Progress and success in life
need a disciplined and obedient mind …
a mastery gained by preparing the mind in stages.
Example: to study calculus one must first know algebra.
WHY DISCIPLINE THE MIND?
Because…
The mind acts prompted by thoughts.
Thoughts are triggered by objects or emotions.
The strong forceful mind then propels us …
to act, think, brood, or worry over these thoughts.
From outside the mind is tempted
by the senses chasing objects and people …
From inside by desires and memories
THUS embattled, the mind becomes agitated … distracted.
IF WE:
Succumb to the distraction … mind gains control.
IF WE:
Refuse to yield to the distraction … we stay in control.
This is SELF-RESTRAINT….Damah in Vedanta
The ability to not let the senses
feed the mind with more perceptions.
Senses chase sense objects … It is their nature.
They do not discriminate between good and pleasant.
They feed the mind with perceptions … causing joy and sorrow
Which … agitates the mind … resulting in reduced concentration.
BUT… Even if the mind is agitated …
it is possible to control…
the senses…speech…thoughts…action.
Example:
When angry…
restrain from speaking harsh words.
Restraint is achieved through
discipline and healthy habits.
Control of the senses…restrains the mind’s responses.
If senses do not graze…mind does not desire.
No desire…no agitation.
Hence better concentration … progress on the path.
– – Swami Tejomayananda
The link to the slideshow is: https://www.speakingtree.in/