Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji answers the question - what is real control over the mind?
A fasting man or a man suffering from fever is not attracted
by sweet smell of delicious food. His mind is not tempted. This does not mean
that these desires have completely disappeared from his mind. When the fast is
broken or when the fever subsides, the mind is again tempted by these
attractions. This shows that the desires remain latent like embers under the ashes.
It follows that by merely fasting or observing other forms
of penance, one cannot master the sense organs and control the mind. It may
appear as if these had been mastered; but at the first trial of strength, the mind
will succumb to temptations.
Therefore, it is that Bhagavan has emphasized more than once in the Bhagavad Gita that anyone desiring to acquire true knowledge and understand the Swaroopa of the Paramatma must surrender himself to Him.
Fasting and other forms of discipline create a proper
atmosphere for self-control; but complete self-control can be acquired only
through grace of God.
Real control over the mind comes with the realization that
everything including oneself is Vasudeva -- Vasudeva Sarvam Iti. With the
dawning of that realization a person's senses cease to be attracted by external
objects, his mind does not run away with his sense-organs, and he maintains his
mental equipoise even under the most trying circumstances.
– Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji (20 May 1894 – 8 January 1994), or the Sage of Kanchi, was the 68th Jagadguru of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
– Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji (20 May 1894 – 8 January 1994), or the Sage of Kanchi, was the 68th Jagadguru of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.