Uprooting of Impulses
Of all the workshops of the world, the workshop of the body is the most wonderful, because it is the tabernacle of the Lord. In such a factory, the impulses are sublimated into vows, the impurities are weeded out, beneficent desires are shaped and good imaginings are brought about. The main aim is the uprooting of impulse, though this is a difficult task.
Mountains can be swept away sooner than these deep-rooted Vvasanas (impure impulses). But with will-power and zest, supported by faith, they can be overcome in a short time. Only, do not give up your determination and faith, whatever the loss, hardship, or obstacle. Remember, the vasanas overpower you and keep you down as their slave. Opium and brandy enslave you and hold you in their full grip only for some time; but vasanas grip you for a whole lifetime! The entire meaning and purpose of dhyanam [meditation] is to attain freedom from these mighty and manifold vasanas.
If the shubha vasanas or beneficent impulses are encouraged and cultivated, they will not go on multiplying indefinitely and binding the mind; they become fried seeds, which will not sprout. If you stick to the shubha vasanas, you can easily acquire Brahma jnana (divine knowledge). These vasanas, are characterized by such activities as the association with mahatmas, reverence for the great, conversation with them, following their advice, charity, fortitude, love, patience, truth, courage, continence, etc. These are the pure impulses. The impure tendencies (vasanas) lead one to such vices as the craving to see things that cater to the lower desires (like cinema pictures); to eat dishes that are full of rajas (like fish, flesh, etc.); to drink intoxicants that ruin one’s personality; they develop anger, delusion, greed, conceit, deceit, hatred, envy, etc.
Such impure tendencies are of three types: worldly vasanas, scholarly or intellectual vasanas and physical or bodily vasanas. The physical impulses make men desire a beautiful physique, a strong sturdy build, a glossy skin that will never be disfigured by wrinkles, and round hard muscles. The scholarly vasanas prompt man to crave for being known as an unrivalled expert and for the defeat of every competitor in the field and lastly, the worldly vasanas, the craving for glory, for power, personal authority, and pomp. All such desires can be grouped under this head. All these are impulses. These bind you to the wheel of samsara [world] and tie you down to this earth.
How to use the body as an implement, as a boat for example, to cross the stream of life? Until the other bank is reached, or in other words, until the ultimate truth is attained, you must take care to see that it is not damaged or broken or leaky. Let not the boat fall to pieces; be on the lookout for the signs. That is to say; moderate food of good satwik [pure] quality at the correct time and disciplined physical activities for the body should not be given up. Such activity directed to the spiritual becomes the discipline needed for real sadhana (spiritual practice).
Source: Dhyana Vahini, Pp 56-57, 58-59, 62-63.
