Inner Government

Inner Government

by Swami Sivananda

Salutations to the Para Brahman who is the substratum for the Inner Government, who is the Supreme Head of the Inner Government, and who is the Supreme Purusha in the celestial hierarchy and who is an embodiment of Knowledge and Bliss.

He Who dwells within this world, Who is within this world, Whom the world does not know, Whose body is this world, Who rules the world from within is thy innermost Self, Inner Ruler, Immortal. He is the Supreme Head of the Inner Government.

He Who dwells in the body, Who is within this body, Whom the body does not know, Whose body is this body, Who rules the body from within is thy innermost Self, Inner Ruler.

He Who dwells in the eyes, Who is within the eyes, Whom the eyes do not know, Whose body is the eyes, Who rules the eyes from within, know Him to be the Supreme Head of the Inner Government.

He Who dwells in the ears, Who is within the ears, Whom the ears do not know, Whose body is the ears, Who rules the ears from within, know Him to be the Supreme Head of the Inner Government.

He Who dwells in the mind, Who is within the mind, Whom the mind does not know, Whose body is the mind, Who rules the mind from within, know Him to be the Supreme Head of the Inner Government.

He Who dwells in the Prana, Who is within the Prana, Whom the Prana does not know, Whose body is the Prana, Who rules the Prana from within, know Him to be the Supreme Head of the Inner Government.

He Who dwells in the Buddhi, Who is within the Buddhi, Whom the Buddhi does not know, Whose body is the Buddhi, Who rules the Buddhi from within, know Him to be the Supreme Head of the Inner Government.

Just as there is a Government in all countries to govern the nation and maintain law and order, so also there is an Inner Government to maintain law and order in this universe.

The inner marvellous Government has Satyam as their banner, Dharma (righteousness) as their seal, Omkara as the band, discrimination as the coat-of-arms and dispassion as the shield.

This is an eternal Government. They have one unchanging policy, viz., of helping the aspirants to attain Self-realisation. They do not thirst for annexing dominions. Their treasure is inexhaustible. Their dominion is illimitable and boundless. Their wealth consists of supreme peace, eternal bliss, perennial joy, everlasting satisfaction and divine knowledge or Upanishadic wisdom.

The head of a Government is either a President, or a dictator, or a king or a Maharaja. The head of the Inner Government is Isvara or the Supreme Lord Who assumes three forms, viz., Brahma or Hiranyagarbha for the purpose of creation, Vishnu for the purpose of maintenance or preservation and Rudra for the purpose of dissolution or destruction, Who is the Antaryamin or Inner Ruler and the spiritual director.

Above Isvara is Para Brahman Who is the silent witness and supreme head. By His command the earth and the sky stand apart. By His command the sun and the moon always rotate as the flaming fire-brand. By His command the rivers and the seas do not over-step the limits. By His command the seasons, solstices and the years do not transgress. By His command Karmas and their performers and their fruits do not likewise go beyond their appointed time. By His command the sky, the sun and the moon stand in their respective places.

This whole universe evolved from the Brahman moves in the highest Brahman. That Brahman is a great terror, like an uplifted thunderbolt. Those who know this become immortal.

From fear of Brahman fire burns; from fear of Him the sun shines; from fear of Him Indra and Vayu and Death, run.

There is perfect justice in the administration of the Inner Government. The Devatas obtain their status according to their merit and righteous actions.

The Lord is assisted by the eight Lokapalas or guardians of the quarters. They are Indra, Varuna, Agni, Yama, Nirriti, Marut, Kubera and Isana. Yama, Varuna, Indra, Brihaspati and Surya are the Chief Ministers of this Lord of the Inner Government. They have a subtle fiery body. They can assume any form at their will. They are endowed with great powers.

The eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras, the twelve Adityas also do their own part in the administration of the Inner Government. Indra is at the head of the Devas. Anyone who has got the qualification can become an Indra or attain Indrahood. Indrahood is a status in the celestial hierarchy.

The blowing of winds, the rising of the sun, the change in Ritus or seasons, the fall of rain and their stoppage are all governed by the Devatas or gods.

There is the celestial hierarchy of gods. There are series of successive terms of different rank. Suppose there be a youth, a good youth, well versed in the scriptures, well-disciplined, resolute and very strong. Suppose his is all this earth full of wealth. This is one human bliss. A hundredfold of the bliss of human beings is the unit measure of the bliss of human Gandharvas. A hundredfold of the bliss of human Gandharvas is the unit measure of the bliss of celestial Gandharvas. A hundredfold of the bliss of Devas is the unit measure of the bliss of gods known as Karma Devas. A hundredfold of the bliss of Karma Devas is the unit measure of the bliss of Indra. A hundredfold of the bliss of Indra is the bliss of Brihaspati. A hundredfold of the bliss of Brihaspati is the bliss of Prajapati. A hundredfold of the bliss of Prajapati is the unit measure of the bliss of Brahma. The bliss of Brahma is but an atom when compared to the bliss of the Supreme Lord of the Inner Government.

The change of Ministry in the cabinet of the Inner Government comes at the beginning of a Mahakalpa.

The Lord is omnipotent. He does everything through mere Sankalpa. He is not in need of instruments like hands etc. So do the Devas too.

According to Christianity, there is the collective body of angels grouped in three divisions and nine orders of different power and glory: (1) Seraphim, Cherubim, (2) Dominations or dominions, virtues, powers, (3) Principalities, Archangels, Angels. Angel is a divine messenger, or son of God. He corresponds to the Deva of the Hindus. Archangel is an Angel of the highest order.

This body, mind and the senses also which form a part of the universe are governed by the various gods. Here also there is Inner Government. Varuna presides over the tongue, Indra over the hand, Vishnu over the feet, Sun over the eyes, Vayu over the skin, Dik over the ears, Asvins over the nose, Agni over speech, Yama over the anus, Prajapati over the reproductive organ, Soma over the mind, Brahma over the intellect, Vishnu over Chitta and Rudra over Ahamkara. The five elements are also presided over by the respective Devatas.

These Devatas guide us and stretch their hands to help us to climb the summit of Divine glory when we approach them with devotion. They remove the obstacles in the spiritual path and throw light on the path. They maintain the harmony of the world. They are propitiated by oblations of ghee and water and recitation of Mantras and prayers. You will find prayers to Agni and Surya in the Isavasya Upanishad.

He who understands the harmonious working of the Inner Government and moves in harmony with the Inner Government and knows the supreme head of the Inner Government will attain prosperity, undying fame and glory, eternal bliss and immortality.

Inner Government – Self-Control, Discipline, and Rule of the Higher Self

Inner Government is the rule of wisdom over the body, senses, mind, emotions, and desires. Just as a country needs good government to maintain peace, order, justice, and progress, human life also needs inner government. Without inner discipline, the senses become uncontrolled, the mind becomes restless, emotions become violent, and desires pull the person in many directions. A person may appear free outwardly, but without self-mastery, they remain inwardly bound.

In ordinary life, many people are ruled by impulses. Anger decides their speech, desire decides their actions, fear decides their choices, and ego decides their relationships. This is not true freedom. It is inner disorder. Inner Government begins when the higher intelligence starts guiding the lower nature. The intellect must become clear, the will must become strong, and the heart must become pure.

Inner Government does not mean harsh suppression of life. It means wise regulation. The body has needs, the senses have functions, and the mind has energy. These should not be hated, but they must be guided. Food, sleep, speech, work, pleasure, and social life should be balanced. When discipline is intelligent, life becomes strong and peaceful instead of dull or forced.

The mind is like a kingdom with many forces. Thoughts, desires, memories, emotions, habits, and instincts all compete for attention. If there is no ruler, confusion begins. One moment the mind wants discipline, another moment it wants comfort. One day it seeks truth, another day it follows temptation. Therefore, the seeker must establish the rule of discrimination within.

Inner Government requires the control of senses. The senses naturally move outward toward objects of enjoyment. If the mind follows every attraction, it becomes weak and scattered. Sense control does not mean rejecting the world. It means using the senses with awareness and moderation. A person who can control taste, speech, sight, and pleasure gains great inner strength.

Another important part is regulation of speech. Words can heal or hurt, unite or divide, uplift or disturb. A person without inner rule speaks quickly under anger, pride, or excitement. But one who practices self-control speaks after reflection. Truth should be spoken kindly, and silence should be chosen when speech is unnecessary or harmful. Control of speech is a sign of inner maturity.

Inner Government also means mastery over emotions. Emotions are powerful forces. Love can become attachment, courage can become aggression, sadness can become weakness, and anger can become destruction. The goal is not to become emotionless, but to purify emotions and guide them through wisdom. Compassion, patience, devotion, and courage are refined emotions that support spiritual life.

The intellect plays the role of minister or guide in this inner kingdom. It must decide what is right and wrong, useful and harmful, permanent and temporary. If the intellect is clouded by selfishness, it may justify wrong actions. Therefore, it must be purified by study, reflection, good company, meditation, and truthfulness. A pure intellect becomes a lamp in life.

Inner Government becomes strong through regular practice. A person cannot control the mind only by wishing. Daily discipline is necessary. Waking at a proper time, eating moderately, speaking carefully, performing duties sincerely, meditating regularly, and reflecting on one’s conduct all strengthen inner order. Small repeated practices create great transformation.

Self-observation is also essential. A seeker should watch the movements of the mind. They should ask, “What ruled me today? Was it anger, desire, fear, ego, or wisdom? Did I act from impulse or understanding?” This honest examination reveals where the inner government is weak and where correction is needed.

Inner Government is closely connected with Karma Yoga. When actions are performed without selfish attachment, ego becomes weaker and discipline becomes stronger. Duty performed with sincerity trains the mind. Service done without expectation purifies the heart. Acceptance of results with balance develops inner steadiness. Work itself becomes a means of self-rule.

Meditation is one of the highest methods for establishing inner government. In meditation, the seeker learns to sit quietly, watch thoughts, and bring attention back again and again. This practice teaches the mind obedience. Slowly, the person understands that they are not a helpless servant of thoughts. They are the witness and master of the inner field.

Spiritual wisdom teaches that the highest ruler within is the true self. The body changes, the mind changes, emotions change, and desires change, but the witnessing consciousness remains steady. When life is governed by ego, there is bondage. When life is governed by the higher self, there is peace and freedom. The seeker must gradually shift authority from lower impulses to higher awareness.

Inner Government also improves outer life. A self-controlled person becomes reliable, peaceful, honest, and useful. They do not create unnecessary conflict. They act with patience and responsibility. Their relationships become healthier because they are not ruled by mood, pride, or uncontrolled speech. Inner order naturally produces outer harmony.

In the end, Inner Government is the art of ruling oneself through wisdom, purity, discipline, and awareness. It brings order to thoughts, control to senses, balance to emotions, and direction to action. Without it, life remains governed by impulse and desire. With it, the human being becomes strong, peaceful, and spiritually mature. When the higher self governs the inner kingdom, life becomes a path toward freedom and realization.

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