The first lesson in controlling the mind is self awareness; sit for some time and let the mind run on. Let the monkey mind jump as much as he can; you simply wait and watch.
Give the monkey the rein; many hideous thoughts may come into it; you will be astonished that it was possible for you to think such thoughts. But you will find that each day the mind’s vagaries are becoming less and less violent, that each day it is becoming calmer. In the first few months you will find that the mind will have a great many thoughts, later you will find that they have somewhat decreased, and in a few more months they will be fewer and fewer, until at last the mind will be under perfect control; but we must patiently practice every day.
The first lesson in controlling the mind ... he can; you simply wait and watch.
Swami Vivekananda's teachings often emphasize the importance
of self-awareness as a foundational step in controlling the mind. This concept
is deeply rooted in mindfulness practices found in various spiritual traditions
and philosophies around the world.
When Vivekananda talks about letting the mind run on and
observing it, he's essentially advocating for a practice similar to mindfulness
meditation. In this practice, rather than trying to suppress or control our
thoughts, we observe them without judgment or attachment.
The analogy of the "monkey mind" is frequently
used in Eastern philosophy to describe the restless and chaotic nature of our
thoughts. Like a monkey jumping from one branch to another, our mind often
jumps from one thought to another, making it difficult to concentrate or find
inner peace.
By sitting quietly and allowing the mind to wander freely,
we become more aware of its patterns and tendencies. This awareness is crucial
because it allows us to recognize when our thoughts are leading us astray or
causing unnecessary stress and suffering. Instead of getting caught up in the
endless stream of thoughts, we learn to observe them from a place of
detachment.
Through regular practice, we can cultivate greater
self-awareness and develop the ability to control our mind rather than being
controlled by it. This can lead to greater clarity, inner peace, and a deeper
understanding of ourselves and the world around us.