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-worldly) 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 (desire), Krodha (anger),
Lobha (greed), 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 (selfless action), devotion, etc. You will realise God.
"Manasaiva-anudrashtavyam"
is the utterance of the Srutis (sacred texts). Brahman is to be seen by the
mind. Here 'mind' means the Suddha Manas (pure mind).
Brahman can
be seen by a mind which is equipped with the four
means of salvation; which is rendered subtle and pure by the practice of Sama,
Dama, Yama and Niyama; which is furnished with the sacred instructions of a
qualified Guru and which does Sravana (hearing), Manana (reflection) and
Nididhyasana (constant meditation). Should the pure mind concentrate itself
for some time through a study of Jnana Sastras, Satsang (association with the
wise) and an uninterrupted practice of meditation, then in such persons
developing Jnana, a divine vision will dawn in which there will be a direct
cognition of the one Reality.
Slay the
Impure Mind
The enemy of
Atman is the impure mind, which is replete with excessive delusion and a host
of thoughts. This
mischievous and powerful imp of lower mind is the generator of all pains and
all fears and the destroyer of all noble, spiritual wealth. Your real enemy is
this impure mind only which is full of delusion, Trishnas (cravings), Vasanas
(subtle desires) and host of other impurities. Lest this enemy of mind should
spoil you in diverse ways through the "enjoyments" of the many
"pleasures" in this world, slay it in the hope of getting eternal
bliss and spiritual illumination. Destroy the lower Asuddha (impure) Manas
through the higher Suddha Manas. Destroy your instinctive mind through
discrimination and help of your higher, Sattvic mind. Then and then alone
will you get eternal, infinite peace and bliss of Atman. Then alone will you
become a Jivanmukta.
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essay here: Two kinds of mind