What is Mind?
An Enemy or a Friend! Is the Mind Intelligent or just intellectual?
The mind is a remarkable tool, brimming with creativity and problem-solving potential. Yet, it can also become a source of chaos.
When overactive, the mind pulls us away from our center, making decisions feel burdensome and fostering a sense that the world is against us.
This is why, it is crucial to begin the journey of understanding the mind or it has the power to adversely affect every area of your life.
"Mind is not your intelligence. It may sound strange, but this is the truth. The mind can be intellectual, which is a very poor substitute for intelligence. Intellectuality is mechanical; you can become a great scholar, a great professor, a great philosopher just playing with the words which are all borrowed. Intelligence, however, has an eyesight, a capacity to see into things, into problems of its own. It is your born quality." ~ Osho
The mind’s dual nature is well-documented in yogic and spiritual texts.
An uncontrolled mind leads to distraction and stress, while a disciplined mind can unlock profound understanding and intelligence.
This duality underscores the importance of mastering our minds to achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
The Basic Workings of Our Mind
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras describe the mind, or "chitta," as having three primary functions: regulating the body's biological processes, storing memories, and experiencing sensations.
While we can't directly control involuntary activities like our biological rhythms or sensory experiences, we can influence our thoughts, imagination, and emotions.
This ability forms the foundation for the five yogic methods from different Eastern philosophies to reprogram the mind for absolute intelligence.
Understanding these functions helps us appreciate the need for methods that harness and optimize the mind’s capabilities.
Method 1: Japanese Shinto Method to Control Your Mind
Embracing Lightness Through Meditation
In Japanese Shinto culture, meditation likens the earth to water and the seven continents to our internal organs.
Through meditation, we experience a lightness as if our body and mind dissolve into the universe.
For a few moments, breath stops, thoughts cease, and the sensation of the body vanishes.
This practice helps control the mind. Modern science suggests that, just as we don't fully utilize our brain's power, we also don't harness our body's energy.
Meditation helps energy become attribute-less, rising upwards, integrating into a vast state through Samadhi.
This meditative practice, rooted in Shinto beliefs, emphasizes harmony between the individual and nature, promoting mental clarity and emotional stability.
The Yogic Method of Chanting: The Science Behind Mantras
The vibrational science of mantras is key to this method. Every sound has a unique frequency that influences our emotions.
Positive thoughts create positive vibrations, which can be enhanced through music or mantra chanting.
This alignment allows us to control our internal state effectively.
Osho notes, "With meditation, your intelligence will grow in strength to the last breath of your life."
Mantras bridge the conscious and subconscious mind.
By continuously chanting a mantra, the mind’s vibrational frequency aligns with the desired state of being, Whether it is a calm state of mind, improved focus, or spiritual awakening.
To illustrate this, consider the story of Sarah, a tech executive from San Francisco.
Battling stress and anxiety from her high-pressure job, Sarah decided to take a sabbatical and travel to India.
She immersed herself in chanting mantras in the serene yogashala at Svabodha every morning.
At first, it felt awkward, but gradually, the repetitive sounds began to resonate deeply within her.
Her mind, which was once a relentless storm of worries, started to calm.
The mantra became a beacon of peace in her chaotic life, showing her the power of aligning her inner vibrations with positive frequencies.
Meditation in Modern Culture
Meditation has found a significant place in modern culture.
Techniques such as transcendental meditation and body scan meditations are gaining popularity for their profound benefits on mental health.
Alistair from New York, a marketing professional, found solace in transcendental meditation.
He describes it as tuning his mind to a calm frequency amidst the noise of the city.
Every evening, Alistair would play soft music and focus on his breathing, allowing the vibrations to settle his restless thoughts.
This practice helped him regain control over his mind, leading to better sleep and overall well-being.
Method 2: Akin Method
Japanese Zen Method for Self-Talk
The Akin method, from Japanese neuroscience, focuses on thought cutting and thought replacement. This method distinguishes between involuntary and voluntary thoughts.
By asking controlled questions, we can transform involuntary thoughts into voluntary ones, gaining control over our mind.
In practical terms, if a thought like watching an obscene film arises, asking yourself, "What will you achieve by watching this?" can redirect the mind.
Over time, involuntary thoughts become voluntary, and we can control them without external action.
This method, rooted in Zen philosophy, emphasizes mindfulness and present-moment awareness.
By cultivating an inner dialogue that questions the utility and impact of our thoughts, we develop the ability to shape our mental landscape.
Practical Application of the Akin Method
Practice this method through regular mindfulness exercises.
Identify thoughts that frequently disrupt your peace. When these thoughts arise, pause and ask insightful questions about their purpose and benefit.
Gradually, this practice will rewire your brain, making positive, voluntary thoughts your default mental state.
For instance, imagine Emma, a software engineer from Berlin. Emma often found herself spiraling into negative thoughts about her performance at work.
By implementing the Akin method, she began to question these thoughts. "What will thinking this achieve?" she would ask herself.
Over months, her mental dialogue shifted. She replaced self-doubt with affirmations of her skills and achievements.
The transformation was profound, leading to better focus and productivity.
Method 3: Deep Conversation with Self
The Real Reason Behind Sadness
Many are unaware of the true reasons behind their sadness. This ignorance can make sadness a dominant trait, attracting more negativity.
Through deep self-conversation, we can identify and address the root causes of our sadness.
Focusing on positive aspects like family, achievements, and personal strengths creates a positive internal dialogue that overcomes negativity.
This aligns with the concept of Sat Chit Ananda—existence, consciousness, and bliss.
Practical Approach to Self-Dialogue
When sadness dominates our mind, we struggle to perform necessary actions. In meditation, profound self-dialogue can pull us out of this mental state.
Start by discussing positive things that strengthen your confidence. Remembering good times creates positivity within, challenging the belief of being unlucky.
Initially, this practice might not work, but continuous practice transforms confidence and inner positivity.
Once active, focus on current sadness, diving deep into your mind to find the real cause.
Just like a small thorn can change a person's walking style, the real thorn of sadness hidden in the mind can affect our nature, intelligence, and thinking power.
Story Time: Arjuna and Krishna’s Dialogue
In the Bhagavad Gita (an ancient Indian text), the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna is a profound example of deep conversation leading to clarity and wisdom.
Arjuna, overwhelmed by sorrow and confusion on the battlefield, finds solace and guidance through Krishna’s wisdom.
This narrative highlights the importance of seeking inner dialogue to overcome emotional turmoil and achieve mental clarity.
Timothy, a graphic designer from Denmark., had a similar predicament. Timothy was grappling with a deep sense of sadness after a series of professional setbacks.
Through guided meditation and self-dialogue, he began to uncover the root of his sadness: a fear of inadequacy. It had nothing to do with the setbacks he had.
They were just triggers.
As he worked through these feelings, he started focusing on his creative successes and personal growth, gradually rebuilding his self-esteem and finding new motivation to pursue his passion.
Method 4: Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Two Personalities of Our Brain
Brahmacharya, or celibacy, helps manage the two personalities within us: the controlled mind and the restless "monkey mind."
According to yogic science, energy is essential for maintaining a higher state personality.
Lust and other lower desires drain this energy, leading to weakness and negativity.
Practicing Brahmacharya allows us to conserve energy, maintain a higher state of consciousness, and achieve a balanced and focused mind.
The Law of Energy as per Yogic Science
Energy deficiency makes it challenging to maintain a higher state personality.
An energetic person naturally remains in a state of auto-control without constant reminders or motivation.
This practice provides a different experience, enhancing our mental and physical capabilities.
Practical Application of Brahmacharya
Implement Brahmacharya in daily life through mindful practices that conserve physical and mental energy.
Engage in activities that uplift the spirit, such as yoga, meditation, and creative pursuits.
Avoid distractions that drain energy, and cultivate habits that promote vitality and inner strength.
Story Time: The Legend of Hanuman
Hanuman, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, embodies the principles of Brahmacharya.
Known for his unwavering devotion and immense strength, Hanuman's life exemplifies the power of conserving energy and focusing on higher goals.
His tales inspire us to harness our inner strength and maintain a disciplined, energetic lifestyle.
Mark, a financial analyst from London, was struggling with maintaining focus and energy throughout his demanding workdays. At Svabodha, he came across the stories of Hanuman.
His curiosity was piqued and refused to run dry.
Inspired by Hanuman's stories, he began practicing Brahmacharya. By conserving his energy and channeling it towards his professional goals,
Mark noticed significant improvements in his performance and mental clarity. He mentioned that avoiding distractions and focusing on uplifting activities made him more productive and happier, when he was leaving the Svabodha premises.
We still do miss his excited Kirtan theatrics. :)
Method 5: Do Nothing Method
The Stillness Behind Meditation
The "Do Nothing" method emphasizes stillness and non-reactivity.
By focusing our attention between our eyes and observing thoughts without reacting, we can quiet the internal noise.
This practice aligns with "Nishchal Nirikshan Dhyana Vidhi" (Still Observation Meditation), which involves intense observation of an object, leading to a state of meditative absorption.
Benefits of Stillness Meditation
This method helps us regain full control over our mind and body, eliminating the need for constant self-restraint.
It integrates a higher state personality deeply within us, transforming our mental and physical state.
The benefits of stillness meditation are profound, leading to a life of clarity and inner peace.
Practical Application of the Do Nothing Method
To practice this method, find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
Focus your attention on a fixed point or between your eyes.
Allow thoughts to flow without engaging or reacting.
Gradually, the mind will settle into a state of stillness, fostering deep mental clarity and emotional stability.
Story Time The Wisdom of Buddha
In the story of Buddha and a restless king, the king’s fidgeting illustrates the challenge of controlling the mind.
Buddha teaches that without control over the body, one cannot control the mind.
This wisdom underscores the importance of stillness and non-reactivity in achieving mental mastery.
Bonus Story: Personal Journey to Inner Peace
Consider the journey of Laura, a marketing executive from Los Angeles.
Laura was constantly plagued by stress and anxiety. Despite achieving professional success, she felt an inner void. She decided to take a break and travel to India, seeking answers and peace.
In the Self-Connection retreat at Svabodha, Laura was introduced to the "Do Nothing" method. Initially skeptical, she struggled with the practice of stillness.
However, with persistence, Laura began to notice a shift. Her mind, once a cacophony of worries, started to quiet.
She felt a deep sense of peace she had never known.
This newfound inner tranquility transformed her approach to work and life, making her more focused, empathetic, and content.
Conclusion: Embrace the Path to Absolute Intelligence
Reprogramming the mind for absolute intelligence involves a blend of ancient wisdom and modern practices.
By embracing methods like those from Japanese Shinto culture, the Ek-In method, deep self-conversation, Brahmacharya, and the "Do Nothing" method, we can harness the full potential of our mind and body.
At Svabodha, we use these practices to improve relaxation, mental clarity, and a deeper connection with our true self in our participants; aligning with the timeless wisdom of yogic science.
"The person who is meditating has the greatest possibility of reaching the highest peaks of intelligence, because in meditation he is doing the greatest possible work that a man is capable of, and that is realizing oneself, knowing: 'Who am I.'" ~ Osho
Utilize these yogic methods to transform your mind, body, and soul, and unlock the infinite potential within you.
Let the stories of Sarah, Alistair, Emma, Timothy, Mark, and Laura, who came to Svabodha with their racing minds and unbalanced energies, inspire your journey towards absolute intelligence and inner peace.
By integrating these practices into your daily life, you can achieve a state of balance and fulfillment, tapping into the vast reserves of potential that reside within you. Or, you can come and start your meditation journey with us at Svabodha.
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