Miscellaneous - Religion   

Discipline the mind

CHENNAI: Saint Thayumanavar, an 18th century Tamil saint poet of South India, who was steeped in devotion to the Supreme Being, believed that spiritual maturity had to be gained through sheer grit and determination. Being fully aware that mere knowledge of philosophy would be woefully inadequate in this regard, he was keen to share his spiritual experiences with the common man, said Sri J. Mahadevan in a lecture.

High philosophical truths are embedded in the simple songs of this saint poet, indicating the stamp of an inspired vision. It is a blessing to gain the wisdom that turns the spotlight on unnecessary distractions, unwanted thoughts and misleading arguments that stall the individual's quest for the ultimate goal of life.

The lure of worldly objects and material pursuits continue to act as the greatest barrier. Another formidable hurdle is the feeling of "I" and "Mine" that attaches itself to human beings. It is natural to take pride in one's possessions, such as one's wealth, strength or learning. As long as one allows this feeling within one's consciousness, God-realisation cannot happen. Realised souls know the pride in one's possessions as meaningless, since in their vision everything is God given.

When this truth is firmly grasped, the individual spontaneously acknowledges the supremacy of the Lord as the absolute ruler of the entire universe and is filled with humble devotion, faith and true love towards Him. This Jnana helps to shed the feeling of "I" and allows the divine experience to pervade one's consciousness. It is urgent that one tries to get involved in the worship of the Lord during one's lifetime. Knowledge is such a vast ocean that a lifetime is hardly sufficient to probe even the tip of the iceberg.

Listening to scriptural expositions of scholars, cultivating the necessary bent of mind to understand and imbibe the import of what one has heard, and then applying the same in one's day-to-day life — are very essential. The underlying message is to discipline the mind, control desires and meditate peacefully. Since spiritual pursuit, the most essential for salvation, is also the most arduous, those keen to tread the path should be prepared to face the challenges and surmount the difficulties that come in the way.

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