We all wish to be in control, yet we fail repeatedly — and often miserably. The simple reason is that control never truly rests in our hands. Lord Krishna explains this with crystal clarity in the Bhagavad Gita: “The place of action, the doer, the instruments, the efforts, and providence-these five are the causes of all action.” (18.14) He adds, “Whatever action a person performs through body, speech, and mind, these five are its causes.” (18.15)

We are constantly acting-physically, verbally, and mentally. Speech and mind are mentioned separately in the Gita because they shape our lives more deeply than other senses. Consider a simple accident where both parties are at fault. If both apologise, the matter ends peacefully. If harsh words are exchanged, a brawl erupts.

The mind’s influence is even subtler: it colours our reactions, directs our moods, and silently writes our........

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