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Forcibly Stilling The Mind Is Not A Permanent Solution - Hinduism Insight

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.