Yoga as Body and Mind Control
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one’s spiritual development, the meaning of the word  ātmā  differs. As far as the  Nirukti  Vedic Dictionary is concerned,  ātmā  refers to body, mind and soul. However, in this verse of  Bhagavad-gītā ,  ātmā  refers to mind.
If, through  yoga , the mind can be trained, then the mind is our friend. But if the mind is left untrained, then there is no possibility of leading a successful life. For one who has no idea of spiritual life, the mind is the enemy. If one thinks that he is simply the body, his mind will not be working for his benefit; it will simply be acting to serve the gross body and to further condition the living entity and entrap him in material nature. If, however, one understands one's position as spirit soul apart from the body, the mind can be a liberating factor. In itself, the mind has nothing to do, it is simply waiting to be trained, and it is best trained through association. Desire is the function of the mind, and one desires according to his association; so if the mind is to act as friend, there must be good association.
The best association is a  sadhu , that is, a Kṛṣṇa conscious person or one who is striving for spiritual realization. There are those who are striving for temporary things ( asat ). Matter and the body are temporary, and if one only engages himself for bodily pleasure, he is conditioned by temporary things. But if he engages himself in self-realization, then he is engaged in something permanent ( sat ). Obviously if one is intelligent he will associate with those who are trying to elevate themselves to the platform of