Forcibly stilling the mind will not provide a permanent solution as it will only lead to suppression. According to Hinduism, Manonasa (permanent stilling of mind) has to be attained through wisdom and the right action of removing the seeds that cause agitation and fluttering in the manas.
The concept discussed here delves into the nature of the
mind and its relationship with inner stillness and self-realization. Let's
break it down:
Forcibly Stilling the Mind: Attempting to forcefully quiet
the mind through suppression or coercion is not a sustainable solution. While
it may temporarily calm the mind's fluctuations, it doesn't address the
underlying causes of agitation and restlessness.
Manonasa - Permanent Stilling of the Mind: True stillness of
the mind, referred to as Manonasa, is not achieved through force but through
wisdom and right action. This involves identifying and removing the root causes
or seeds of mental agitation.
Role of Buddhi (Intellect): The intellect, or Buddhi, guides
individuals towards practices (sadhana), rituals (Yajna), and purifications
that aid in releasing stored impressions (Samskaras) at the level of Chitta
(subconscious mind).
Chitta-Vritti Nirodhah: This phrase from Patanjali's Yoga
Sutras encapsulates the essence of yoga as the cessation of the fluctuations of
the mind. When the waves of the Chitta settle, the mind achieves a state of
stillness and reflects the true nature of the Self.
Integration of Manas and Chitta: The mind (Manas), which
typically follows the fluctuations of the Chitta, can effortlessly merge into
the Self when the Chitta achieves stillness. This integration is facilitated by
the role of Buddhi in guiding the individual towards the appropriate practices
and actions.
In summary, the passage emphasizes that true stillness of
the mind is attained not through force but through understanding, wisdom, and
appropriate action. By addressing the root causes of mental fluctuations and
allowing the mind to settle naturally, individuals can move closer to
self-realization and inner peace.