Q: Why can't the mind be turned inwards despite repeated attempts?

M: It is done by abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (dispassion) and succeeds only slowly. The mind has been used to going outwards for so long, it is not easily turned inwards. A cow accustomed to grazing on others' estates is not easily confined to its shed. However, its keeper tempts it with luscious grass and fine fodder. It refuses the first time; then it takes a bit, but its innate tendency to stray asserts itself and it slips away. On being repeatedly tempted by the owner, it accustoms itself to the stall. Finally, even if let loose, it would not stray. Similarly with the mind. If once it finds its happiness within, it will not stray outwards.