Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
How can an unsteady mind make itself steady? Of course it cannot. It is the nature of the mind to roam about. All you can do is to shift the focus of consciousness beyond the mind.
Q. How is it done?
Refuse all thoughts except one: the thought 'I am'. The mind will rebel in the beginning, but with patience and perseverance it will yield and keep quiet. Once you are quiet, things will begin to happen spontaneously and quite naturally without any interference on your part.
Q. Can I avoid this protracted battle with my mind?
Yes, you can. Just live your life as it comes, but alertly, watchfully, allowing everything to happen as it happens, doing the natural things the natural way, suffering, rejoicing -- as life brings. This also is a way.
True happiness cannot be found in things that change and pass away. Pleasure and pain alternate inexorably. Happiness comes from the self and can be found in the self only. Find your real self (swarupa) and all else will come with it.
Very true. Difficult to apply but with consistent efforts one can learn to accept all suffering/rejoicing equally.
ReplyDeleteYes, as with any other skill, living life the right way (as explained by these mahatmas) will come with practice and efforts. Thanks so much for your comments :)
DeleteHari Aum,
Nandini