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 most of 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. Typically, the mind serves as the master, while the self acts as the servant. 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.

Throughout history, various methods have been utilised 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. 

Strong resolve, concentration, contemplation, meditation and yoga are the primary methodologies utilised to achieve mastery over the mind.

While I am planning to write a book that presents the available wisdom about the mind in simple language, I have outlined these methodologies in the following paragraphs.

Strong Resolve

If you  want to try to control your mind, you should first start with a small resolution. For example, you make a resolution that I will not touch my face with my hands for at least one day each 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 make a bigger resolution. You can make 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. Next, you can make an even bigger resolution, such as making a resolution to give up a bad habit. After this, make 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. Carry forward this process continuously and consistently. 

Now make a resolution that you will not let any other person influence or control your 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 the situation calls for you to appear angry, you can pretend to be angry without harboring any hatred or toxicity, and without actually feeling angry. With enough practice, it's possible to express or demonstrate your resistance or annoyance while maintaining a  cool, calm, collected, and centred mindset.

If your resolve power has become strong enough 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 the person who is offending or insulting you, 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 I was a child, my mother used to tell me a story. The story is symbolic and highlights the phenomenon of strong resolve, consistency, and adherence to one's commitments.

A man, for some reason, got annoyed with God. He might have had some desire to be fulfilled, in his prayer. He might have been disappointed by God, but he believed in him. So, he decided to visit the temple every day throw a stone at the idol and abuse God. He was so consistent and regular, that he never missed a day even if it was raining or if there was a storm and Thunder. He would miss meals or the office but he would not miss going to the temple for abusing God and stoning the idol.

One day, when he reached the temple and was about to throw a stone at the idol, suddenly God Himself appeared in front of him. God asked about his annoyance and listened to him. Then God blessed him with the fulfilment of his desires.

When God was about to leave, he stopped God and asked, "Why would you appear before a person who was abusing you and stoning your idol, and bless him with the fulfilment of desires?" God said, "Dear, I was influenced by your faith, devotion and integrity. Your gut-deep annoyance is enough proof of how strongly you believe in my existence. It shows your love and faith in me. Above all, your integrity is so great that I was moved by it.

When the control of your mind comes into your hands, your mind becomes a Kalpavriksha (the wish-fulfilling tree). Then the whole universe seems to be inclined to support you.

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.

The story of Arjuna hitting the bird's eye, a well-known lesson from the Mahabharata, illustrates the importance of singular focus and unwavering concentration on a goal. Guru Dronacharya set up an archery test for his students, including Arjuna, in which they had to aim at the eye of a wooden bird perched on a tree. When asked what they saw, most students described the bird, the tree, the surroundings, and various other elements. As a result, Dronacharya dismissed them from shooting, as they lacked focus.

  

However, when it was Arjuna's turn, he confidently stated, "I can only see the eye of the bird," demonstrating his complete dedication to the task. Pleased with this singular focus, Dronacharya allowed Arjuna to shoot, and he successfully hit the target with his arrow. This event highlights how essential it is to eliminate distractions and concentrate solely on the objective to achieve success.

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.

In everyday life, when we engage in routine activities or even sit idle, our minds often keep wandering from one topic to another. This means that our thoughts fluctuate between various topics, ideas, or experiences, similar to changing lanes while driving. However, when we pray, our minds shift into a different mode, characterized by a focused exploration of a single topic, idea, or experience—much like staying in the same lane during a journey. 

Interestingly, the longer we drive in one lane, the easier and pleasanter it becomes, compared to frequently switching lanes. When we pray, we typically reflect on our wishes, express gratitude, or contemplate a mantra or scripture. In this state, our minds are in contemplation mode. During prayer, the mind becomes cool, calm, collected and centred. It’s important to understand that this is a linear thought process, which differs from concentration. Concentration focuses thoughts on a single point, much like directing light through a convex lens, while contemplation involves a continuous flow of thoughts along a specific topic.

Additionally, contemplation is distinct from meditation; meditation aims for a thoughtless state or a "no-mind" experience.

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.