Benefiting from the learning of four
functions of Mind.
The cause of our suffering: The entire cause of our mental and emotional suffering is
the false identification between Ahamkara and the data that is
stored in Chitta. (Eventually, at a deeper level, the Self is
seen to have falsely identified itself with the Four Functions of Mind
themselves). By witnessing the
Four Functions of Mind, while they are functioning, we increasingly come to see
this mistaken identity, which leads to freedom.
Buddhi becomes witness to this mistaken identity: It is the function of mind called Buddhi,
which, once again, knows, decides, adjudges, and discriminates. In other words, Buddhi is
the part that sees the situation clearly. Eventually, the Self or Atman is
seen as witness to all of the Four Functions of Mind, including Buddhi itself.
Purifying Buddhi is the most important goal: How does this clarity come? It happens
by removing
the clouds of spiritual ignorance (avidya)
that are blocking the wisdom of Buddhi. Thus, the most important
goal of all practices is purifying Buddhi.
Three freedoms
There
are three freedoms that come sequentially over time through this purifying or
clarity of Buddhi:
·Actions:
First is freedom from the bondage of actions. As Ahamkara and Chitta become
less associated through the colorings such as attachment and aversions (kleshas),
there is greater freedom in actions.
·Thoughts:
Second is freedom from the bondage of thoughts. The degree of the coloring
further weekens through the process of un-clouding the Buddhi.
·Ignorance:
Third is freedom from the bondage of ignorance (avidya).
In this final stage, Buddhi has become so completely clear
that it is able to see through all of the process of false identity.
Going Beyond the Mind
Mind directs,
influences, and goes outward:
It
is imperative that one become aware of the facts that:
· Mind controls:
It is the mind that is in direct control of the senses, breath, and body.
· Mind goes outward:
It is the mind that influences the senses and causes them to go out into the
external world.
· Mind desires:
It is the mind that desires to perceive the world through the senses and then
to conceptualize and categorize those sense perceptions.
· It's all about training the mind: All sadhanas (spiritual practices),
techniques, and disciplines are actually means to train the mind (all of the
Four Functions of Mind).
· Train mind to go beyond itself: The most important part of the training
is to make the mind aware that Reality lies beyond itself, and that this
Reality is the eternal aspect of the Self or Soul.
· Mind is the finest instrument: The mind is the finest instrument that
we possess. If it is understood well, the mind can be helpful in our spiritual
practices (sadhana). However, the mind must be well-ordered and disciplined.
Otherwise, the mind can distract and dissipate all of our potentials.
What Is Meditation?
Put
a piece of iron rod in the blazing furnace. It becomes red like fire. Remove
it. It loses its red colour. If you want to keep it always red, you must always
keep it in fire. Even so, if you want to keep the mind charged with the fire of
God realization goal, you must keep it always in contact or touch with the fire
of knowledge through constant and intense meditation.
Leading
a virtuous life is not by itself sufficient for God-realization. Concentration
of mind is absolutely necessary. A good, virtuous life only prepares the mind
as a fit instrument for concentration and meditation. It is concentration and
meditation that eventually lead to Self-realization.
God
has hidden Himself in this world (immanent) and is seated in the cave of the
lotus of your heart. He is an absentee landlord. You will have to seek Him
through concentration and meditation with a pure mind. This is the real play of
hide and seek.
All
the visible things are Maya. Maya will vanish through Jnana or meditation on
Atman. One should exert himself to get rid of Maya. Maya havocs through the
mind. Destruction of the mind means the annihilation of Maya. Nidhidhyasana is
the only way for conquering Maya. Lord Buddha, Raja Bhartrihari, Dattatreya,
Akhow of Gujarat - all had conquered Maya and mind through deep meditation
only. Enter the silence. Meditate. Meditate. Solitude and intense meditation
are two important requisites for Self-Realization.
Love.
