"The very first step in understanding what this is all about is giving up the concept of an active, volitional 'I' as a separate entity and accepting the passive role of perceiving and functioning as a process." - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Monday, October 10, 2011

How Is The Mind Controlled?

Sri Ramana Maharshi

In the Bhagavad Gita it is said that it is the nature of the mind to wander. One must bring one's thoughts to bear on God. By long practice the mind is controlled and made steady. The wavering of the mind is a weakness arising from the dissipation of energy in the shape of thoughts. When one makes the mind stick to one thought the energy is conserved, and the mind becomes stronger. 

What is the meaning of the strength of the mind?

Its ability to concentrate on one thought without being distracted.

How is that achieved?

By practice. A devotee concentrates on God; a seeker, a follower of the jnAna marga, seeks the Self. The practice is equally difficult for both. 

In the earlier stages the mind reverts to the search at long intervals; with continued practice it reverts at shorter intervals until finally it does not wander at all. It is then that the dormant sakti  manifests. The sattvic mind resolves itself into the Life-current.

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सर्वभूताधिवासं यद्भूतेषु च वसत्यपि।
सर्वानुग्राहकत्वेन तद्स्म्यहं वासुदेवः॥

That in whom reside all beings and who resides in all beings,
who is the giver of grace to all, the Supreme Soul of the universe, the limitless being:
I AM THAT. -- Amritabindu Upanishad