Mind--Its Mysteries and Control - The Divine Life Society

MIND—ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL
the thought ‘I’. Buddhi is the basis of Ahankara. It is Buddhi that forces you to identify yourself
with the physical body. It is Buddhi that creates difference (Bheda) and Nana Bhava (the idea of
many in the world).
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SATTVIC MIND
A Sattvic mind like solitude, silence, simple living, high thinking, study of spiritual books,
philosophical discussions, concentration of mind and company of Sadhus, Mahatmas and
Sannyasins. A stainless mind can be judged through speech, face and eyes. Through these
expressions, the opinion can be formed whether a person has stainless mind. Higher desires, noble
aspirations, lofty ideals, true religious feeling, mercy, sympathy, pure unselfish love, devotion,
Vichara (Atmic enquiry), inspiration, genius—all come from the higher, pure Sattvic mind. Suddha
Manas (pure mind) is Brahman itself. It is an embodiment of purity itself.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RAJASIC MIND
A Rajasic mind likes crowded cities, much talking, luxurious life, low thinking, the
company of women, study of romantic novels, eating dainty dishes and selfish works. Instinctive
mind is the lower, impure Kama Manas with desires, passions and appetities. The vast majority of
persons have this instinctive mind only. Even the so-called civilised and educated persons live on
the plane of the instinctive mind. Their senses are very sharp and acute and they run after more
refined things for their sense-gratification. They identify themselves with the physical body and the
senses. They have no idea of the subtle Atman which is entirely distinct from the body and the
Indriyas. Their ‘I’ is the physical, gross body only though they know that there is a mind.
Sensual enjoyment brings on diseases and destroys the power of discrimination (Viveka). It
makes the mind Malina (impure). Therefore, shun Vishayabhoga (sensual enjoyment). Try to
realise the Self within wherein lies eternal bliss and immortality.
SATTVIC MIND NEEDED FOR ATMA-VICHARA
A sharp, subtle, one-pointed, Sattvic (pure) mind is needed for Atma-Vichara (enquiry into
Atman or the Supreme Spirit) and study of Upanishads. A gross mind or practical (Vyavaharic)
Buddhi with selfishness and lust is absolutely unfit for Vichara and philosophical ratiocination.
Selfishness clouds understanding. Selfishness is the bane of life. The mind of a worldling is ever
ready to absorb sexual thoughts. It cannot imbibe subtle, philosophical ideas. It is callous and
cannot vibrate properly to take in philosophical ideas. You can drive a nail in clay, but not in a
stone. The mind has to be purified by Nishkama Karma, Japa, Pranayama and other spiritual
Sadhanas.
Mind is compared to a mirror. If the mirror is dirty, you cannot see your face clearly.
Similarly, if the mind-mirror is dirty (full of Mala, impurities—Kama, Krodha, Lobha, etc.), you
cannot see God clearly; you cannot see the Self clearly. The light of Brahman cannot shine
efficiently. Clean it up with effort daily, through spiritual Sadhana, meditation, strenuous
Nishkama Karma Yoga, devotion, etc. You will realise God.
39