The Mind

There are three states relating to the mind; shoonyatwa (emptiness), anekagrata (simultaneous pulls of multiple thoughts) and ekagrata (one-pointedness). These three states are referable to and arise from the three gunas (qualities) in man. While tamoguna (indolence) brings about a blankness in the mind, rajoguna (quality that induces animated action) provokes the mind into wandering hither and thither. Satwaguna (quality that promotes sacred aspects of human life) stills the mind into one-pointed contemplation. Thus, it is only those who cultivate satwaguna that can undertake meditation with ease.

Digest, p. 194

The study of the mind and the science of perfecting consciousness have not developed because man seeks peace and joy in external things and objective pleasures. The attention all along has been on the outer senses and methods by which they can be used to collect information and pleasurable experiences. The vast regions of inner consciousness have been left fallow. The fact that mind is the creator of the multiple world of the senses is ignored.

Digest II, p. 215

Therefore, you have to make every effort to turn your mind away from the sense organs and toward God…. The mind needs a certain amount of peace. Just as the body needs rest, the mind needs peace. How can the mind get peace? It is only when you control the thinking process and slow the flow of thoughts that the mind will be able to get some peace. The mind will always try to go out through the sense organs toward various sense-objects; this then gives rise to the thinking process. If you control this tendency of the mind to go outward and instead turn it inward toward God, impure thoughts will diminish. Then you will be using the mind properly, and giving it some rest, as well. This has been described as abhyasa yoga, the yoga of constant practice.

Digest II, p. 213

Without controlling the mind too rigidly and without allowing it to go too freely, we should encourage it to do good acts, and we should control it when there is any tendency to participate in bad acts. Thus, by distinguishing between good acts and bad acts, we should be able to guide the mind in a moderate manner between the two extremes.

Do not condemn the mind as a monkey, etc. It is a fine instrument with which you can win either liberation or bondage. It all depends on how you manipulate it

Digest, pp. 193-194

However many trials and tribulations come in the way, look upon them as an unconcerned witness, with detachment, and do not let your mind be affected. Teach it this witness attitude.

Digest II, p. 215