तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु मामनुस्मर युध्य च ।
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्मामेवैष्यस्यसंशयम् ।। ८.७ ।।

tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu mām anusmara yudhya ca |
mayy-arpita-mano-buddhir-mām-evaiṣyasy-asaṁśayam || 8.7 ||

Devotional practice – a life-long pursuit

Mind’s thinking process is self-governed and self-resting. Accordingly, the last thought cannot suddenly be new or different. It will always be the cumulative effect or outcome of what has been dominant all along. The effort to shape the last thought and contemplation should, thus, begin and persist far earlier. Krishna, therefore, emphasizes that the right option should be discreetly exercised and pursued all along:

Therefore, remember Me all the time and fight. If the mind and intelligence are devotedly resting in Me, then one attains Me. This is beyond doubt.

The mind is closely associated with the body. But the body does not determine mind’s plight or fate. Normally, the independent nature of the mind is not understood by people. It is sheer ignorance. That is why enlightenment becomes necessary, as in the case of Arjuna.

Engage in war, as you have to, says Krishna. But it should be the secondary process. The first should be the mind’s option. So at all times, in all situations, whatever be the circumstances one finds himself in, let his mind be given to the thought and contemplation of the Supreme. This would determine the fate of the individual. Truly the mind is the architect of one’s fate. The memory and identification it fosters and preserves are the only factors that govern its course. Be assured of this, says Krishna.