When we control our thoughts, we still the mind—and it becomes capable of beautiful, elevating reflections—reflections of the Divine Light within us
“The mind is its own place,” wrote Milton, “and in itself, can create a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” How true! The mind can create strife and conflict; it can also create peace. If we are to live a life of peace and freedom from fear, we must discover peace within ourselves. We must be fearless in the mind within.
It is no easy task to still the mind. A mind that is wandering and restless is like a disturbed lake; waves are constantly rising on its surface, and it cannot reflect the stillness of the sky. When we control our thoughts, we still the mind—and it becomes capable of beautiful, elevating reflections—reflections of the Divine Light within us.
Many people often ask me why it is necessary to control the mind. “What’s the use of going blank?” they want to know. “Is it necessary for me to become a stone? Shouldn’t I feel for people? Shouldn’t I be conscious of my responsibilities to others?”
Certainly, you must feel for others, and feel for yourself. It is not recommended that you stop thinking or feeling, when you learn to control the mind. When you have conquered the mind, when you have achieved inner tranquillity, you will begin to create new, beautiful positive thoughts and feelings. Once this is achieved,even if negative thoughts arise in the mind, they cannot affect your inner calm and peace. This is why spiritually-awakened men do not suffer from fear, worry, anxiety or restlessness.
“Is it necessary for me to become a stone? Shouldn’t I feel for people? Shouldn’t I be conscious of my responsibilities to others?”
The three qualities at play in nature, are also at play in the mind. Thus, Tamas is total lethargy and inaction. Rajas is the opposite extreme —too much activity and restlessness. Sattva, the desirable state, is tranquillity—when both sides are well-balanced. When we achieve this state of focused activity and complete mental relaxation, we achieve tranquillity of mind.
Selfish thoughts are at the root of forces that disturb the mind. Selfish thoughts pave the way for stress, worry, anxiety, disappointment and fear. These thoughts need not be suppressed— they should be replaced with positive, selfless ones.
This will teach you what to do about your fears and phobias. There are two options open to you. One is to submit to your fears, allow yourself to be overwhelmed by them, making your life miserable in the process. I’m afraid very many people adapt this course. They live with their fear all their lives, suffering needless misery and anxiety. What a great pity is this!
The other option—the wiser alternative—is to conquer your fears, with God’s help. When you do this, you achieve a remarkable victory that can change your life. This victory is not the prerogative of the holy, the mighty and the brave. All of us have the potential to achieve it.
By Dada J P Vaswani
