Kabir – Dohas on Control of Mind

A few dohas of Kabir Das on how to control mind

The king, the beggar, and the saint all are disconsolate. Only he who controls his mind is happy and content.

If one has given his mind he has given his all. With the mind goes the body too; Then nothing remains.

Reading and hearing all the scriptures, learnt all the knowledge in them, yet doubts of mind did not go, says Kabir, from doubts sorrows stem!

Without any sea or seashell and in the absence of svati rain, gems are formed in the void space on the hill top. Symbolically it means that spiritual experience can be formed independently without any outward help.

I have cleansed my mind pure like Ganga water, the lord now runs after me I find calling ‘Kabir’, ‘Kabir’.
Sant Kabir

Explanation

Sant Kabirdas elaborates on this profound insight, suggesting that regardless of their external circumstances—whether they be the powerful king residing in opulence, the impoverished beggar navigating the hardships of the streets, or the devoted saint in contemplative isolation—all individuals may experience disconsolation. However, true happiness and contentment are attained exclusively by those who achieve mastery over their own minds. This mastery allows one to transcend the fluctuating conditions of life and find inner peace, regardless of the external world's challenges or comforts.

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When someone fully commits their mind to something, they dedicate their entirety. The mind, as the seat of thoughts, intentions, and decisions, represents the essence of one's commitment and effort. In giving their mind, they engage not only intellectually but also emotionally and spiritually, investing their deepest convictions and aspirations.

Moreover, when the mind is wholly engaged, the body inevitably follows suit. Actions stem from thoughts, and a committed mind propels physical efforts and actions towards realizing goals or ideals. This unity of mind and body signifies a complete dedication, where every aspect of the self is aligned towards a singular purpose or belief.

Therefore, when one has given their mind, encompassing both intellectual and physical commitment, they have exhausted their capacity to contribute further. At this point, nothing remains to hold back or reserve, as they have poured out their entirety into the pursuit or cause they have embraced.

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Kabir emphasizes that even after immersing oneself in the diligent study and attentive listening of all scriptures, meticulously absorbing their profound teachings, the doubts entrenched within the mind persist unrelentingly. Despite the vast expanse of acquired knowledge, Kabir points out that these lingering uncertainties act as the seeds from which sorrows inevitably sprout and proliferate. In his view, the unresolved doubts within the mind not only hinder spiritual clarity but also contribute significantly to the suffering experienced in life. Thus, Kabir underscores the critical importance of transcending these doubts to attain true peace and liberation from sorrow.