The mind must be trained first. Before that, you will find the same world anywhere you go. Swami Sivananda
We have heard many times that we are the masters of our destiny. I do hope that this powerful statement brings you all the hope and courage you need to bring about the changes for the better in your life, one small step at a time. The days of the old mistaken ways of such thinking and believing that turned many hopes into broken dreams, traded the beauty of life with the fear of the same and created numerous weaklings, brought about depression, shame, the feeling of inadequacy in the hearts of many are quickly disappearing. We have all lived the life of dread due to the old paradigm that somehow claimed that other sources and beings, rather than ourselves, create, mend or mar our lives. Today try to think like a lion or a lioness! Life opportunities are all yours for having!
We don’t need reminders of our weaknesses, faults and failures; we need the reminders of the truth of the power of our spirit that lies deep within us and that we are meant for the highest accomplishments. Say good-bye to the relentless thoughts of guilt and shame that crowd your mind, and let your contrite heart open wide!
Our modern time necessitates a new way of thinking; it calls for a positive and practical philosophy that breathes in the fire of aspiration, optimism and self-reliance. Through and with the help of our most cherished thoughts we either create our possibilities, positive conditions and strengths or, when veiled by ignorance, our suffering and weaknesses. What is the way of out of slavery to our thoughts and emotions? It is through mastery of our own mind.
The philosophy that we are the authors of our life is indeed the most liberating. It gives us the impetus to strive onward for perfection and freedom. Thought is the originator of this vast universe. Right understanding of the mind is the key to having peace of mind, success in life and in our relationships. The mind, when cultivated properly, becomes our best friend and guide.
But how does that mastery of the mind come about?
Just as you make a ‘To Do’ list every day, so also we need to have a plan or a program for training of our mind. In simple words we need to discipline the mind.
Let us first give define the word discipline.
Discipline is the ability to translate our visions, dreams and intentions into palpable reality, making them our own experience. Discipline is not a hard-task master; it is the process of unifying the heart and mind in a common pursuit. Discipline requires that we forego the lesser for the higher, committing to a higher goal that will ultimately blossom into our strength and power. This is of utmost importance for success on the spiritual path. Discipline is not a straightforward, always upward path.
Whenever we make up our mind to improve an aspect of ourselves, we find that sooner or later life presents obstacles; we appear to fail, and sense no progress. But we learn that mastery in any field takes place one step at a time and every failure on the path is simply a stepping stone to success. This is the story behind everyone’s triumph. The first positive step to intense spiritual practice is right intention and resolution. The next step, which should follow immediately, is that of right effort or exertion.
True commitment to a spiritual life is the ability to translate our ideals into action. Commitment to an ideal is the single most responsible factor for success in spiritual life. Become someone of concentrated effort. Use every moment to perfect yourself. Don’t waste your life trying to change others; they must follow their own path. Every moment is an opportunity to practice, improve, change or simply accept and realize.
Discipline involves a continuous repetition of the particular exercise or a principle, meticulously, until it is well learned, and it has become a part and parcel of your nature and it can be applied with ease at the time of a challenge or temptation.
Discipline is about making the same step in a given direction, but it also allows us to go a step higher – discipline is gradually extended to all activities until whole body and mind become an obedient and creative instrument for the realization of the Highest Goal.
Discipline means harmonization of all our forces and energies, powers and skills for the sake of the highest realization.
If we can control even the smallest negative thought, have mastery over even a single desire, exert command over one of our mental processes, bring order to our feelings, emotions and thoughts, consciously build and express virtuous qualities, have the courage to renounce the unnecessary, and hear the inner voice of Truth, we will know the bliss beyond this world.
- Pick a virtue that resonates with your heart and make a commitment that you will practice it for one full day even in the midst of temptation.
For example, concentrate on and exercise the quality of patience if you tend to get irritable.
- Begin with the regular practice of yoga, at least a couple of times a week. Keep the weekly commitment steady.
- Focus on your breath or a mantra for about 15-30 min a day whenever you the mind has wondered off.
Or choose some practices such as:
- I will live with integrity today. I will free my mind from
all contradictions and make all my thoughts and feelings stream in a single direction—that of love and wisdom.
My goal and my way will be on the same wavelength. When I want peace, peace will be the way. When I want to experience love, love will be the way.
You will emerge as a changed person! There is nothing so wonderful as the feeling that we can be in control of our thoughts and emotions, even if it be only for a short period of time.
‘Hold firm to discipline; never let her go.
Guard her well for she is your salvation…
Above all else, guard your heart,
For therein is the source of Life.’ Proverbs 4:13.23
