CONTROL OF MIND

CONTROL OF MIND

By Swami Sivananda

Life in this physical plane is a mere preparation for the eternal life of everlasting sunshine and joy which is to come when one gets knowledge of the Self through intense and constant meditation after purifying the mind. This immortal life of supreme joy is described as the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ in the Bible. That Kingdom of Heaven is within you, in your heart. Realise this Immortal Life, O Susil! by controlling the mind, and enjoy the Supreme Bliss of the Self.

The secrets of Yoga Sastra can only be imparted to that student who is Jita-Indriya and Abhyasa-sura, who has devotion to Guru, who has Vairagya, discrimination, who is firm in his determination and who has strong conviction in the existence of God.

The mind is single, but it appears dual in dreaming state as the perceiver and the perceived, through the power of Maya or illusion. The mind itself takes the forms of rose, mountain, elephant, rivers, ocean, enemy, etc. Just as heat is inseparable from fire, so also fluctuation is inseparable from mind. It makes the mind restless. The fluctuation is caused by the power of Rajas. It is the fluctuation that causes Asanti (absence of peace of mind). The Bhaktas remove this tossing by Japa, Upasana and worship of Ishtadevata.

The power of fluctuation is itself the mind. This fluctuating mind alone is this world. The mind becomes no mind if fluctuation disappears. The mind ceases to exist, if it becomes destitute of this fluctuation. What is called Maya is this fluctuating potency of the mind. Mind does havocs through the power of fluctuation. Fluctuation is Mara or Satan or Vasana or Eshana or Trishna. It was this fluctuation that tempted Visvamitra. It is this fluctuation that brings about the downfall of a struggling aspirant. Destroy this fluctuation through strong Viveka, constant meditation and ceaseless Brahma-Vichara.

As soon as fluctuation manifests itself various sorts of imaginations crop up. Imagination co-exists with fluctuation. Imagination is as much dangerous as fluctuation. Fluctuation moves the mind. Imagination fattens the mind. Mind minus fluctuation and imagination is a mere zero. Fluctuation and imagination are the two wings of the mind-bird. Cut the right wing through Atmic enquiry and the left wing through the practice of thoughtlessness. The great bird-mind-will fall dead on the spot immediately.

The one dividing wall between the soul and body is mind. If this wall is broken by ceaseless Atmic enquiry, then the Jiva mixes with the Supreme Soul just as the river mixes with the ocean.

Close your eyes. Meditate. Open your heart to the inflow of the invisible power. You will find in the Bible “Empty thyself, I will fill thee”. Then you will have abundant, superintuitional knowledge which is beyond the reach of intellect. Just as water freely flows when the tap is turned so also Divine Wisdom will flow freely when the obstacles of ignorance that stand in the way of knowledge are removed. You will get flashes, glimpses of the Divine inspiration, revelation and intuition. You will have to put yourself in a state of quietude by silencing all bubbling thoughts and emotions and connect the mind with the source by withdrawing the mind from sensual objects, just as you do in telephone by turning the switch off and connecting the two persons who want to speak.

All duality is of mind. The whole of duality is caused by the imagination of the mind. If all imaginations are withdrawn into the mind itself by constant practice of discrimination, Vairagya (dispassion), Sama, Dama, and Samadhana, you will not experience the dual universe. The mind will become no mind. As it has nothing to cognise, it will rest in the source, the Atman.

“My mind was elsewhere, I did not see”. “My mind was elsewhere, I did not hear”; for a man sees with his mind and hears with his mind.

The attraction for objects and the ties of various sorts make the man bound to this world. Renunciation of all attractions for objects and breaking up the ties constitute real Sannyasa. That Sannyasi or Yogi who is free from attraction and ties enjoys the infinite bliss, supreme joy and eternal bliss.

The mind should be absorbed in the word Om (Pranava). That Yogi or Jnani whose mind is absorbed in Om has no fear whatever. He has reached the goal of life.

The fire of meditation rapidly consumes all evils and sins. Then there follows that knowledge of Truth which confers perfections, everlasting peace and immortality.

Stop the Vrittis through constant and steady practice. The mind will become no mind. You will attain Yogarudha State (the Absolute state). The seeds of Avidya in the form of potential tendencies which are embedded in the mind are all burnt to ashes when the mind rests in the Truth during Samadhi. The fire that burns is the fire of knowledge of Atman (Jnana-Agni, Yoga-Agni).

When the Yogi has attained the last stage of meditation, when he has entered into Asamprajnata Samadhi, he becomes a Jivanmukta in this very life.

The fire of Yogic Samadhi burns all Samskaras in toto. There are now no seeds for rebirth.

Control of Mind: The Key to Inner Peace and Spiritual Mastery

Control of Mind is one of the most important goals in yoga, meditation, and spiritual life. Ancient sages taught that the mind can become either our greatest friend or our greatest obstacle, depending on how it is trained. An uncontrolled mind is easily disturbed by fear, anger, attachment, and endless desires, while a disciplined mind remains calm, focused, and peaceful even during difficult situations. Through regular spiritual practice, ethical living, meditation, and self-awareness, individuals gradually learn to guide their thoughts instead of being controlled by them. Devotional India encourages readers to understand the importance of mastering the mind as the foundation of lasting happiness and self-realization.

Understanding Control of Mind begins with recognizing the nature of the human mind. Thoughts arise continuously, influenced by memories, emotions, desires, and external experiences. When these thoughts remain unchecked, they often create stress, confusion, and emotional imbalance. Yogic philosophy teaches that the mind becomes peaceful through conscious discipline rather than suppression. By observing thoughts without becoming attached to them, seekers gradually develop greater awareness and emotional stability. This mindful approach creates the first step toward inner freedom.

One of the most effective methods for Control of Mind is regular meditation. Meditation trains the mind to remain focused on a single point, such as the breath, a sacred mantra, or the awareness of the present moment. As concentration deepens, unnecessary thoughts gradually lose their influence, allowing the practitioner to experience silence and clarity. Daily meditation also strengthens patience, self-control, and resilience while reducing anxiety and mental restlessness. Devotional India reminds readers that even a few minutes of sincere meditation each day can produce meaningful transformation over time.

Another essential aspect of Control of Mind is the cultivation of positive thinking. Every thought influences emotions, actions, and habits. Replacing negative thoughts with gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and optimism gradually changes the direction of the mind. Reading inspiring spiritual literature, keeping good company, and practicing selfless service also help create constructive mental habits. Over time, the mind naturally becomes more peaceful, balanced, and capable of making wise decisions.

The practice of Control of Mind also emphasizes self-discipline in daily life. Maintaining a regular routine, eating wholesome food, practicing pranayama, speaking truthfully, and avoiding unnecessary distractions strengthen mental stability. Ethical living supports inner harmony because actions, words, and thoughts become aligned with higher values. This disciplined lifestyle reduces inner conflict and prepares the mind for deeper meditation and spiritual understanding. Devotional India highlights that self-discipline is one of the strongest tools for mastering the mind.

Developing Control of Mind requires patience, perseverance, and sincere self-reflection. Spiritual growth does not happen overnight but unfolds gradually through regular effort. Honest self-examination helps individuals recognize harmful habits and replace them with positive qualities such as humility, kindness, and emotional balance. Challenges should be viewed as opportunities to strengthen determination rather than reasons for discouragement. Every sincere effort contributes to greater inner strength and wisdom.

Ancient yogic masters have always explained that Control of Mind is the gateway to self-realization and lasting inner peace. They taught that when the mind becomes calm, the true nature of the Self shines naturally. Through meditation, prayer, devotion, and ethical living, seekers gradually overcome ignorance, attachment, and fear. A disciplined mind becomes a source of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering peace, allowing individuals to live with greater purpose and spiritual awareness. Devotional India continues to preserve these timeless teachings to inspire seekers toward a balanced, meaningful, and spiritually fulfilling life.

In conclusion, Control of Mind is the foundation of every successful spiritual journey and a key to lasting happiness. Through meditation, positive thinking, self-discipline, mindful breathing, and sincere devotion, individuals gradually transform their thoughts and emotions while discovering deeper inner peace. Every moment of awareness strengthens the connection between the mind, heart, and Divine presence within. Devotional India encourages every seeker to embrace Control of Mind as a lifelong practice that leads to wisdom, self-realization, emotional balance, and eternal spiritual joy.