Source - Vedanta Kesari June 2014
Strange Are The Ways of the Mind: A Hindu Perspective
The phrase "Strange are the ways of the mind" reflects the complexity, unpredictability, and immense power of the human mind. Hinduism, with its rich tapestry of scriptures, symbols, and philosophies, offers profound insights into the nature of the mind and its workings. Let's explore this concept through various lenses within the Hindu tradition.
1. The Mind in Hindu Philosophy
In Hinduism, the mind is often described as a double-edged sword. It can be a source of liberation (moksha) or bondage (samsara), depending on how it is controlled or allowed to run wild. The mind is intricately connected to the three gunas (qualities) — sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). The Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and other scriptures delve into the mind's nature and its role in the spiritual journey.
The Katha Upanishad (1.3.3-4) uses the analogy of a chariot to describe the mind:
"Know the Self as the rider in a chariot, and the body as the chariot. Know the intellect as the charioteer and the mind as the reins."
Here, the mind is depicted as the reins controlling the senses (the horses), and the intellect must guide the mind toward the right path. If the mind is not properly controlled, the senses may lead the soul astray, highlighting the importance of a disciplined mind.
2. Symbolism in Hinduism
The mind is often symbolized by various deities and mythological figures in Hinduism. For example, Hanuman, the monkey god, represents the restless nature of the mind but also its immense potential when harnessed. In the Ramayana, Hanuman's mind is initially impulsive and mischievous, but through devotion and discipline, he becomes a symbol of strength, wisdom, and devotion.
Similarly, Shiva in his form as Dakshinamurthy, represents the ultimate teacher who imparts knowledge through silence, symbolizing the stilling of the mind to realize the Self.
3. Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
Apart from the Bhagavad Gita, several other scriptures emphasize the mind's power and the need for its regulation:
Yoga Vasistha: This ancient text is a dialogue between Sage Vasistha and Lord Rama, addressing the mind's nature in depth. One key quote is:
"The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation; a mind attached to sense objects leads to bondage, while a detached mind leads to liberation."
Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.9):
"By the serene mind (prasanna manas), the seeker sees the Atman (Self) clearly in meditation."
This verse emphasizes the clarity and peace that come from a mind free from turbulence, leading to self-realization.
4. Stories Illustrating the Mind's Nature
Hindu mythology is replete with stories that illustrate the mind's peculiar ways. One famous story is that of Arjuna and Ashwatthama. In the Mahabharata, after the war, Arjuna is torn between his duty as a warrior and his emotions as a human when he must kill Ashwatthama, who was responsible for the death of his sons. His mind wavers, showing the conflict between dharma (duty) and personal attachment.
Another story is that of King Bharata, who renounced his kingdom to meditate in the forest. However, his mind became attached to a deer he was caring for, leading to his rebirth as a deer. This story highlights how the mind's subtle attachments can lead to bondage.
5. Importance of Controlling the Mind
In Hinduism, controlling the mind is seen as essential for spiritual progress. The mind is compared to a wild monkey, and through practices like yoga, meditation, and japa (repetition of a mantra), it can be tamed. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras emphasize Chitta Vritti Nirodha (control of the fluctuations of the mind) as the goal of yoga, leading to a state of Samadhi, or union with the divine.
6. Lesser-Known Facts
Subconscious Influence: Hindu texts often reference the subconscious mind, known as the Chitta. It stores impressions (samskaras) from past actions, which can unconsciously influence behavior. Meditation and self-inquiry are practices recommended for purifying the chitta.
Manas and Buddhi: In Hindu psychology, the mind (manas) is distinct from the intellect (buddhi). While the mind is associated with emotions and thoughts, the intellect is associated with discernment and wisdom. The integration of manas and buddhi is crucial for making balanced decisions.
7. Modern-Day Relevance
In today's fast-paced world, the teachings of Hinduism on the mind are more relevant than ever. Stress, anxiety, and mental unrest are common issues, and Hindu practices offer practical solutions:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like meditation (dhyana) and mindfulness (sati) are derived from Hindu traditions and have become globally recognized for their benefits in mental health.
Detachment (Vairagya): The concept of vairagya, or non-attachment, helps individuals navigate the material world without being overwhelmed by it. This is particularly useful in managing stress and maintaining mental peace in daily life.
Practical Wisdom: Understanding that the mind is the root of both happiness and suffering can inspire individuals to cultivate positive thoughts, engage in self-reflection, and seek inner peace rather than external validation.
8. Practicality in Daily Life
The teachings on the mind in Hinduism are not just philosophical but highly practical. For example:
Self-Observation: By observing the mind's tendencies without judgment, one can gain insight into personal habits and transform negative patterns.
Mantra Repetition: Chanting a mantra like "Om" or "Gayatri" can help focus the mind, reduce stress, and increase concentration.
Daily Reflection: Setting aside time each day for introspection can help in understanding the mind's workings, leading to more conscious decisions and actions.
The phrase "Strange are the ways of the mind" encapsulates a profound truth acknowledged in Hinduism. The mind is powerful, enigmatic, and central to both our bondage and liberation. Through understanding, disciplining, and transcending the mind, one can achieve peace, wisdom, and ultimately, union with the divine. Hinduism, with its deep and varied insights, provides timeless tools to navigate the complexities of the mind in both spiritual and everyday contexts.
On The Topic Mind
The jnani's mind is known only to the jnani. One must be a jnani oneself in order to understand another jnani. However, the peace of mind which permeates the saint's atmosphere is the only means by which the seeker understands the greatness of the saint.
His words or actions or appearance are no indication of his greatness, for they are ordinarily beyond the comprehension of common people. (Ramana Maharshi Talks, no. 426)
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Swami Sivananda believed that the mortification of the body could not lead to Liberation unless the passions were calmed and the mind disciplined.
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Truth to be Truth must be universal and all-inclusive. That state in which the Truth is realised cannot be veiled, much less obstructed by the mind and its three states: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. The state which at once transcends and includes the three states of the mind is known as sahaja sthiti. In other words, the Silence of the Sage is constant and exercises uninterruptedly its benign influence, whether the Sage appears outwardly to be aware of the world or not.
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Sage Vasistha says in the Yoga Vasistha that there are two kinds of hearts; the one which is all-pervading and which should be 'accepted', and the other which is limited by time and space and which should be 'rejected'. The all-pervading Heart is within as well as without, and when the 'body-am-I' idea disappears, it is neither within nor without. That is the real Heart. In that, all things appear as images in a mirror. When the mind gets rid of all desires, the vital breath gets quiet, and the all-pervading Heart is experienced as such.