Mind and its management- Yoga Vasistha

The mind

In my view, a hero is not someone who can triumph over a powerful army, but someone who can navigate the inner realm of the mind and senses, says sage Vasistha. When a person is ignorant, they become attached to their family and friends without realizing that the world is like a vast pilgrimage site where people gather by chance - including those they consider their loved ones.

The mind is the sole creator of the world and the ultimate person. Actions performed by the mind are true actions, while those done by the body are not considered actions. The mind is the origin of the body.

Neither mental nor physical illnesses, nor the belief in the "evil eye," can affect a mind that is fully dedicated to the self, just as a lotus flower cannot split a rock in two by falling on it. Therefore, one should strive to guide the mind towards the path of purity and lead the self towards purity as well. The mind has the power to manifest whatever it contemplates. Through deep contemplation, it can undergo profound changes, allowing it to heal from distorted perceptions where illusions were mistaken for reality. The mind perceives its actions as truth, causing someone in the moonlight to feel intense heat and someone in the scorching sun to experience refreshing coolness.

Unfortunate is the person who cannot let go of desires, as this is the only way to achieve one's highest good. Through strong self-discipline, it is feasible to triumph over the mind, and subsequently, the individual consciousness effortlessly merges into the universal consciousness. This process is simple and can be achieved with ease. By combining self-discipline and self-awareness, eliminate the mind's activity. When the mind is subdued and tranquil, the conquest of even three realms (त्रिलोक) will seem insignificant. This path does not require the study of scriptures or any external actions - only self-awareness.

Wherever the mind directs its intense focus, it perceives the satisfaction of its desires. Restlessness is inherent in the nature of the mind. This restlessness of the mind, stemming from the infinite consciousness, is what manifests as the world. O Rama, this is truly the power of the mind. However, when the mind loses its restlessness, it is considered lifeless, and that state itself is a form of penance.

The movement of Prana causes the movement of thought in the mind, and the movement of thought in consciousness causes the movement of Prana. This creates a cycle of interdependence, similar to waves and currents in water. According to the wise, the mind is said to be generated by the movement of Prana; therefore, by controlling Prana, the mind becomes still.

Arrest of movement of Prana by means

• When all desires and hopes end.

• Cultivation of dispassion

• Practice meditation

• Effortless practice of breathing, without strain in seclusion

• Repetition of the sacred OM with the experience of its meaning.

• Practice of exhalation when the Prana roams in space without touching the limbs of the body, of inhalation leading to the peaceful movement of Prana and of retention bringing it to a standstill for a long time, all lead to the arrest of Prana

• Holding of consciousness steadily at a point twelve inches from the tip of the nose,

• Entering the Prana into the forehead through the palate and upper aperture,

• Fixing of the Prana at eyebrow center.

Practice Point

The mind is what sets humans apart from other species. Our ability to think is what makes us unique. Therefore, the mind plays a crucial role in shaping an individual. With a refined, pure, and knowledgeable mind, one can accomplish anything in life. Thus, it all comes down to managing the mind. In the Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions that controlling the mind is as challenging as changing the direction of the wind. However, through practice and detachment, it is possible to control the mind. The text provides various methods for mind control, with meditation and Pranayama being the most prominent. Engage in meditation and Pranayama to observe their effects on your life. These practices require time and patience, unlike the quick fixes we often seek in today's fast-paced world.

Start and persist with them and see how wonderful these practices are.