Swami ji said…
Can any of us ever forget the instructions that were given to us by our family members, teachers and others – when it came to keeping , placing and arranging articles, objects and things – that were used by us in the formative years of our childhood , in particular? We might even recall that all those instructions were followed diligently by us – and a few good ones among us – would go all out to ensure that every thing was kept back neatly – from where it had been taken or pulled out by us in a great hurry earlier. All the things that were used by us ; be it toys, books, pens and pencils, bags, clothes, soaps – had to be put back in specific boxes, bags or areas designated for them – once we had finished playing with them or using them.
And, we , gradually began to understand that the box in which we kept our toys – became our toy box. Books were to be covered and kept in school bags. Pencil boxes which were treasured by us – were used to keep pencils. Shoe cupboards were meant to stack our shoes in an orderly manner. As we grew up – and started wearing jewellery – the box in which we carefully kept our diamonds and gold – became our very valued jewellery box. Toffee wrappers went into a trash can. Soap dishes were meant to have fragrant soaps placed in them.
We have been following this drill – year after year. Infact , so familiar are we with the spot where our things are to be put away or placed – that we can do the same, very easily, in pitch darkness too. So clear is the route in our mind. But , at the same time , it is this very darkness which can blind us to such an extent – that we fail to understand and remember a simple thing – that ‘when’ a ‘thing’ actually becomes ; is determined by ‘what’ goes ‘into’ it – like the things above – shouldn’t we be very careful and aware of what is it that we ‘keep’ and carry in our ‘mind’ ? Are our minds beautiful jewellery boxes – carved with the gems of love for all, honesty and compassion, or, have we converted them into garbage bins which are filled with hatred, anger and jealousy ? Because, what we should never forget is that – we ‘are’ what our mind ‘is’. We do as our mind directs us to do – and many a times we follow it unquestioningly. Do we rein in our mind or do we allow it to gallop like a wild horse ? Do we keep a quality check on our thoughts ? Do we screen our thoughts – before acting on them ? Or are we impulsive – say and do anything – and regret about our harsh words and inappropriate behaviour later ? Do we allow our mind to become too self – opinionated ; to think that it is one of the sharpest minds, replete with knowledge – one that will not allow any one else to counter it ? A mind in love with itself – will only swell with pride and find it difficult to make room for a fresh, new inflow of thoughts. And, a mind – stagnant would not be of any use at all.
Are we even conscious of the nature of the energy that pervades our mind and is easily visible to others ? Negativity in a person’s mind will not let him see anything good around him. He remains angry and ill – tempered for no reason and has many problems with people around him and with life in general.
A positive minded person finds it easy to smile and is thankful for every little blessing that comes his way. Such a person experiences heaven on Earth and the former makes life nightmarish for himself.
Do we realise that we have a certain responsibility towards our mind too ? To keep it pure , happy and healthy. Gossiping constantly ; speaking ill of others ; being avaricious ; desirous of materialistic pleasures – are all signs of an unhealthy, fatigued mind. Whereas a mind inclined towards spirituality – will be happy ; filled with the brightness of the love of God ; abundantly positive ; filled with faith and trust in God’s plans for us.
We need to remember that since our mind reflects a lot about us ; the kind of person we are ; what we think – wouldn’t it be wonderful for us to radiate a spiritual glow – with a mind focussed and immersed in God ?
Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji 