TAKE CHARGE

Written by
Brij Sachdeva

Self Vs. Mind

Take charge of your mind in your own hands and then see what happens to your fate and how your destiny is transformed. This is what all the enlightened masters have been preaching to the people down the millennia. A significant part of the wisdom imparted by enlightened masters across the ages revolves around conquering the mind. They emphasize that the self should be the master, while the mind should be its servant. This reversal is essential for gaining control and understanding. 

Conquering The Mind

In Shloka 6 of Chapter 6 in the Bhagawad Gita, Shri Krishna has imparted the wisdom that:

बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जित: | 

अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत् ||

bandhur ātmātmanas tasya yenātmaivātmanā jitaḥ anātmanas tu śhatrutve vartetātmaiva śhatru-

In this Shloka, Shri Krishna says that the mind is the best friend of one who has conquered it but the mind is the greatest enemy of one who has not conquered it.

Strong Resolve

Throughout history, various methods have been developed to control the mind. In psychological terms, integrity, resolution, and willpower hold significant importance. These qualities serve as essential tools for mastering the mind. Controlling the mind is one of the greatest skills a person can possess. We are aware that the mind can be fickle and unpredictable, so extensive training is necessary to understand and gain mastery over it. If you  want to try to control your mind, you should first start with a small resolution. For example, you take a resolution that I will not touch my face with my hands for one day in a week, as you must have done during the time of COVID. If you succeed in this, then continue it in a similar way for few weeks. Now take a bigger resolution. You can take any resolution according to your convenience, such as, whenever you are out of the house, you will not look at anyone here and there. As you become successful in complying to your resolution, your control over your mind will increase. Your life will change forever. Now you can take an even bigger resolution, such as taking a resolution to give up a bad habit. After this, take a resolution to develop a good habit. Now you will start feeling happiness. You feel that your mind is not controlling you. Rather the mind is becoming your servant. Now carry forward this process continuously. Now you take a resolution that you will not let any other person influence or control my mind. If any person tries to make you angry, you will remain calm. If they succeeds in making you angry then it means that the remote control of your mind is in their hands. If your resolve power has become strong then you will be able to do all this very easily. If someone abuses you then you can pretend to be angry, but the state of your mind will be such that there will not be even a little feeling of hatred or anger in your mind. The balance of your mind will not be disturbed. If the state of your mind is completely balanced then you will be able to give such an answer or reaction to that insulting person that you yourself will be surprised, how is all this happening? You will be surprised to see that some divine power has come and settled inside you. When the control of your mind comes into your hands, your mind becomes a Kalpavriksha (the wish-fulfilling tree). Then the whole universe is forced to bow down at your feet.

Concentration

Concentration involves focusing the mind on a specific object, task, or thought. It's about directing attention and maintaining it on a single point, often to achieve a specific goal or improve performance. Concentration can be developed through practices like mindfulness exercises, mental math, or focused attention on a task.

Contemplation

Contemplation involves reflecting on a particular topic, idea, or experience. It's a more analytical process, where you examine and ponder the subject matter, often to gain insight, understanding, or perspective. Contemplation can be practiced through journaling, discussing ideas with others, or simply reflecting on experiences

Meditation

Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to achieve a state of awareness, calmness, and clarity. It often involves focusing on the breath, body sensations, or emotions, and can be practiced with or without a specific object of focus. Meditation aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of oneself, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.

Many enlightened masters have extensively explained the attainment of a thoughtless mind through meditation. Enough has been said about the phenomenon of a thoughtless mind. Meditation is one of the methods to attain a state of no-mind. There are numerous other methods employed by saints and sages across the ages.

Yoga

Yoga is a multifaceted practice that originated in ancient India, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," meaning "to unite" or "to join." Yoga is practised to unite body, mind, and spirit. Yoga has the potential to integrate physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the self. To conquer the mind it is essential to cultivate inner peace and foster a sense of connection to oneself, others, and the universe. This can be done by practising yoga. Yoga encourages self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

To be continued…………….