Depression - Part 1 By Sri.Sri.Muralidhara Swamiji

[Ravishankar.G]

Dear All,

Good evening to all of you and have a divine blessed day ahead.

Mind is inert. As per our philosophy there is in fact no such thing as mind. I do accept this. However, in day-to-day life one has to accept the existence of mind. The mind is something wonderful and strange. One who is able to control the mind gains mental strength and succeeds in doing rare and great feats. One who is able to destroy the mind becomes a Gnani (man of wisdom). And the one who is unable to control the mind gets confused and becomes sick both physically and mentally.

A man's face reflects his happiness and sorrow vividly. In happiness his physical health improves and in sorrow it is adversely affected. So there is a connection between the mind and the body. A man with a disturbed mind cannot sit quiet even for a while. And he is always found to be fidgeting with something or moving about restlessly. A man who has control over his mind is able to sit quietly for a long period. Therefore, those who are unable to control their minds directly, practice Yoga for long hours and thus control their minds through body control. Raja Yoga strengthens both mind and body and helps in spiritual progress.

One-pointedness of the mind is totally different from the state of mind gained (strengthened) through Yoga. One who has strengthened his mind carries out feats which create awe and wonder. For example, he is found to possess the power of an elephant in him. He will be able to break a big rock with his bare hands. But his mind will be bereft of feelings such as joy, sorrow, devotion and knowledge.

Likewise, a tender heart (mind) is different from a weak mind. Sattvic (Calm) feelings like devotion, knowledge are reflected only in the former while the latter (weak mind) lacks steadfastness. If someone advises him that worship or Pooja for God is good then he would at once conduct this. If on the other hand he happens to read that pranayama (control of breath) is the only way he would at once start this practice. He would try all ways and means that he sees, hears or reads but would drop it all as soon as begun. It is not so in spiritual matters alone. He behaves likewise in worldly matters, too. Cinema, music or any other subject for that matter attracts him very easily. Such a person would take to self-pity quite suddenly. His inability manifests itself as anger, hatred and tears. His mind then is like a cauldron. He then uses abusive and authoritative words in self-defence.

There is a connection between mind and food. It is seen that some kind of food make the mind sattvic (calm) some make it rajasic (active) and yet others make it tamasic (dull). For example, foods which are not fresh when taken make the mind dull. Liquor makes one loose control of his senses and even makes him unconscious. From this it is evident that there is connection between food and mind.

!!! Will continue !!!

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
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