Swami Explains the Mind—2

Hislop: Swami, what does the mind know? There is much knowledge in the mind, but what does it really know?

Sai: The mind does not know anything. So-called education is just book knowledge. Hand in hand with knowledge must go philosophy. Philosophy is not religion; it is love for God. It is cultured by reciting the Name, singing bhajans [spiritual songs], thinking spiritual thoughts, desiring union with God. Union with God, as the bubble upon breaking, finds itself the whole ocean. From the cultivation of philosophy comes will power. Without will power, knowledge is useless.

Hislop: Swami, in the West, will power is thought of as a quality one is born with.

Sai: Will power is brought about by philosophy. Will power is the direct manifestation of the atma shakti [power of the self].

Hislop: In the West, great value is given to the mind. It is felt that unless one develops a skillful mind, he cannot gain success in life. For instance, I needed to develop skill of mind to get an education and earn money to travel and see Baba.

Sai: You came to see Baba because of the heart, not the mind, isn’t it? The viewpoint that there is a mind is useful up to a certain stage—university, science, and so forth. But after a certain stage, science falls away and philosophy comes to the front. Heart is then used instead of mind. The other day, someone mentioned the illustration of the mirror. As one moves away, the image grows smaller and smaller, although the image has not changed at all. The same happens with the world. As one turns to God with stronger and stronger love, the world recedes, appearing smaller and smaller until it can hardly be noticed at all. Really, there is only the heart.

Hislop: The belief that we are self-willed, separate beings moving about in the world—what is the cause of this illusion?

Sai: The whole mirage, the whole thing, arises from the ‘I’ thought. From identification with the body, all complications arise. Since it is the mind that has woven this web of identifica­tion with the body, it is the mind that must now turn and seek one’s true nature through enquiry, discrimination, and renuncia­tion.

Hislop: Swami has said that the mind need not be dangerous. But with all the trouble it has brought about, it seems to be very dangerous.

Sai: The mind creates no harm and gives no trouble as long as it is not merged with the body senses. For instance, the mind has a thought of the theatre. No harm. But if the mind picks up the body and carries it to the theatre, then it becomes involved with the picture, the people, the emotions, the concepts, and peace is lost. The mind should not engage itself in body senses. Body sense should serve the needs of body only. Mind should be engaged in the five mind senses, which are: truth, concentra­tion, peace, love, and bliss. As long as the mind is so engaged, all is well, and the person is happy and peaceful. Physical objects have a temperature potential. If the breathing is fast movement, body temperature rises. If objects subject to temperature are added to a fire, the fire burns more fiercely. That which is subject to temperature may join with that which is subject to temperature. Mind, however, has no temperature. God is without temperature. So, mind and God may merge.

Hislop: In this, Swami, what is the definition of ‘mind’?

Sai: The whole complex, ego through intelligence may justly be called ‘mind.’

Hislop: Whenever the mind falls away from necessary work, I call it to attention and keep it engaged in repeating, ‘Sai Ram, Sai Ram.’ Is that all right?

Sai: Quite all right.

Hislop: When the mind is not engaged in any particular work, where should the attention be kept?

Sai: Between the eyebrows. That is the Eye of Wisdom, of Shiva.

Hislop: The flow of thought interferes with concentration. How can one diminish thinking?

Sai: The habit of thinking is long standing. Even if the habit is broken, there is a slow cessation. For example, a fan continues to revolve for a time after the switch is turned off. But the train of thought can be changed. One train of thought can stop another. The best way is to divert the train of thought to a spiritual topic. The attraction to God is spontaneous. It is the turning back to the source; all other attractions are self-imposed. The fish is placed in a gold and jewel vase of greatest value, but it has no interest in the gold and jewels, it wants only to get back to the sea. Man comes into his limitation from his home. He is really of the nature of God, of this Ocean of Delight, of Rama, of He who attracts. The soul attracts us. Rama was God, that Ocean of Delight in human form. Every­body wanted to be close to Him, to look at Him.

Hislop: Well, Swami, perhaps if one were to follow thought inward to its source and observe the source of thought, one might then have a quiet mind? In affairs of the world thought is both necessary and practical. But when there is no need to be thinking, the mind still keeps on going with all sorts of idle thoughts; whereas one would be much better off if the mind would just be quiet.

Sai: That is really the wrong way to approach the matter. The nature of the mind is restless, just like a rat whose nature is always to nibble at something, and just like a snake whose nature is to be biting at something. The nature of the mind is to be occupied. Even when still, like the feathers on a peacock, there is a shimmering, an apparent movement in the mind. Like the aspen tree, even on a still morning its leaves seem to tremble and move. It is the nature of the mind to dwell upon things. So, the proper method to deal with the mind is to direct the mind’s activity toward good deeds, good thoughts, repetition of the name of the Lord, and not allow it to be aimed at harmful objects, harmful thoughts, and deeds. In that way, the mind’s natural tendency to be occupied will be fulfilled and yet it will keep out of mischief.

Another essential for keeping the mind away from harmful activities is work. Man is made to work hard, and if one is working hard [at] service to the Lord in one way or the other, the mind will not have the time to be occupied with useless random thoughts. And if there is no outside work, then the work of spiritual endeavor should go on, in the way of meditation, recitation of the name, reading good books, talking with good people, and so on. One might find it difficult to surrender to God, but every man surrenders to time; time conquers one’s life and that time is God. Therefore, first there is work, then wisdom, then love, and the time will come in a person’s life when work itself is love, work itself is God.

Hislop: But Swami said the other day that if the mind was quiet and receptive, then perhaps Swami would come into the mind and speak.

Sai: If the desire to communicate with Swami is sufficiently intense and strong, then the mind will be sufficiently quiet for Swami to speak; but the problem is that we do not have that intensity in our lives.

Hislop: The Buddha’s way of slowing down the mind is given much attention to in Burma. Swami must have a better way.

Sai: The Buddha’s way of watching the breath as it enters and leaves the nostril is just for a few minutes before the meditation begins. There is no ‘better’ way to quiet the mind. There is only one way. Sitting in meditation, the question often comes up, ‘How long to sit?’ There is no answer. There is no particular time. Meditation is really an all-day-long process. The sun shines, and the sunlight falls here and there. What is the difference between the sun and the sunlight?

Hislop: There is no difference, Swami.

Sai: In the same way, all is God. Thoughts, desires, all are God. All thoughts should be regarded as God.

Hislop: But Swami, there is still the puzzle of how to slow down the activity of the mind.

Sai: Really, there is no mind; it is a question of what is desired. With God as the only desire, all will be well.

Hislop: But in meditation there is a fast rush of thoughts and ideas through the mind. Does this not need to be slowed down so there may be quiet in meditation?

Sai: Yes. The mind must slow down. At a certain stage it will come to a stop. If desire in meditation is turned toward union with God, the mind will naturally slow down. No method should be used; no force used. Desire should not be too fast, too strong. Even desire for God can be too hurried, too feverish. Start early, drive slowly, reach safely. It is possible to be too lazy. Fast, then slow is also bad. The process should be steady.

Hislop: These thoughts that stream through the mind, are they material?

Sai: Yes. They are matter. All matter is impermanent.

Hislop: Where do thoughts come from?

Sai: They come from food and environment. If you have satwic [pure] food and have only desire for good, only good thoughts will come.

Hislop: Where do thoughts go?

Sai: They go no place because thoughts do not flow through the mind. The mind goes out and grasps and gets engaged in thoughts. If desire is for God, the mind does not go out. But the best way is to not have the problem of getting rid of thoughts. The best way is to see all thoughts as God. Then only God thoughts will come.

Hislop: Swami says that it is the atma [soul] that is unlimited power, yet in one’s daily life the mind gives the experience of being a sort of relentless power.

Sai: The mind is passive, yet it seems to be active. It is active only because the atma reflects into it. It sometimes seems to be stronger than atma. Iron, in its nature, is not hot; it is cool and passive. The iron is heated in fire. Is it the iron that burns, thus creating the heat? No, it is the heat that is put into the iron by the burning coals. The heat is added to the iron. Yet, when hot the iron seems to be hotter than the burning coals.

Hislop: The mind has the tendency to plan ahead. No doubt this is a wrong activity?

Sai: In ordinary life, one makes plans and carries them out. This has to continue, with purity, and without harm to others. At length, a spontaneous divine thought will arise without planning. Such divine impulses will continue.

A Visitor: How can I tell what is a right thought?

Sai: Here, in the Ashram, you can ask Swami. In America, pray for the answer, then make enquiry in an impersonal way, and in half an hour you will have the answer. If you know what is right, don’t ask. Do it. That is confidence, God power. Put aside all relationships. Is the work right, regardless of who is involved?

Hislop: Swami says to keep a distance from the mind. What does that mean?

Sai: That means, do not be led by the mind.

Hislop: What are the acceptable mental functions?

Sai: First, find out what is right and what is wrong. If right, do that which satisfies you. If unsure, do nothing until sure.

Source: Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Swami Explains the Mind Part

The spiritual path becomes easier when one learns to understand the hidden nature of thoughts and emotions. Swami Explains the Mind as the center of all human experiences. Happiness, sorrow, peace, and anger all arise from the condition of the mind. A person may possess wealth and comfort, yet remain disturbed because the mind is restless. True peace is achieved only when thoughts are guided toward purity and devotion. Spiritual masters teach that controlling the mind is the greatest achievement in life.

Daily life presents many challenges that test inner stability. Swami Explains the Mind by saying that external situations are temporary, but the reactions created inside the mind determine whether a person suffers or remains calm. When people become attached to praise, success, or material pleasures, the mind loses balance. Through prayer and spiritual discipline, one can slowly rise above unnecessary worries and fears. The teachings shared through Devotional India encourage seekers to focus on faith, patience, and self-control.

One of the greatest obstacles faced by humanity is uncontrolled desire. Swami Explains the Mind as something that constantly seeks satisfaction from the outside world. However, worldly pleasures provide only temporary happiness. The more desires increase, the more restless the mind becomes. A simple and contented life helps reduce mental agitation. Spiritual wisdom teaches that real joy comes from inner fulfillment rather than external possessions. By practicing gratitude and devotion, a person develops mental strength and peace.

The importance of good company is also emphasized in spiritual teachings. Swami Explains the Mind by showing how the environment influences human thinking. Negative company fills the mind with harmful habits and confusion, while noble company inspires positive transformation. Spending time with spiritually minded people encourages purity of thought and righteous living. The guidance offered through Devotional India reminds seekers that uplifting conversations, sacred music, and spiritual study can greatly improve mental clarity.

Meditation is another powerful method for mastering the mind. Swami Explains the Mind as naturally restless, but capable of becoming peaceful through regular practice. During meditation, attention is directed inward, allowing the mind to slow down and become calm. Even a few minutes of sincere meditation every day can bring balance and emotional stability. When thoughts become quiet, a person experiences deeper awareness and spiritual joy.

Another important teaching is the connection between speech and the mind. Swami Explains the Mind by stating that words reveal inner thoughts and feelings. Harsh speech often arises from anger and ego, while kind speech reflects compassion and wisdom. Therefore, controlling speech is also a way of controlling the mind. Speaking gently and truthfully creates harmony in relationships and strengthens spiritual character.

The teachings shared through Devotional India also highlight the value of selfless service. Helping others without expecting rewards purifies the mind and reduces selfishness. Swami Explains the Mind as becoming lighter and happier when actions are performed with love and humility. Service removes negative tendencies and fills the heart with compassion. Through acts of kindness, one develops a deeper connection with humanity and the Divine.

Faith is the foundation of spiritual growth. Swami Explains the Mind by teaching that constant remembrance of the Divine protects the mind from fear and negativity. Life may bring difficulties, but faith provides courage to move forward with confidence. A faithful mind remains steady during both success and failure. This balance is the sign of true spiritual maturity.

In conclusion, Swami Explains the Mind as the key to both bondage and liberation. A restless mind creates suffering, while a disciplined mind leads toward peace and wisdom. Through devotion, meditation, selfless service, and positive thinking, every individual can transform life into a spiritual journey filled with purpose and inner happiness. Devotional India continues to share these timeless teachings that inspire seekers to live with faith, love, and spiritual awareness.

-The World is a Mirror