MIND-CONQUEST - TEN
IMPORTANT METHODS
Mind is a bundle of Vasanas (desires)
and Sankalpas (thoughts, imagination). Mind is a bundle of Raga-Dvesha (likes
and dislikes). Annihilation of mind is Mano-Nasa.
Manolaya is temporary absorption of the mind. This cannot give Moksha. The mind can come back again and wander in sensual objects. Manonasa
alone can give release or Moksha.
How is the mind purified, brought
under control and how are its activities stopped, and how is it annihilated?
Here are some useful and practical points. Mind
can be controlled and annihilated by Vichara or enquiry of ‘WHO AM I?'. This is
the best and most effective method. This will annihilate the mind. This is
the Vedantic method. Realise the unreality of the mind through philosophical
thinking.
Eradicate the feeling of egoism. Ego
is the seed of the tree of mind. - I thought is the source of all thoughts. All thoughts are centred on the little -
I. Find out what the little - I is. This little - I will dwindle into airy
nothing. It will be absorbed in the Infinite - I or Para Brahman, the source
for the little - I or Ahamkara (egoism).
The Sun of Self-realisation is fully seen when the cloud of ego
disappears.
Vairagya (dispassion) is another
method for annihilating the mind. It is distaste for objects of sense-pleasures
by finding out the defects in the sensual life. Objects are perishable. Sensual
pleasure is momentary and illusory.
Abhyasa or practice is another
method. Concentrate the mind by fixing it on Brahman. Make it steady. Abhyasa is ceaseless meditation. This leads
to Samadhi.
Asanga or non-attachment is a sword
to destroy the mind. Take the mind away from objects. Detach Attach. Detach it from the objects and attach it to the Lord. Do
this again and again. The essence of the seed of the sprout of
world-experience, which is desire, can be destroyed by the fire of
non-attachment.
Vasanakshaya is another method.
Vasana is desire. Renunciation of
desires leads to Vasanakshaya. This will lead to annihilation of mind
(manonasa). Desire for objects of pleasures is bondage; giving it up is
emancipation. Desire is the most essential nature of the mind. Mind and
egoism are synonymous.
Vibration of Prana causes movement of the mind. It gives life to the
mind. Pranayama or control of Prana will stop the activities of the mind. But it cannot destroy the mind to its roots like Vichara.
Control the thoughts or Sankalpas. Avoid imagination or day-dreaming. The
mind will be annihilated. Extinction of Sankalpas alone is Moksha, or release. The mind is destroyed when there is no
imagination. The experience of the world illusion is due to your
imagination. It vanishes away when imagination is completely stopped.
Mental renunciation of possessions is
another method. The absolute experience
can also be realised if you learn to be in a state of thought-suspending
Samadhi.
Attainment of equanimity is another method. Be balanced in pain and pleasure, heat and cold, etc.
Japa, Kirtan, prayer,
devotion, service of Guru and study are also means to annihilate the mind.
He alone experiences everlasting
peace and Eternal Bliss who has transcended the mind and rests in his Own
Satchidananda Atman.
Peace love harmony