful mind (prasada), gentle disposition (saumya), appropriate silence (mauna), self-control, and purity of intention. These inner disciplines are the subtlest and most powerful.
Strength Reflection
"I practice mental austerity: serenity, gentleness, silence, control, pure intention."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, make my mind serene, gentle, controlled, and pure.