The Many Phases of the Mind

The Many Phases of the Mind

by Swami Sivananda

I. FOURFOLD ANTAHKARANA

When the mind does Sankalpa-vikalpa, it is called mind. When it discriminates and decides it is called Buddhi or intellect. When it self-arrogates it is Ahamkara, egoism. When it remembers and recollects it is Chitta.

II. STRATA OF MIND

Conscious mind is the objective mind. It thinks of objects. Subconscious mind is Chitta. It is the storehouse of impressions. Superconscious mind is the cosmic mind.

III. THE THREE AVASTHAS

In the waking state (Jagrat) the Mind experiences the external objects. In dream, mind itself creates the dream-creatures out of the material supplied by waking experiences. In deep sleep the mind rests in causal body or Avidya. In Turiya-avastha the mind is absorbed in Brahman or the Absolute. There is Nirvikalpa Samadhi or superconscious state.

IV. THE THREE FORMS OF MIND

The Sattvic mind is calm and harmonious, it intuits, meditates, renounces, enquires and moves towards the Atman.

The Rajasic mind is passionate. It wants power, possessions and dominion. It wants to rule over others. The Tamasic mind is heedless. It sleeps, it is full of inertia and darkness. When the Yogi attains Samadhi he rises from the stream of the Gunas and the limitations of the body and mind.

V. THE SATTVIC GUNA

When Sattva is increased a peculiar feeling of coolness, calmness, contentment and luminosity are experienced by the aspirant. When Sattva Guna works in the mental sheath, there is a wonderful calmness. The tossing of the mind stops and concentration develops. When the Sattva Guna powerfully vibrates in the Vijnanamaya sheath of intellect, there is understanding of complex problems. The three Gunas constitute your individuality. They cover your mental, moral, intellectual and spiritual life.

by Swami Sivananda

The Many Phases of the Mind – Thoughts, Moods, Desires, and Inner Growth

The Many Phases of the Mind show how changeable and complex the inner world of a human being really is. The mind does not stay in one condition all the time. Sometimes it is peaceful, sometimes restless, sometimes hopeful, sometimes fearful, sometimes clear, and sometimes confused. These different states influence our speech, decisions, relationships, habits, and spiritual progress.

The mind can be compared to the sky. At times, it is clear and bright. At other times, it is covered with clouds, storms, or darkness. Thoughts, emotions, memories, desires, and fears keep moving through it. A person who does not understand these movements may become controlled by them. But a person who observes the mind carefully begins to gain mastery over it.

The Many Phases of the Mind can be seen in daily life. A small success may make the mind excited, while a small failure may make it discouraged. Praise may create happiness, while criticism may create anger or sadness. This shows that an untrained mind depends too much on outer situations. It rises and falls with every change, like a leaf moving with the wind.

One phase of the mind is desire. Desire makes the mind run toward objects, people, pleasure, comfort, achievement, and recognition. Some desires are useful because they inspire effort and growth. But uncontrolled desire creates restlessness. The mind keeps saying, “I want this, I need that, I must have more.” When desire is not fulfilled, frustration appears. When it is fulfilled, attachment becomes stronger.

Another phase is fear. Fear makes the mind imagine danger, loss, rejection, failure, sickness, or death. A little fear may protect a person from carelessness, but excessive fear weakens courage. It stops action, creates doubt, and makes life heavy. A fearful mind cannot see reality clearly because it is busy creating problems before they actually happen.

The Many Phases of the Mind also include anger. Anger usually rises when desire is blocked, ego is hurt, or expectations are not met. In anger, the mind becomes hot and narrow. A person may speak words they later regret or take actions that damage relationships. Therefore, anger must be observed before it becomes speech or behavior. Awareness is the first medicine for anger.

There is also the phase of jealousy. Jealousy appears when the mind compares itself with others. It cannot enjoy another person’s success because it feels small inside. This phase makes the heart bitter and restless. The remedy is gratitude, self-improvement, and understanding that every person has a different journey. Comparison weakens peace, while self-awareness builds strength.

The mind also has a phase of laziness and dullness. In this state, a person knows what should be done but does not feel like doing it. Duties are delayed, spiritual practice becomes irregular, and discipline becomes weak. This phase can be overcome through routine, good company, physical activity, inspiring thoughts, and a firm decision to act.

The Many Phases of the Mind are not always negative. The mind also has noble phases. It can become calm, compassionate, focused, devoted, courageous, and wise. When the mind is filled with kindness, it wants to help others. When it is filled with concentration, it can study, work, and meditate deeply. When it is filled with devotion, it becomes humble and pure.

The aim of spiritual life is not to hate the mind, but to understand and train it. The mind is a powerful instrument. If it is uncontrolled, it creates bondage. If it is purified, it becomes a friend. A disturbed mind pulls a person toward selfishness, fear, and confusion. A disciplined mind leads toward peace, wisdom, and freedom.

The Many Phases of the Mind can be understood through self-observation. A person should watch what happens inside throughout the day. What creates anger? What increases desire? What weakens discipline? What brings peace? Such observation helps us understand our inner patterns. Without observation, we keep repeating the same mistakes.

Meditation is one of the best practices for calming the mind. It teaches a person to sit quietly and watch thoughts without immediately following them. At first, the mind may wander again and again. This is natural. With patience and regular practice, thoughts become slower, emotions become softer, and awareness becomes stronger.

Good company also plays an important role. The mind takes the color of its surroundings. If we remain with negative, careless, or selfish people, similar tendencies may grow inside us. If we stay close to wise, disciplined, peaceful, and sincere people, the mind becomes inspired. Books, conversations, food, entertainment, and daily habits all influence the mind.

In the end, The Many Phases of the Mind teach us that inner life is changeable, but it can be guided. Thoughts will come, emotions will rise, desires will appear, and moods will change. But we do not have to become slaves to them. Through awareness, discipline, meditation, right knowledge, and pure living, the mind becomes steady and clear. A person who understands the mind can rise above confusion and move toward inner peace.

Philosophy of Right and Wrong