The mental factory
(How desires and bondage are formed)
¬ Swami Sivananda
Antankarana (the inner instrument) is a broad term which includes (mind-manas, intellect-buddhi, memory-chitta and Ahankara-ego). The one Antaknarana assumes four forms according to the various functions it performs, just as one man assumes the name of a Judge when he works in the court; President, when he serves in a society or association; Chairman, when he presides in a meeting; and a storekeeper when he is in charge of a store.
When you pass along a mango garden, the mind does Sankalpa-Vikalpa (will and doubt). It thinks whether it is a good mango or not. The Buddhi comes to its aid. It determines and says: "This is a good mango." The Chitta does Anusandhana (enquiry). It says: "l will find out methods to get mangoes. I will find out the owner of the garden. I will purchase from him." Ahankara self-arrogates: "l must have this mango at any cost." Then the rnind gives the execution to the organ of action (Karma-lndriya), feet. The feet take the man to the gardener. Ahankara purchases the mango and eats. The impression of the mango remains in the mind and a Vasana (a tendency, a subtle desire) is formed in the mind.
The thought of enjoynment comes back to the mind later on through memory in the form of a subtle Vasana (desire). Vasana produces Sankalpa (thought and will to act) and the man wants to enjoy the taste of mango again.
This cycle of things, viz., desire, thought and action, is going on fiorn eternity and has brought bondage for man. When the Vasana is repeated several times, it becomes a strong passion or strong desire. The man finds it difricult to control passion and becomes a slave of passion and senses (Indriyas). A strong sense-hankering is cailed Trishna. The difference between a desire and a vasana is that the Vasana is subtle and hidden in the subconscious mind, whereas desire is gross. The pleasure derived from the enjoyment of sensual objects brings attachment. Attachment is death.
Attachrnent is Moha (Moha is infatuation and false identification and deluded attachment). The man, who is full of sense-Vasanas, is tied to various objects. Escape becomes difficult for him. Escape is possible by destroying these knots by knowedge of the Diretctor of this mental faltory who has kept up this show inside.