Mind always demand for more and more. No matter how much we satisfy it but like a mad elephant it keeps us tormenting. All the crimes which occur are due to the uncontrolled mind. Criminals too are aware about righteous and unrighteous activities. But there unbridled mind drag them towards the hellish path and thus they invite misery for themselves and afflict miseries on others too.
Great personalities throughout ages have accepted this harsh reality. Arjuna too admits it in Bhagavat – Gita – “For the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krishna, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind.” (Bhagavad – Gita 6.34)
Mind ought to be controlled by intelligence but often mind overpowers the intelligence. However there is a hope for us. Krishna concedes that controlling mind is difficult but he also assures us that it is not impossible. Lord Sri Krishna said: “O mighty-armed son of Kunti, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment.” Bhagavad – Gita 6.35.
Practice: The most potent way of practicing mind control in this age is by chanting the holy names of the Lord like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Along with this we also need to hear more about the transcendental pastimes of the Lord, it will purify our consciousness and will nourish our intelligence.
Detachment: Krishna has prescribed vairagya i.e. detachment from material/worldly thoughts and engagement in spiritual activities. Some try to control the mind by trying to create a void in the mind or my emptying the unwanted thoughts. Such a process will not yield any substantial result. If we want to light a bulb in the house then we first connect the plug to the main line. The main line draws power from the power grid and supplies light to us. Similarly the moment we connect ourselves to Krishna, who is the source of all enlightenment, our intelligence gets nourished and strengthened. All the negative thoughts start vanishing and we get spiritual intelligence. And then by our intelligence we can effortlessly subdue the mind.
Srila Prabhupada explains, “The easiest way to control the mind, as suggested by Lord Chaitanya, is chanting "Hare Krishna," the great mantra for deliverance, in all humility. The method prescribed is sa vai manah Krishna - padaravindayoh [Srimad Bhagavatam 9.4.18] one must engage one's mind fully in Krishna.”
It is verily said - Mind can be our best friend and also can be our worst enemy. If we want mind to be our best friend then we need to follow the footsteps of Arjuna who after hearing the message of Bhagavad – Gita decided to act righteously as per Krishna’s advice.
Comments