Control of Mind through Spirituality.
The concept of Mind is a complex and multifaceted one that has been debated and explored by Philosophers, Neuroscientists, psychologists, and many other thinkers across various disciplines.
According to the Philosophical perspective, it is a non-physical entity that enables consciousness, thought, and intentionality. It is the seat of subjective experience, perception and awareness,
From a Neuroscience perspective, the Mind is the collection of cognitive functions that arise from the brain's neural activity. It results from complex interactions between neurons, neurotransmitters, and brain regions, enabling thoughts, emotions, memory, perception, and consciousness.
According to the Psychological perspective, the Mind is a dynamic system that processes information perceives, learns, remembers, and adapts.
The Mind is constantly stormed with thoughts, emotions, and external influences, making it difficult to maintain focus and inner peace.
It can be divided into the Conscious Mind and the Subconscious Mind. The part responsible for logical thinking, decision-making, and awareness is the Conscious Mind. The subconscious mind is the part of the mind that operates the conscious awareness. It stores beliefs, memories, habits, emotions, and automatic reactions. It influences behaviour, decisions, and perceptions constantly.
We all know that Controlling the Mind is about developing Awareness, mental discipline, and the ability to guide our thoughts rather than being controlled by them through practising meditation. It is possible by reading books of the learned people how to develop awareness and mental discipline. However, controlling the mind through spiritual practice is a difficult task. In this case, spirituality to control the mind by reading books is not fruitful. A capable Master's guidance is quite necessary to achieve this objective.
The modern Gurus of the day mostly leave the burden of controlling the mind through concentration to the disciples which really makes it a difficult problem for the disciples, with the result that they are unable to overcome the difficulties. In such cases, the Gurus feel that nothing remains to be done to them. In other words, the duty which devolves on the Gurus is shifted onto the disciples.
According to Sri Ramchandraji Maharaj(Babuji) the founder of Sahaj Marg, controlling the mind is a key aspect of spiritual evolution. His approach is simple, practical and deeply rooted in yogic science. Here are the main principles he emphasised for controlling the mind.
Sahaj Marg, a spiritual practice taught by Sri Ramchandraji, shares some common elements with Raja Yoga which emphasizes mental discipline and inner stillness. It aims for union with the Ultimate(God) and highlights the importance of guidance from a spiritual Master, who transmits divine energy(Pranahuthi or Yogic Transmission) to help the aspirant progress.
Concentration affected by forceful suppression of thoughts leaves its weighty effect upon the mind. The force applied for the purpose, also being a physical force, causes its own weight. Thus in a word the state of concentration interpreted as coma is basically wrong, since it keeps one in close touch with matter. In that sense, concentration may aptly be compared to a marshy condition, from which it is very difficult for one to extricate himself. He cannot keep himself from sinking down deep into it unless he falls flat over it, giving up all his efforts. Those who proceed on with that condition, carry along all through with matter. It may however help them to some extent in their material purposes and promote in them hypnotic powers, but it is not the least helpful in a purely spiritual pursuit.
Sri Ramchandraji advocated meditation on the heart, specifically imagining the presence of divine light in the heart. Meditation on the divine light in the heart is the seat of the soul, and by focusing here, we automatically bring the mind under control. A transmission of divine energy from the Guide(Guru) to the seeker, which helps refine the mind and consciousness.
The only proper course for an aspirant would therefore be to get himself absorbed in the light of the Divine coming to him from the Original source, without minding the implications of the word concentration. In that case, the question of concentration will not arise and one will all along be with that which can neither be interpreted as concentration nor otherwise.
Sahaj Marg brings about the result very soon if one has real devotion side by side because by the instrument of devotion, one soon becomes attached to the beloved. The thought of the beloved is there, and this helps a man to go into deeper consciousness. If somehow we get the Guru(master)who can foment us by his internal force acquired by being a Brahmanishtha then the difficulty is mostly over, and we soon begin to peep into the Real Being.
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