On mind control

It is common knowledge that when we are angry or upset, we are unable to think properly and take correct decisions. Only a calm mind can consider all the facts and decide correctly.

Similarly, in the realm of philosophy which shows man the way to uplift himself from the mundane to the enlightened phase, it is emphasised that establishing control over the mind is vital for inner growth. Adi Shankaracharya, in his magnificent work 'Vivekachudamani' speaks on this subject. He says that the soul or the 'Atman' as it is called in Vedantic parlance is the 'I'.

Man in his ignorance wrongly identifies this 'I' with his physical body. It is this 'I' , this unseen power that makes the organs to carry out their ordained duties by impelling them to do so. But men do not realise that this Atman resides inside their bodies. Shankara says that in order to clearly understand that this 'I' is in fact the Atman, it is essential to control the mind.

When the mind is controlled, the intellect is enabled to perceive this identity and by continuous contemplation of this truth, man will elevate his life to higher and higher levels of emotional and spiritual consciousness. This sustained activity of immersing the mind in the higher verity of life sanctifies and purifies it. The intellect becomes sharp and one pointed. Is it not said that engaging the mind in some activity without any external distractions leads to success in the endeavour?

Similarly, in the philosophical plane when the mind thus becomes purified with continuous engagement in uplifting thoughts, such as in meditation, the world reveals itself in a wholly new appearance. Man is able to view things in a much clearer, balanced perspective and is thus empowered to take balanced, considered and mature decisions. Gradually, negative qualities like egotism, anger, desire, hatred and attachment to materialistic things get annihilated. For the spiritual aspirants, the divinity inherent in them assumes a tangible form and they drink the nectar of that inexplicable bliss that is called 'true knowledge'.

The higher they go, greater the rewards in their world of supra-consciousness, reflected in their serene, divinely calm, magnificently effulgent countenances. They are the 'truly realised' ones, the 'true Yogis'.