Miscellaneous - Religion   

The powerful mind

CHENNAI : In the Bhagavad Gita it is repeatedly emphasised that the spirit behind one's thought, action and word is of utmost significance. While explaining the yoga of meditation to Arjuna, Lord Krishna equates a Karma Yogi to a Sanyasi, to extol the high discipline and mental renunciation involved in the practice of karma yoga, said Sri N. Veezhinathan in a lecture.

A yogi qualifies for this when there is no desire for the fruits of action performed, and there is no trace of any longing at all in the mind. Nachiketa proved himself eligible to gain the highest knowledge from Yama by his determination. He was not tempted in the least when Yama offered him all the best attainable allurements in all the worlds. Sanyasa becomes meaningful only in true renunciation.

Yoga is an attitude of the mind that guides one in action, thought or speech. The mind determines the spiritual evolution and great yogis such as king Janaka have cautioned against the mind that plays tricks and deludes.

The mind plays a crucial role in the liberation of each soul. The mind has to be trained to see the soul within by directing its gaze inwards, for as long as it is allured by worldly glitter it can never realise its soul. Its role is similar to that of a double-edged sword that can be used for both self-defence and self-destruction.

When the mind is under control it becomes a friend to the soul and when it is unbridled, it becomes its enemy. When the mind is attached to worldly objects it is bound and not free. The soul should not be caught further in the bond of Samsara.

One can delve into philosophy, theology, science, technology, etc., but it is of no avail if one is unable to control the mind. It is only by concentrating on God and trying to gain Atma Jnana that one can hope to travel towards liberation.

When the mind has reached a stage when one does not long for anything and when there is no sense of loss at all, then that this is the highest stage of Sanyasa. Karma yoga includes all the components of Sanyasa and hence a karma yogi is equated to a Sanyasi.

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