Additional Information And Explanation:
The incident of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa witnessing a circus performance and the remarkable feat of the lady balancing on a running horse becomes an allegory for spiritual discipline and the power of Abhyasa (practice). This seemingly simple event is imbued with deeper symbolism and serves as an analogy for the journey of self-realization, especially the efforts required to attain spiritual focus and control over the mind.
Symbolism and Importance
The Running Horse and Spiritual Practice: The horse galloping at full speed can be seen as a metaphor for the uncontrollable, ever-restless nature of the human mind. In many spiritual traditions, particularly in Hinduism, controlling the mind is considered the greatest challenge on the path to liberation or self-realization. The lady’s ability to balance on the moving horse while jumping through rings symbolizes the mastery of mind and body through rigorous Abhyasa (consistent practice).
Jumping Through Rings – Overcoming Obstacles: The rings represent obstacles in life. Just as the woman in the circus doesn’t lose her balance while navigating these rings, a spiritual aspirant must learn to overcome the many distractions, attachments, and trials of life without losing focus on the goal of spiritual realization.
Balancing on One Leg – Single-pointed Focus: Balancing on one leg denotes the power of concentration and single-pointed focus (Ekaagrata) that is essential for spiritual growth. Sri Ramakrishna suggests that attaining a stable connection with the divine amidst the world’s distractions requires focus and continuous practice, as demonstrated by the circus performer.
Similar Examples in Hindu Philosophy
Practice and Detachment in the Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita places great emphasis on Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (detachment). In Chapter 6, Verse 35, Lord Krishna says:
"Asamshayam maha-baaho mano durnigraham chalam, Abhyasena tu kaunteya vairaagyena cha grihyate" (“O mighty-armed, undoubtedly the mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it can be controlled by constant practice and detachment.”)
Here, Krishna highlights that like taming a wild horse, controlling the mind requires sustained effort and self-discipline, echoing the metaphor Sri Ramakrishna used.
The Role of Tapasya (Austerity): Hindu scriptures often speak of great sages and yogis practicing rigorous austerities (Tapasya) to attain mastery over their senses and mind. Much like the circus performer who spends countless hours practicing to perfect her balance, yogis commit themselves to long periods of meditation, fasting, and solitude to gain control over their restless minds.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, also emphasizes the importance of Abhyasa. Sutra 1.12 states:
"Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tan nirodhah" (The fluctuations of the mind are controlled by practice and detachment.)
This idea aligns perfectly with Sri Ramakrishna’s metaphor, showing that only through constant practice and detachment from worldly distractions can one hope to attain a peaceful and focused mind.
Modern-Day Relevance and Practicality
In today's fast-paced world, where distractions are endless, Sri Ramakrishna’s analogy is even more relevant. The mind is constantly bombarded by information, technology, and external stimuli. For most people, the challenge of maintaining focus—whether on spiritual practice, work, or personal goals—is a common struggle. The need for Abhyasa (practice) to stabilize the mind is more critical now than ever.
Mindfulness and Meditation: In modern-day life, meditation and mindfulness practices have gained immense popularity as tools to help people focus their attention and control their thoughts. Whether it's spiritual seekers trying to connect with the divine or professionals trying to stay productive amidst distractions, regular mindfulness and meditation serve as practical examples of the "practice" Sri Ramakrishna emphasized.
Consistency in Daily Habits: Whether it’s learning a new skill, developing good habits, or working on personal growth, consistent practice is key to success. Like the lady in the circus who perfected her balancing act, people must consistently work toward their goals, both spiritual and worldly, to achieve mastery.
Balancing Material and Spiritual Life: Sri Ramakrishna’s metaphor can also be applied to the idea of living in the world while pursuing spiritual goals. The lady riding the horse can be seen as someone trying to balance the material aspects of life (represented by the fast-moving horse) while keeping their spiritual focus intact (represented by her stability and poise). In modern terms, this could mean maintaining one's career, relationships, and responsibilities while still dedicating time to meditation, introspection, and ethical living.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures on Practice and Effort
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, Verse 26:
"Yato yato nischalati manas chanchalam asthiram, Tatastato niyamyaitad atmanyeva vasham nayet" ("Whenever and wherever the restless and unsteady mind wanders, one should restrain it and bring it back under the control of the Self.")
This reflects the essence of practice—continuously bringing the mind back to focus, despite its tendency to wander.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras 1.14:
"Sa tu dirgha-kala-nairantarya-satkara-asevito drdha-bhumi" ("Practice becomes firmly grounded when continued for a long time, without interruption, and with sincere devotion.")
This sutra highlights the necessity of consistent, prolonged effort—exactly what Sri Ramakrishna illustrates through his example of the circus performer.
Additional Thoughts
The analogy Sri Ramakrishna uses teaches a crucial lesson: spiritual growth is not instantaneous, and one cannot expect immediate results. Just like the circus performer who likely spent years mastering her skill, spiritual aspirants must cultivate patience, dedication, and perseverance.
Relevance to Self-Improvement: In any area of life, be it education, professional advancement, or personal growth, the value of consistent practice cannot be overstated. The power of small, sustained efforts over time is transformative. Sri Ramakrishna’s metaphor highlights that to master anything—whether it’s spiritual focus or worldly success—requires both time and effort.
Sri Ramakrishna’s thoughts on the power of Abhyasa remind us that spiritual mastery, much like any skill, comes through consistent practice. His use of the circus performance as an analogy illustrates how, despite the distractions and challenges of life, with persistent practice, one can develop the ability to focus their mind on higher goals, ultimately achieving peace and self-realization. Whether applied to spiritual life or worldly endeavors, the lesson of Abhyasa is timeless and profoundly practical for anyone seeking growth and mastery.