A unique blessing – the human mind

So, what makes us different from other living things, especially in the animal world?

Dharmo hi tesham –  adhiko vishesho – That ability to do good and righteous deeds according to our dharma, our duty to every living being, for the good of all, distinguishes us from non-human animals.

God, our Creator, and Benefactor, has blessed us with the gift of mind that has the capacity of infinite wisdom that allows us to practice dharma. This gift of our mind is illuminated by the very light of our souls; it is what reflects the infinite spark of the God principle, the Brahaman, which is in each and every one of us—that which is pure and infinite love and joy.

That brings us to consider why then is there pain and suffering in the world? If each of us is a spark of our benevolent almighty, then:
– Why are our experiences so different? And,
– Why do we perceive things in so many different ways?

To try and understand this, we must consider the nature and function of our mind itself.

The Nature of Mind: According to Sankhya Philosophy, the mind’s nature is the subtlest form of matter (Prakriti), with its energy field (mind-field) vibrating at a higher frequency than the grosser energy fields in breath and body. The mind is illuminated by self, “individuated atman” or “chit shakti,” our true essence. 

The mind, as a field of energy, acts as a bridge between the inner and outer worlds, functioning at different levels that influence how we perceive, interact with, and respond to the world around us. 

Our minds are complex and function at so many levels and layers. Swami Veda compares the depth of the mind to the depth of an ocean. Just as the waves on the ocean are choppy and noisy, the shallow part of the mind is noisy. But if we dive deeper, there is silence, the beginning of the light that we are.

To make the most of our mind, we need to understand the different functions of the mind and how these operate, and then consider how we can use the mind to achieve our goals of love, joy, unity, and fulfillment.  The functions of the mind include:

    • The intellect, the decision-making faculty (buddhi), which provides discriminatory power.
    • The sensory/motor mind (manas), which processes input from our senses.
    • The ego (ahamkara), which separates us from others.
    • The storehouse of all knowledge, memories, and samskaras (Chitta).

How can we purify our minds to be the best of what we are capable of being?  

We can make our minds serene and clear by cultivating four specific virtues in relation to the people around us. According to the Yoga Sutras, Chapter 1.33, we can cultivate chitta prasadna (a pleasant mind):

By following the advice and guidance given in this short but powerful sutra, we can:

– Cleanse and purify our minds by practicing friendship and loving kindness to everyone we deal with. 
– We can show compassion and kindness to those who are in need or are suffering. 
– We can be joyful for the successes of others and celebrate with those who spread the message of love and joy to the world.
– We remain unaffected, detached, and indifferent to those doing immoral actions.

We can make the mind into our greatest friend, and with a pure mind, we can transcend all pain, limitations, and impurities and become joyous, peaceful, and one with God, the life spirit in each and every one of us. 

Watch Over Your Mind

Your mind is your true personality. 

It shows through your movements, gestures, and words. 

Your reactions and decisions come from the mind. 

Every morning, you wash your face before you present it to the world. Why not also wash your mind?

The mind is your servant and seeks to favour you who are its master. 

Watch over the mind and it will cleanse itself; leave it free and it will soil you. 

Watching the mind constantly is the art of meditation in action. Follow, therefore, the four rules of thought and resolve daily:

Wrong thoughts that have arisen, I shall eliminate

Wrong thoughts that have not yet arisen, I shall prevent from arising

The right thoughts that have not yet arisen, I shall make to arise

The right thoughts that have arisen, I shall maintain, nourish, and help to grow.

With this observance of thought, you will become lovable if no one loved you before. 

You will become attractive if no one was attracted to you before. 

You will become a magnet if you were mere iron before. 

I wish you this day, a mind you can watch over, a mind you have cleansed, a mind you magnetize with your spiritual energy and I wish all beautiful thoughts to your mind.