Various methods to control
the mind
by Swami Sivananda
1. Τhe mind can be controlled by
Abhyasa and Vairagya.
Abhyasa is constant effort to fix the mind on God or Atman.
Vairagya is dispassion or
non-attachment to sensual objects.
2. Enquire “Who am I?” Do Vichara.
3. Do mental Japa of Om and
meditate on Atman. All thoughts will die by
themselves. You will rest in Sat-Chit-Ananda Atman.
Japa
of any Mantra and Upasana (worship of God) destroy the impurities of the mind, makes
the mind inwards, induce Vairagya, help concentration and eventually lead to
control of mind and attainment of God-consciousness.
“In
this Kali Yuga the easiest way for controlling the mind and attaining Moksha is
Kirtan or singing the Name of
the Lord.”
4. Sit alone and watch the
thought-waves (Vrittis) of the
mind. Be indifferent. Remain as a witness (Sakshi ).
Don’t identify yourself with the thought-waves. The
mind will then be under your control.
Don’t wrestle or struggle
with the mind.
Be regular in your concentration and meditation.
5. Destroy the fuel of desire(1), and the fire of thought will
be extinguished. With the annihilation of Sankalpa, the reality of Brahman will
shine.
Destroy
the vicious desires(2) through virtuous
desires and destroy the virtuous desires also through one strong desire for
liberation.
Don’t
try to fulfil your desires (3).
Do a
thing which the mind does not want to do. Don’t do a thing which the mind wants
to do.
6. Cultivate divine qualities such as friendliness, mercy, gladness and indifference
towards happiness, pain, virtue and vice. You will get peace of mind. Destroy
evil habits by establishing new good habits. Control the lower instinctive
mind through the higher Sattvic mind.
7. Live in the solid present. Don’t think of the past. Don’t plan for the future. Don’t allow the mind to build images. Don’t hope. Don’t expect anything.
9. Study of religious books, Tapas,
charity and Satsanga with Mahatmas, Sadhus and Sannyasins overhaul worldly
vicious Samskaras (latent impressions) and pave a long way in the control of
mind.
10. Food has influence over the mind. Sattvic food (milk, fruits, etc.) calms the mind. Rajasic food (meat,
alcohol, etc.) excites the mind. Take Sattvic food; have Mitahara (moderation
in diet).
11. Constant selfless service with Atma-Bhava is highly efficacious in purifying and controlling
the mind.