Know Your Thoughts To Control Them - Hinduism Insights

"Know Your Thoughts To Control Them" – A Hindu Perspective

In Hinduism, thoughts are seen as the core element shaping our consciousness and, ultimately, our destiny. The concept of controlling one's thoughts to shape one's reality is deeply embedded in the teachings of Hindu philosophy. This idea emphasizes that by knowing and understanding our thoughts, we can begin to gain mastery over them, preventing undesirable tendencies from leading us astray.

Symbolism and Philosophy in Hinduism

In the Hindu scriptures, the mind (Manas) and thoughts (Sankalpa) are often compared to unruly horses that must be tamed. The Bhagavad Gita, for instance, emphasizes the importance of self-control, particularly control over the mind, to attain spiritual liberation (Moksha). The uncontrolled mind is likened to a storm, while the controlled mind is a calm lake that reflects the true nature of the soul.

• Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 6, Verse 6): "For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy."

In Hinduism, thoughts are seen as the root of both bondage and liberation. The Upanishads, another central scripture, teach that one's inner world reflects the outer world, and by purifying one's thoughts, a person can purify their life experiences.

Symbolism of Thoughts as Energy (Prana)

In Hindu teachings, thoughts are often considered to be subtle forms of energy (Prana). The Yogic system, particularly through practices like meditation (Dhyana) and pranayama (breath control), teaches that controlling the flow of Prana can help regulate the mind. This is because the breath and mind are intricately connected—by calming the breath, one can calm the mind.

The mind in Hindu philosophy is not just a physical organ but part of the subtle body (Sukshma Sharira). Sankalpa, or thought intentions, are seen as seeds that, when nurtured, manifest into actions and ultimately shape a person's reality.

The Importance of Knowing and Controlling Thoughts

1. Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): According to Hindu philosophy, ignorance (Avidya) leads to delusion and the continuous cycle of birth and death (Samsara). Thoughts driven by attachment, desire, and aversion bind an individual to this cycle. By gaining awareness and control over thoughts, one can achieve freedom from this cycle and attain enlightenment.

2. Karma and the Power of Thoughts: Hinduism teaches that actions (Karma) are driven by intentions (thoughts). Positive thoughts create good Karma, while negative ones lead to suffering. Understanding this, one can focus on cultivating pure thoughts that align with Dharma (righteousness) and cosmic order.

3. Mind as the Creator of Reality: The Chandogya Upanishad expresses the idea that the mind is the creator of both joy and suffering. Thus, knowing and controlling thoughts leads to the creation of a more harmonious reality.

   • Chandogya Upanishad (7.26.2): "As is your thought, so is your life. You are what your deep driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny."

Practicality in Day-to-Day Life

In modern times, the idea of knowing and controlling thoughts remains highly relevant. With constant distractions and stimuli, mindfulness and mental discipline are vital for well-being. Here are some ways this concept can be applied:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness, or being aware of one’s thoughts without attachment, allows one to see their transient nature. Meditation is a core practice in Hinduism that aids in quieting the mind and understanding thought patterns.

2. Self-Reflection (Swadhyaya): The practice of self-study, or Swadhyaya, involves observing and understanding one's thoughts and tendencies. This helps in identifying thought patterns that cause suffering, leading to greater self-awareness and eventual self-mastery.

3. Detachment (Vairagya): One of the essential teachings of Hinduism is the practice of detachment. By learning to observe thoughts without becoming attached or identifying with them, individuals can prevent being swayed by negative emotions like anger, jealousy, or greed.

4. Affirmation and Positive Thinking (Sankalpa Shakti): Sankalpa Shakti, or the power of intention, teaches that positive affirmations and disciplined thinking can create positive outcomes in life. By focusing on noble goals and cultivating positive thoughts, one attracts harmony and success.

Modern-Day Relevance

In today’s world, where stress, anxiety, and mental health issues are increasingly prevalent, Hinduism's teachings on thought control offer profound wisdom. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, mirrors these ancient teachings by focusing on the link between thoughts and feelings. The practice of observing and replacing negative thought patterns with constructive ones is a direct application of this idea.

The principle of controlling thoughts also aligns with contemporary wellness trends like mindfulness meditation, which has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation.

Examples in Hinduism:

1. Lord Krishna’s Teachings in the Mahabharata: Throughout the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna repeatedly instructs Arjuna to control his thoughts, conquer doubt, and align his mind with his soul’s higher purpose.

2. Sage Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: Patanjali, the ancient sage, emphasized that "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind" (Yoga Sutras, 1.2). His teachings on Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold Path) highlight the importance of mental control for spiritual and physical well-being.

The Ongoing Journey of Mastery Over Thoughts

The control of thoughts is not an overnight process but a lifelong practice. Hinduism teaches that the mind, while initially untamed, can become a tool for liberation when disciplined through spiritual practice. As one gains mastery over thoughts, they can align themselves with their true nature, Atman, or the inner Self, leading to inner peace and contentment.

In a modern context, cultivating awareness of thoughts allows individuals to lead more intentional, harmonious, and fulfilling lives. By recognizing that thoughts are the seeds of action, we can mindfully choose which seeds to nurture, shaping our destiny in alignment with the greater cosmic order.

Additional Thoughts:

Thoughts happen when external materials trigger already inherent internal responders. Thoughts can happen only when the internal responders are triggered.

Our likings, inclinations and interests trigger thoughts.

Copper Mask of Indra, the king of Devas, 13th  Century CE - Nepal

 

All thoughts are the result of our Vasanas – subconscious inclination; conditioning, tendencies, or self-limitations; predispositions and habits.

To control the thoughts we need to dive deeper into the world of Vasanas and regulate them.

Next is detachment from the Vasanas. This can be achieved through constant practice by not letting Vasanas to rise up in the mind.

You should reach such a situation that thoughts cannot make any impact. They are beyond the boundaries. The moment it appears it is thrown out or put down with a firm foot.

A worldly person can stop here, as thoughts are necessary to make a living in the world. Now the worldly person knows which thought should be nurtured and which should be quelled. All negative thoughts should be thrown out and only positive thoughts should be given space.

Next is the complete death of thought. When thought dies, there is no mind.

Next a person completely detaches from the body.

Next the person has no feeling of body – the person does not even exist. Other might see the person but the person has merged in the Supreme Silence – such people are known as Avadhuta.

In the next step, the person is no longer the drop but the ocean. There is no seeker and sought. There is only sat chit ananda.

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Abhilash