The mind is an essential part of our personality. It is an expression of the consciousness. The stomach is hungry, but the hunger is felt through the mind. And the motivation for appeasing hunger by eating food also comes from the mind. As you go on eating, at one stage you feel satisfied and you stop eating. This action is also prompted by the mind.
The mind is independent of the body, though connected to it. It seems to be encased in the body but it has deeper significance and influence. It is the creator of your contentment or discontentment. It is the source of your fulfilment. It is the origin as well as terminus of all your interactions. When such is its influence and potential, should you not find out how the mind can be accessed and, if necessary, moulded in the most suitable manner?
The mind is the maker of human fate. Human beings are born with limited capabilities. We have evolved to the present stage with our physical limitations unchanged. Human 'supremacy' and options are also physically res-tricted. We cannot inhale poisonous gas — we need oxygen. When hungry, we have to appease hunger; it is not a matter of choice. Similarly, in many other aspects, we are bound by physical laws of Nature.
As a child, one might have been unaware of the potential of the mind. But can it be an excuse once he becomes an adult?
"Swamiji, I want to become better, but am unable to..." or "I want to remove my mind's impurities, Swamiji, but...". What is this 'but'? Is it so difficult? In reality, just gentle persuasion will do. You must want to become better.
That wanting should not be lacking. Otherwise, how do you claim to be an adult? How do you say that you are mature? I don't insist that you must have the best of qualities — but your 'wanting to have them' cannot be compromised. I do not demand that you be all virtues — but you must not lack in your love for virtues.
Once you want these noble qualities, the means to acquire them become smooth and pleasant. I put it as two-fold: persuasion and dissuasion; or, 'incorporational' and 'eliminational'. Bad things you dissuade sternly and good things you persuade heartily. Tell me — is there any other way of dealing with the mind? Other than looking at your own mind and treating it — is there anything else in life?
What is the purpose of ethics, morality, religion or even spirituality? Is it not all about purifying the mind? You may conduct any number of rituals and ceremonies — do they have anything else to give you other than a poised mind?
"Charity, adhering to one's own dharma, following disciplines — external and internal, listening to scriptures, performing meritorious deeds and observing holy vows, have but one goal — gaining control over the mind. Composure of the mind is the supreme yoga" (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.23.46).
Now tell me, when everything is so clearly explained, where is the difficulty? Why this doubt? Why this resistance?
Don't be a victim of your own negative tendencies. No more should you be thwarted by diffidence, self-condemnation or anything like that. Do not ever again say, "Yes, Swamiji, we understand, but...". Be confident. Rise like Hanuman. With clarity and proper evaluation, be ready to declare to the whole world: "Why only one? Ten such oceans i shall cross, if need be!" May you all have that strength and resolve!
By Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha www.brahmavidya.org