major obstacleThe mind, also known as Manas, is the part of us where thinking and feeling occur. Thoughts emerge within the mind.
Mind has two tendencies-downward and upward.
The (downward) natural inclination is to move towards the world and its objects without any conscious effort, as it happens automatically. This path is referred to as the Pravratti marg. It is towards pleasures and comforts.
There is another tendency to incline upwards towards the Divine. In today's times, this would mean advancing by eliminating negativity and inefficiencies in life. Progressing on this path requires significant effort. A simple analogy to understand this concept is water. When water is spilled on the floor, it naturally flows downwards. However, when we need to raise the water (such as in buildings to overhead tanks), booster pumps are necessary. The same principle applies to our minds. Shifting the mind's inclination upwards requires tremendous efforts. This is known as the Nivratti marg.
However, in the presence of good company, the study of scriptures, the guidance of a Guru, and the grace of God, this negative inclination can be transformed into a positive one. This represents the Nivratti path. The primary goal of yoga is to elevate the mind's inclination upward.
Peculiar Features of our Mind
The mind is limitless, boundariless. Our thoughts have the ability to surpass the constraints of space and time. Typically, we employ this capability to dwell on the past or to envision and dream about the future. According to Dr. Soumitra Basu in Integral Health p. 53, individuals with remarkable imaginative abilities can effectively harness this capability. We have the potential to use this imaginative power to foster creativity, make groundbreaking discoveries and inventions, alter established thought patterns, and transform our entire personality.
Ordinarily, it is very difficult to control our thoughts. Our mind is like a public square, crossroads, where different thoughts arise. Now, the question is, where do our thoughts come from? Does the brain produce them or is there a universal mind with which we are on the same wavelength and from which we select those thought vibrations?
It is an immensity from which one draws (thoughts) according to his personal affinity-says the Mother.
The mind possesses a unique ability for self-reflection, enabling it to observe itself from a detached "witness attitude." This self-separation within the mind allows for introspection, a crucial element for personal growth, which is attainable through quieting the mind. Dr. Soumitra Basu in Integral Health (p. 55) discusses the importance of adopting a witness like attitude (साक्षी भाव) towards one's thoughts, simply observing their emergence and dissolution.
What disturbs our mind?
According to Maharshi Patanjali, there are different factors that disrupt, agitate, and unsettle our mind. Vrittis, encompassing thoughts and various mental states such as correct knowledge, incorrect knowledge, imagination, sleep, and memory, represents short-term disturbances. There are medium-term disturbances known as vikshep, including illness, mental inertia, doubt, misplaced priorities, and similar factors. Last, there are long-term inherent afflictions referred to as Kleshas, which comprise ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and clinging to life.
Sthool vrittis (gross movements) of the mind are considered as adversaries of a general nature, but they are not harmful. They manifest as attachment, aversion, greed, hatred, and similar traits. On the other hand, sukshma vrittis (subtle impressions or samskara) which are characterized by impressions and samskaras, pose a more significant threat as our formidable foes. Eliminating them poses a real challenge, as they remain concealed and dormant, often escaping our awareness. However, when the right time and circumstances align, they emerge unexpectedly, triggering emotions like anger, greed, egotism, and envy. In the practice of yoga, Maharshi Patanjali recommends abhyas and Vairagya as methods to conquer these vrittis. The ultimate test of humanity lies in mastering the mind. In the Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna that, while controlling the mind is undeniably arduous, it can be achieved through diligent practice and detachment (same abhyas and vairagya as advised by M Patanjali). Hence, the saying goes that the mind is a valuable servant but a dangerous master.
Subduing the mind makes the mind stable; stable mind enables contemplation on our chosen object.
The intellect
It is referred to as बुद्धी, the higher aspect of our mind. It acts as our discriminative and determinative faculty, analyzing the information presented by the mind and making decisions on what is good or bad, and what actions should or should not be taken. Ideally, our actions, behavior, and attitudes should be guided by the intellect, which is responsible for making sound choices. However, the mind, with its obstinate nature and power, often disregards the intellect and acts independently. It is crucial that the mind is governed by the intellect, rather than the other way around.
Ego-Our ego represents our personal identity, our presence in the world, or loosely, our self-confidence. It is how we assert our individuality in personal matters. To progress to higher levels, we must first exist; and to exist, we must be conscious, an independent and assertive individual. This ego is crucial, as without it, we would remain intertwined with our surroundings. If we cannot showcase our individuality, society will overlook us, leaving us voiceless, powerless, and unrecognized. Therefore, to thrive in the world, ego or individuality is necessary. However, when aiming to elevate oneself and lead a spiritual life, ego becomes the major obstacle. When God is everything, and we are nothing, only then can true spiritual practice, or sadhana, take place. As long as the ego persists, spiritual progress is hindered. The Mother asserts ego is the most significant barrier on the spiritual journey.
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