Yoga practice is essentially meant for controlling the senses. The central controlling factor of all the senses is the mind; therefore one first has to practice controlling the mind by engaging it in bhakti-yoga.

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The gross activities of the mind are expressed through the external senses, either for the acquiring of knowledge or the functioning of the senses in accordance to the will. The subtle activities of the mind are thinking, feeling and willing. In accordance to one’s consciousness, the individual is either polluted or clear. If one’s mind is fixed on Krishna, all one’s activities – both subtle and gross – become favourable.

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The Bhagavad-gītā’s process of purifying consciousness is the process of fixing one’s mind on Krishna by talking of His transcendental activities, cleansing His temple, going to His temple, seeing the beautiful transcendental form of the Lord nicely decorated, hearing His transcendental glories, tasting food offered to Him, associating with His devotees, smelling the flowers and tulasī leaves offered to Him, engaging in activities for the Lord’s interest, etc.

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No one can bring the activities of the mind and senses to a stop, but one can purify these activities through a change in consciousness.