MIND

FIRST, THE SCRIPTURES

Vedas are texts in Sanatana Dharma which illustrate the whole of creation, the meaning and purpose of birth as human beings and enumerates methods to attain salvation. Upanishads are more practical applications of the Vedas. Puranas are simple ways the essential  concept is explained to lay people for whom the other two are heavy to understand. So the Vedas begin at the beginning, i.e at the time the Universe was created. According to the Vedas, initially, only pure Consciousness existed. Then this consciousness wanted to manifest. So it is said that Brahma was created and assigned with the task of creating the Universe. Prakruti (Matter) and Shakthi ( Energy) were formed. In order to fuse these two, environment in the form of three Gunas, namely, Rajas, Tamas and Satvic were created. Interestingly, Consciousness also was made a part of the resultant product which  now can be called as the Universe. This begining is timed presently at about 1.70 billion years ago. A lifetime of 100 cosmic years (4.32 billion years) was given to Brahma. Brahma then appointed assistants to execute the plan with clear instructions. Thesis for all these are the Vedas. Vedas then led to Upanishads which detailed practical explanations to the Vedas. It is said there are 108 Upanishads. Then we have 18 Puranas, two Itihasaas, I e Ramayan and Mahabharat with a view to understand the Vedas in simple terms for the ordinary layman. 

THE ATMAN

The centre point in the Scriptures is the Atman. This one whole Atman (Paramatma) can seperate from the main, acquire attributes, undergo certain experiences and then if sufficient will power exists can merge with the whole once again. The breakaway Atman is called as Jivatma. The primary nature of this Jivatma is explained as without form, ever-existing (timeless), without qualities or attributes and can be all-pervading and very similar to Paramatma. It is later explained in this write-up that this Jivatma, though pure and effulgent, gets covered with dirt. Imagine a diamond, so shining, that is thrown in a gutter containing filthy mud. If this diamond is taken out, wiped clean, then it regains the original shine. Another example is that  of a closed empty pot. There is same air both inside and outside of the pot divided by the mud wall. Once the pot is broken, the air inside merges with that in outside and the air that was inside of the pot cannot be identified seperately. 

THE ENTRY OF MIND

In order to fulfil certain requirements, this Atman is made to manifest as living beings. Towards this purpose, it is given a kit in the form of Mind. Thankfully the mind is connected to  consciousness or conscience as we call them. Mind is therefore one's gateway between the pure form called as Brahman and the experiences called as Vasanas. The nature of the mind is that it is extremely creative, can be moulded by the surroundings, and comes with a pre-programmed software called as Karma. It must also be said that the lifetime of this mind is finite and is dissolved at the time of death. But the software of Karma is carried over. 

Now the Mind has two appendages, memory and emotions. The importance of the Mind is that it can generate thoughts continuously. The stimulus for these thoughts are from five inputs called as the five sense organs, i.e eyes with ability to see and perceive, ears with the ability to detect and analyse sound energy, nose with ability to smell, tongue with the ability to taste and skin with the ability to feel pleasure or  comfort or pain. Mind is also given the same original environment, the Gunas, viz Tamas, Rajas and Sattvic, from which it can  operate in different proportions at different times. Based on the inputs from the senses, the thoughts arise in the mind. These thoughts are influenced by memory and emotions, the two appendages to the Mind and shape the way for the actions. If every thought is made to pass through Consciousness that is attached to the Mind, then the outcome can be known as Dharma, the right way to do the Actions. Actions are initiated through the organs in the body. It needs to be said here that while Dharma is the right action, it does not ensure release from the cycle of rebirth. For this, there is another concept called as Sharanagati, total surrender to God, which is to dedicate all the consequences of one's actions to God and this can take away the individual from the recurrent cycle. 

MAYA

Mind, however, is always attached to the Atman (Original Consciousness) but does not realise it. This is because this part is enveloped in a zone called as Maya. This Maya is a powerful force whose influence is extremely strong. It can be described as a wall, or as a barrier or a membrane enveloping the Mind and the body. The quality of Maya is that it is unreal but can give the illusion of reality to the Mind.  The analogy given by Sri Sankaracharaya is that of rope, that may appear in darkness  as a snake and create a fear. When light is shone on it, then it can be seen clearly as a rope. But for the realised, this rope also may disappear over a period of time by disintegrating. So same object appears in different forms. 

KARMA 

With this setup, the Mind undergoes experiences which are dictated by Karma. Karma, we can say, is a recording of the Mind of the consequences of its actions during its lifetime and can be carried over across different births. Therefore, a reborn mind has a deposit of Karma at the time of birth and more is acquired like money during the lifetime by actions executed by the Mind. Karma is a supreme Law, non-negociable, not interfered by even the Supreme Consciousness. Since the actions arise out of the thoughts arising in one's mind, even the thoughts come under the purview of Karma. Now we come to the purpose of this whole exercise. One is born to atone for the Karma, both good and the bad. But the same individual also generates fresh Karma during a lifetime which also need to be spent either in the same birth or in future births. There goes the cycle of births and deaths, a rigmarole of never-ending chain. 

THE REALISATION

According to the Scriptures, the Atman,  which for the reason had to manifest and undergo experiences due to accumulated Karma, at one point, realises that it wants to go back to its original state from which it was seperated. There are only 4 paths indicated, by following which this can be attained, namely the Karma Yog, Bhakti Yog, Gyan Yog and Raja Yog.

For an individual, when he starts to realise that he or she wants to attain this, can follow either one or more of these four methods or a combination of these. The practical method one must realise is that during the effort, called as Sadhana, to attain the original Atman , the end goal is that the mind must be made to shrink and finally dissolve. Once the Mind is shrunk and minimised to the maximum extent possible, then it shall become so small so as to pass through the fine pore in the Maya barrier and merge with the Atman just as a droplet of water in a river flows into the sea and merges with the vast ocean and loses its individual identity. Further, the Atman which has a thin wall seperating it from the Whole (called as Paramatma) ( remember mud pot example) also dissolves it's wall and merges with the Whole and loses its identity. 

THE PROCESS

But the process of shrinking of the Mind calls for strenous effort on the part of the individual and requires enormous power. Shrinking of the mind happens through intense concentration to create a focus. The purpose of the focus is to stop the thoughts that arise in the Mind, which are energy generated from the environment of Maya. When thoughts stop in the Mind, it starts shrinking. To stop thoughts from arising, the  stimulants (the five senses)have to be cut off. For eg. Eyes must stop seeing and perceiving, the ears have to fall deaf etc.. So, the wise people have described forms of Gods and installed them in temples, created music soothing for the soul and divine fragrances.The pleasures of the skin must be done away with. The tongue must taste only food that help in sustaining the life in the body till such time as the goal is attained.. With such efforts, the inputs from the senses are greatly restricted to enable the individual consciousness to focus. But, in the world of Maya  the disturbances are wide and varied in the world. So one must develop the power of discrimination. It is said that such efforts are so difficult that for an individual it is not possible without the guidance of a seer, a Guru.  So Vedas recommend to undergo tutelage under a teacher.  One must always dwell upon the Paramatma, called as supreme Brahman so as to concentrate and focus. 

For the layman, in day to day life,  many ways are prescribed towards concentration and shrinking of the Mind. Going to temples, indulging in Rama Nama, rituals, doing Nithya karmas such as sandhyavandana, homa, sacrifices, listening to namasankeerthanas and discourses, meditation, Yoga, penances and any way that purifies the thoughts ( chitta-shuddhi) are all Upasanas to focus on the end goal. Some practical ways in today's world are to shut out cacophonic noises and bombarding news, keeping a balanced view on all subjects, choosing wisely one's food intake, curbing ego and all the associated vices such as greed and malice, practicing simplicity and avoiding extravagance, refraining from judging are some tips to elevate one towards more peace and prepare oneself for ultimate liberation. 

 

PROCESS OF THE MIND

My theory is that human mind has four zones arranged probably in concentric circles. Thoughts arise from the mind core by some stimulus. Thoughts keep arising. Stimulus may be the five sense organs. The thoughts then pass through memory zone which feeds it with a precedent, if any. Next to this the thoughts enter emotions zone which gives it a suitable behavioural pattern. Finally the thoughts are wetted by Intellect zone (may also be known as conscience) for any possible warning of its ill-effects. Then thoughts turn into actions.  Actions have cause and effect, the Karma theory.  All these happen in fleeting time.

Mind itself may be part of Atman. Size of the mind depends upon the individual. If one tries to expand the Atman, mind can become dwindled. I doubt if the mind can be completely destroyed as long as an individual is within the maya. Only on death, and during the state called as samadhi, mind can be completely destroyed. The effort, therefore, in one's life, should be to expand the Atman and bring it to the focus. Atman itself is an infinitesimal part of the whole called as Paramatman. Atman, as we all know is indestructible. If one can realise the Atman, then at this stage, Matter ceases to exist as in 0 degree Kelvin. This state is called as Parabrahmam. 

A LIGHT HOUSE TO ATTAIN NIRVANA

During Infancy and Teenages -After coming out of childhood, respect your parents & elders. -Learn and imbibe good values, behavior, traits and habits. ( Gunas ) -Realize that at that age, your education is the most important thing in your life -Widen your knowledge with an open mind. Learn skills -Develop humility and simplicity. -If possible, continue Celibacy ( Brahmacharayam ) 

During Youth -Worship work and devotedly serve without expectations. -Follow rules of the society and practice discipline -Do not hurt other human beings, either physically or mentally or best, any living being. -Learn to control desires, lust and greed. Desires towards worldly comforts and material needs. (Smoking ,Drinking,Drug addiction, etc. come under this category) ;Lust towards women other than your wife, (includes even thoughts) ; Greed towards money and wealth. -Discharge your duties towards your wife and children. -Realize that your present is the result of your past Karma. There is no way one can escape this because it is Universal Justice. Learn to endure your bad karma and enjoy your good ones. This is your destiny. But you have a choice to decide your future destiny. -Success and failures are two sided of the same coin. -Take care of your parents and serve them as required. -Earn only enough to meet your needs. Rest should be given away. -Your responsibilities and duties become much less after your parents depart and children become on their own. Remember birds which feed their siblings only till the time they develop wings, but once grown encourage them to fly. 

During the Last part of life -At this stage, devote your time to God. Internalize. Or serve humanity/other people. -Do not be afraid of death. Take it calmly when it comes. Realize that it is a cycle of nature. -Ultimate goal is soul’s liberation to merge with God and freedom from births and deaths and the pains of this material world. True for all times ; Remember God always and repeat His Name as much as possible

THE NECTAR FROM SANATANA DHARMA

1. Life & Death are a small part of a long journey undertaken by the soul, something like changing clothes everyday. Another example is the roleplay by a particular character  in a movie. 

2. The Soul is immortal and eternal, has no form, cannot be destroyed by any force or fire. The sum total of all Soul may be a small part of the Supreme. 

3. Law of Karma is unquestionable and cannot be bypassed by anyone. 

4. In order to fulfil the purpose of Karma discharge, the Soul,called as the Atman comes to dwell in the body which acquires a form. This is akin to an individual taking a house on rent. The body is a perishable matter. So then Sanatana Dharma raises a pertinent question-why the attachment to something which in any way one shall lose at some time?  

5. The best way to live one's life is to accept things as they come and tune your response to your happenings. This way of life is called as Yog and the righteous response is called Dharma. 

6. Happiness is derived from enduring ones Karma and doing Dharma. Do one's duty with responsibility is the mantra. 

7. One must live in the ecosystem as an integral part of it and must fulfil all obligations. Ecosystem consists of biotic and abiotic components. So respect all. 

8. All amenities required for any being on  earth are provided by the Supreme Being in accordance with all considerations. Even human inventions are not really individual achievements but awarded to humanity to achieve a purpose.

9. Everything living as well as non-living has a lifecycle. But the span of life differs. Therein is the significance of Time. Typical lifecycle follows the same pattern of creation (birth), endurance and decay & death. 

10. The earth itself, which consists of all beings, are clothed in an environment called as Maya. Something like a mirage or illusion. The goal of a soul is to escape from this illusion. There are four ways (techniques) prescribed where a willing individual can escape from this Maya to achieve immorality and experience complete bliss. 

11. Human being is the highest form of the Soul.  A human soul is endowed with four components viz, mind, emotions, memory and intelligence. The vibrations are created in the mind which takes inputs from all the other components before a response. Control of the mind in a tight lease is prescribed to ensure appropriate.response. Intellect is the discerning authority. 

12. The vibrations created by the mind travel through a vehicle called as the Ego. Control of the mind is the degree to which this Ego is restricted. So dynamism is not desired. Calmer mind is preferred over an agitated mind. Limiting this vehicle called Ego is given a lot of importance in Sanatana Dharma. 

YOU CAN BE HAPPY NOW!!!

Many western authors have researched ( in the lab).about how to experience happiness. They are all based on sampling of a few Individuals and situations. But, in the world the people's traits and situations are so varied as the population itself.  

However the theory of Vedas on happiness is different. It goes like this. According to the Vedas, human form is an embodiment of happiness. It is best depicted by Maha Vishnu who is relaxing in a reclining position with a satisfied smile on his face. But due to Maya in the world, we are not easily able to perceive this state and get dissolved in mundane matters. It is like gold which inherently shines is put into a muddy slush. It's tendency remains the same but it vets blackened by surroundings. If it is able to clear this covering, then it's true quality is revealed. For human understanding we can say that happiness can be experienced by an individual if they conform to the following three behaviors.

1. Contentment - contentment means accepting what one has, in everything, be it finance, status, position or situation. If ones eyes are blind, accept. If one is poor, accept the situation as a fallout of one's Karma. That is, in this life, he/she deserves it. What others have is what they deserve. But contentment is very difficult to achieve in the material world. Whatever one perceives through the mind through the five senses get tempted and therefore want to possess. One has to consciously avoid this tendency by constant practice. 
2. Responsibility - The minute one is born the meter of responsibility starts. This is because one is born into a society filled with people. As one grows the responsibilities increase. There can be no escape from this. Responsibility gives rise to a whole lot of traits. Ego is one. Expectation is another. Bonding is another important trait. Then there are ambition, desires, moods, emotions, likes, dislikes what not. The nature of the world is such that these are very difficult to avoid.  They constitute an unavoidable burden because of which an individual is forced into action. The secret to overcome this, as advised by Vedas, is 'nishkama karma'. In simple terms, it means, involve in action, use discrimination to ensure Dharma in all actions, but dedicate the results to God. Just like a wagon which is loaded with goods, is attached to Engine (God) and travel the path of life. Lighten your mind, set aside your anxieties and worries and live through life in the present. The Engine knows the destination, the wagon does not. 
3. Energy field. -  An individual is covered by an energy field which exists in the form of halo around his body. Ideally this energy field is positive, by default  There is constant exchange of energy among people during daily activities. By getting involved in day-to-day activities and coming in touch with people, this energy field gets depleted as well gets converted to negative energy.  If energy is depleted, it causes depression & disease. As negative energy fills this field, one tends to show negative traits and behaviors  Positive energy can be perceived as a glow in the appearance whereas negative energy gives a drained appearance. While negative energy can be converted to positive energy by tools such as meditation, it can be blocked by traits such as forgiveness, patience and compassion. Sometimes it has the power to convert the incoming negative energy into positive. 

It may be noticed that Spiritual seers have all these qualities. The environment is transformed to be conducive to the exercise of these traits while earlier the individual was a slave of the environment. These are brought about by following Yoga in it's true sense.

TECHNIQUES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR

The mind of an Individual perceives through the five senses, viz the eyes that sees, the ears that hears, the nose that smells, the tongue that tastes and talks and the skin that feels. What is perceived this way gets stored in Memory attached to the mind. Thoughts arise in the mind like waves.. These thoughts are aided by the Memory, in so much, the memory feeds the thoughts with a precedent if any. Then the thoughts are complemented by the Emotions. The Intellect analyses these thoughts, sees the capability to act. Then the thoughts may get converted into actions. But the actions are guided by ones Karma.  So the actions may result  as success or failure. These then produce reactions in the Emotions and also the event get stored in Memory.

All these work in their independent capacity. There is, in human beings, one higher capability called as ATMAN. The Atman is a miniscule portion of that Supreme Being that controls the Universe. If this Atman is made to control the Mind, the Memory, the Emotions and the Intellect, then it may cause the action to be righteous at all times. Good cause produces good effects and therefore one gathers good Karma this way.

For egample, if an individual wants to become rich, the thought about getting rich arises in the mind. This is aided by the memory, which may indicate the correct status of the individual or whether once upon a time he was indeed rich. The thought is then complemented by Emotions such as a new found energy or a lackadaisical approach. The intellect then analysis and presents the choice available and ways to achieve richness. If the actions taken bear success, then the individual is happy, elated in emotions which may get stored as an event in his memory. If a failure, then it results in disappointment or depression which may get stored as a failed attempt in Memory.

In the whole thing, however, it is Karma which may decide the success or failure. It is therefore, in my opinion, the way in which the result is taken that may make or break the individual.

On the other hand,if the perceptions are strongly controlled, the thoughts arising from the mind are controlled, minimum input is given by the Memory, the Emotions kept balanced and restrained, the the controlled Intellect  is made to analyse properly, with the discriminating tendency applied, the actions is then minimum because the wants are minimum and probably only one, that is of achieving the Liberation of the Soul, the philosophy of living gets a totally new dimension. Worth the thought?.

Atman, Mind, Emotions, Intellect and Memory are all subtle. Atman is all pervasive, infinite, always in happiness, permanant and all knowing. It is this Atman while being born on Earth takes a material body. May be a samll part of Atman carries with it the other subtler elements with it  which then stores the Karma by erasing the events stored in the memory. Based on this the other subtler elements undergo certain changes which comes to the fore during the next birth.

For an individual if he can focus his mind on the Self, which is part of God himself, then his fixation changes from mind to Atman which is a far better controller. Then the mind shapes up, subjugates memory and emotions and even intellect and merges with the Atman. Ultimately the Atman becomes 100% which is liberation from the cycle of birth and death. 

NATURE’S LESSONS OF WISDOM

When the peak comes down

Water would rush to meet him.

Sun is born with a duty to light the world.

Does it expect anything in return?.

Moon is most beautiful when full

But it wanes and becomes naught one day.

Mountain peak said “nobody can touch me”

Sky said “remember I touch you as well as ground”

When everything in nature is available free

Why was money invented to rob man of peace?

When decay and bloom happen side by side

Can’t you see that sum total is a constant?.

Growth & Maturity have a definite time frame

Hastening them shall be at grave peril.