The senses and the mind

1 · Chapter 2 · Shloka 58

When, again, as a tortoise draws in on all sides its limbs, he withdraws his senses from the objects of sense, then is his understanding well poised.

The image is a tortoise drawing in its limbs — withdrawal on demand, not permanent numbness.

2 · Chapter 2 · Shloka 60

O son of Kuntî, the excited senses of even a wise man, though he be striving, impetuously carry away his mind.

Even for someone trying, the senses can carry the mind off by force. No one is exempt.

3 · Chapter 2 · Shloka 67

Such of the roving senses as the mind yieldeth to, that hurries away the understanding, just as the gale hurries away a ship upon the waters.

A mind that trails the wandering senses is a boat blown off course by the wind.

4 · Chapter 3 · Shloka 42

It is said that the senses are great; greater than the senses is the mind: greater than the mind is the Reason; but what is greater than the Reason, is He.

The hierarchy: senses, then mind above them, then intellect, then the self. Work top down.

5 · Chapter 6 · Shloka 26

As often as the wavering and unsteady mind goeth forth, so often reining it in, let him bring it under the control of the Self.

Wherever the restless mind wanders off, bring it back. The practice is the bringing-back, repeated.

6 · Chapter 6 · Shloka 35

Without doubt, O mighty-armed, the mind is hard to curb and restless; but it may be curbed by constant practice and by dispassion.

Krishna concedes the mind is hard to hold — then says it is done, by practice and dispassion, over time.