Meditation attenuates coloring: This is where meditation can be of tremendous value in getting free from these deep impressions. We sit quietly, focusing the mind, yet intentionally allow the cycling process to play out, right in front of our awareness. Gradually it weakens, so we can experience the deeper silence, where we can come in greater touch with the spiritual aspects of meditation.
Now, the next piece of the process is to evaluate whether the thought is Useful or Not Useful. This, in turn leads to the question of whether we will, or will not cultivate this thought, and whether we will or will not allow it to turn into actions. We may ask, for example, "Should I do it, or not do it?" "Should I give this any energy, or let it go?"
A simple sequence might be like this:
"This thought is colored. It's aversion, though mild".
"I'm not seeing clearly. I need to look at this more clearly".
"This is Not Useful, mind".
"I'm not going to act on this. Mind, we need to take a closer look at this, and let go of any actions for now".
Or, like this:
"This thought is colored. It's attachment, and pretty strong".
"Mind is fantasizing, but also can see this clearly".
"The thought has some pure, sattvic qualities".
"This may be colored, but it really is Useful and serves others".
"I'm going to do this, but mind, remember to do it for others".
Or, to be quiet for meditation:
"This is colored. I've been exploring this already, dealing with it".
"Mind, this is Not Useful right now".
"Don't get entangled in this right now. Let it go".
"Mind, focus on the stillness behind all these thoughts".
· Talk to yourself: Then, you literally say to your mind either "Useful" or "Not Useful". This is spoken internally, not aloud. It is somewhat the way one might train a small child. It is done very lovingly, but with a clear statement of the reality of being Useful or Not Useful.
· Cultivate the useful thoughts: If a thought is Useful, then it is easier to cultivate that thought, and bring it into action in the external world if that is appropriate. In this way, more of the Useful thoughts are cultivated, while more of the Not Useful thoughts are dropped. This is an extremely useful part of the process of stabilizing and purifying the mind, which sets the stage for advanced meditation and samadhi.
Enquiry Of 'Who Am I?'
Moksha (release from the Samsaric wheel of birth and death) comes through Jnana (knowledge of Atman or God). Jnana comes through Vichara (right enquiry) of 'Who am I?' or understanding and thinking of the right essential significance of the Mahavakya, "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That) of the Upanishads.
Enquiry of 'Who am I?' and understanding of 'Tat Tvam Asi' are one and the same.
Brahma-Jnana, which enquires into the true nature of 'I' is the fire which destroys the mind. It is the 'Jnanagni' referred to in the Gita (IV-37): "Jnanagnih sarvakarmani bhasmasatkurute tatha-The fire of wisdom reduces all actions (and the false 'I') to ashes."
When any thought arises in the mind, enquire: Why has this Vritti (modification) arisen? Whom it concerns? Who am I? All the thoughts will die eventually. All mental activities will cease. The mind will turn inward. It will rest on Atman. This is Vedantic Sadhana. You will have to persist constantly in the Sadhana whatever stray thoughts arise. The one thought 'Who am I?' will destroy all other thoughts of worldly nature.
Hari Aum Tatsat.
Hari Aum Tatsat.
