Miscellaneous - Religion   

Control of mind essential

CHENNAI DEC. 12 . All roads lead to the Infinite. Numerous works, which encapsulate the teachings of the Vedas and other scriptural texts, are available in languages like Tamil, Kannada, Tulu and Telugu. Mystics and saints such as Nammazhwar, Avvaiyar and Thiruvalluvar have succinctly portrayed the essence of the teachings of the scriptures in their works and placed them within the easy reach of the devotee. The human mind is capable of understanding the physical world and also grasping the metaphysical realities. On the other hand, it also confounds itself with doubts; controlling the mind is therefore the key to reaching a state where, driven by wants or overpowered by the sorrows and disappointments that are such a common feature of life in the world, a person will not be disturbed. Sages, preceptors and litterateurs have reiterated the importance of maintaining mental poise in the face of severe provocation. "Smile in the face of adversity," says a Tamil adage, emphasising the need to be able to handle stressful situations rather than be overwhelmed by them.

In his lecture, Sri T.G. Narayanaswamy said the key to unlocking the treasure chest of "capable living" is within easy reach of every individual. The formula for scripting a success story is by learning from nature, science and the scriptures. Adi Sankara lays stress on attaining such a level of consciousness in his hymn, Bhaja Govindam. Emotions like anger, lust and greed have their origin in the rear part of man's brain, which is equally true of other animals. Only human beings are endowed with the capacity of equanimity, sense of humour and discernment. The capacity to be joyful is often marred by ignorance, which allows egocentric thoughts to flourish. Just as water, when boiled is lost in the form of steam; so also, ego results in the mind losing its poise. Thyagaraja, aware of the havoc that one's ego can wreak, prayed for the "curtain" of illusion to part, when visiting Tirumala.

A poor woman, unable to buy her son expensive toys, fashions an elephant out of clay for him. When the same is damaged the child will be distraught, but not the woman who is aware that it is only clay. Human nature tends to demarcate everything in life and is therefore responsible for the resultant refraction. Sages expressed the concept of oneness to Rama when he was a student. A slab of marble undergoes many changes before it is exhibited as a sculptor's marvellous handiwork, but its nature remains the same.

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