DO NOT FORM CHAIN OF THOUGHTS - (1)

 We do not need to store anything (from the past, present or future) in the mind. Whenever thoughts arise from the impressions of the past karmas, we should not form the chain of these thoughts. This process lessens the effect of thoughts. This is one of the major processes of the Yoga. The effect of the Sanskaras (old impressions) of the Chitta gets erased automatically, in proportion to our efforts to stop the chain formation of the thoughts with awareness. Only after that we can be like clean slate. 

When we are in Jiva nature, if someone talks about our mind, intellect, chitta, prana and ego, our inner self has a habit of starting to think about it. With the first thought, its corresponding second thought and the third thought produces a kind of continuity or chain. While in Atma, there is spontaneity in the expression without the thought. So, what should we do? Over a period of time, we should create a habit that when we are performing a task it is ok to think about pros and cons of the work but when we are not performing a task and mind starts to form chain of thoughts, we need to stop forming the chain of thoughts with awareness and knowledge. We can tell the mind that presently this is not your work. If the mind keeps thinking randomly and forming chain of thoughts we need to tell the mind that this thinking of yours is useless and not needed. So what happens. Just keep noticing the thoughts and be a witness of the thoughts.  So, there is a possibility to develop the lively tendency to become increasingly Tatastha (detached, impartial).  

So we have developed a stage where there is a possibility to be separate from the Prakruti (nature). This is a small step. Keep awareness and do not form chain of thoughts. This is a very small step but we can get the force and enthusiasm to be expressed at the level of Atma.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 1, Pages 400 - 401.

WAYS TO BE FREE FROM THOUGHTS.

 It is always best for the Sadhak to find a way, when the thoughts seem to stick and do not go away. When we are busy with thoughts and its chain formations, if we become aware of it, we should start Naam-Smaran or pray to Bhagwan and ask for His grace and help. If we continue to experience thought-chain forming in the mind, we can also sing a Bhajan, think about it or do deeper analysis. If this does not help, we can also remember- think about a holy person for whom we have developed attraction and absorption. So, at any cost we should find the solution to be free from the chain of thoughts. If we do not find solution, thoughts will keep on doing whatever it does and we will continue to be in delusionary condition.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 1, Pages 399 - 400.

MAUN (મૌન) MEANS QUIET MIND

 Power of the mind is in reality a very powerful energy. It is peaceful, deep and mysterious. When peaceful and stable mind is still and quiet in a Jiva, that Jiva can go over such a quiet mind, never otherwise. It is possible to experience glimpses of the Chetan (consciousness) at this level. Sadhak needs to have this experience while doing Life-Sadhana of being free from all kind of thoughts and in the end becoming thoughtless. At this level of development, Sadhak understands himself properly. He experiences the energy that can control himself by himself. Such is the art of life. So, first we will have to engage ourselves to quiet the mind from its unsteadiness, lack of peace, imaginations and half- haphazardness. This is the best path to guide the mind appropriately. It is also possible to control the mind with the help of the intellect when it is possible to keep focus and solitude in intellect commiserate with development of life and there is no delusion and imaginations about it in the intellect. Other way to quiet the mind, is to separate the mind from within. It is possible to quieten and balance the mind by both paths. So, it is profitable to continue with experiments. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 1, Pages 398 - 399.

REMEDIES TO CALM THE MIND

 Some people may ask, how can we calm or still the mind? First remedy is to develop the awareness with knowledge of being separate from all kind of activities of the mind. After being separate from the mind, do not take interest in any and all kind of the activities of the mind. Keep watching it with equanimity (સમતા) and balance. This means stay as witness and watch the mind. If this process is done in correct way, we will experience that the mind is being quieter. Second remedy is to discard whatever springs up in the mind, and concentrate it on Naam-Smaran or Bhavna or Chetna of the Guru or on the peace in the heart.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 1, Page 397.

CONFRONT THE OUTBURSTS OF THE MIND

 Whenever something (thoughts, emotions etc.,) bubbles up in the mind, at this time we need to firmly think that all this is not our real form and try to be separate from it. As we stop getting mixed up with thoughts, emotions, imaginations, forces of Prana of the mind and intellect, it will still continue to bubble up. This will be of many kind. Sometimes it can become so strong that poor Sadhak can get lost and confused. Even then, these moments are truly and appropriately testing his strength and determination in life. Only such a Jiva who understands this in the heart, that the true life is to take such a step in the path of the development of life, will survive this test. Others will perish. 

What we need to do is to develop the habit of the mind to think only of one subject and prevent it from thinking of variety of things. Try to keep the mind on one subject and if it moves away from it, bring it back to the same subject. If it is possible to keep the mind in the Chetna-Smaran or the holy Bhavna of Guru, just do that. It may become or happen easier. Here Sadhak needs to be more alert, careful, with the Bhava of knowledge. 

Our only work is to see that our mind stays engaged continuously in Sadhana of life. Know that knowledge and awareness of this fact need to be remembered and put in practice of our work, relationship and behavior in the dealings of society. 

Nature of the mind is to run aimlessly but if we can concentrate and focus on only one thing, mind may find it easier. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1

Part 1, Page 396 - 397.