Have you ever pondered how to control the mind? In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna that an uncontrolled mind can make self-realization a difficult task. Over the past five weeks, I’ve been reflecting on this essential aspect of our spiritual journey.
Understanding the Mind’s Nature: The mind is like the internal sense, a repository of impressions from our five knowledge-gathering senses. Consider the mind as a clearing house, constantly busy and bustling with activity.
The Mind’s Restlessness: Krishna describes the mind as restless and turbulent. Just like a toddler in a room disrupts an intellectual conversation, our minds, when uncontrolled, disrupt our inner peace and focus. This restlessness can make the mind seem like an untamable wild horse.
The Challenge of Control: In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna likens controlling the mind to controlling the wind – a seemingly impossible task. The mind is not only restless but also strong and determined. This combination of fickleness and strength can be daunting.
Krishna’s Solution: The key to controlling the mind, as suggested by Krishna, lies in practice and detachment. This approach is akin to declaring war against the mind’s unruliness. It requires commitment and determination.
The Power of Commitment: Quoting the German philosopher Goethe, “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” The moment we commit to controlling our mind, providence moves too. This commitment sets off a chain of events aiding our endeavor.
The Strategy for Battle: Controlling the mind is not a random act but a strategic one. In military terms, as Krishna alludes to in the Gita, it’s essential to have a well-laid plan. This strategy involves understanding our limitations and relying on a higher power.
Realizing Our Position: One of the key strategies is realizing that we are not the ultimate controllers. The Isha Upanishad tells us that there is a supreme controller and nothing in this world belongs to us. Recognizing this helps in practicing detachment.
Accepting Our Quota: Every living being has a quota – from elephants to earthworms to humans. Understanding and accepting our quota aids in controlling desires and, subsequently, the mind.
Dependency on a Higher Power: Ultimately, we are not self-sufficient. Our protection and maintenance come from a higher power. Acknowledging this dependency is crucial in the journey of mind control.
In conclusion, controlling the mind is an exercise in humility, discipline, and surrender. It’s about understanding our position in this vast creation and aligning our will with the Supreme. With practice, detachment, and divine grace, we can tame the restless horse of the mind and journey towards self-realization and inner peace.
Please drop me a note with your realizations or if you have any questions/comments using Ask Vaish form. I would really like to hear from you.
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