The Art of Watching the Mind
The only thing that remains with you permanently is your mind. It is the lens through which you perceive the world, and yet, it often becomes the very source of suffering. Lust, greed, jealousy, anger, ego, tension, grudges, depression, stress, and anxiety—all these are symptoms of an untrained mind.
Reading time: 4 minutes
We suffer because we have handed over all control to the mind and made it our master. When the mind is cheerful, we feel happy; when it is gloomy, we feel depressed. Our emotions fluctuate based on its whims, and we begin to identify ourselves solely with our mind, forgetting that we are much more than just our thoughts.
The Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita provides profound guidance on mastering the mind. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna:
"For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, the mind will remain the greatest enemy." (Bhagavad Gita 6.6)
This verse emphasises that an untrained mind leads to suffering, whereas a disciplined mind becomes a source of strength and liberation. The Gita teaches that by cultivating detachment and self-awareness, we can transform the mind from a restless master into a serene servant. Through practice and self-discipline (abhyasa and vairagya), we can transcend the fluctuations of the mind and attain inner peace.
The Nature of the Mind
Mind is what you make it. It has no inherent power of its own; rather, it is shaped by your thoughts. Every thought, emotion, and word produce vibrations that permeate every cell of the body, leaving lasting impressions. If you cultivate positive thoughts, you nurture good health and harmony. If your mind is filled with negativity, illness and disharmony follow. The mind and body are intrinsically linked—vigorous thoughts create a strong body, while negative thoughts deplete vitality. Thoughts of love, peace, contentment, purity, and divinity elevate both you and those around you. Conversely, unchecked thoughts lead to mental and physical afflictions.
Understanding the Mind’s Functioning
The human mind operates within a confined field, restricted to past experiences, perceptions, and imaginations. According to Maharishi Patanjali, this field can be transcended by training the mind. In his Yoga Sutras, Patanjali describes the mind (Chitta) as comprising three faculties:
- Manas (Mind & Memory): The recording faculty that gathers impressions from the senses.
- Buddhi (Intellect): The discriminative faculty that processes these impressions and reacts.
- Ahamkara (Ego): The identity-making faculty that claims these impressions as its own.
For instance, when a teacher instructs a student to practice Kapalabhati Pranayama at a slow pace, the mind records the instruction, and the intellect understands its importance. However, the ego may intervene, noticing that others are practicing faster and feeling the urge to match them. This interference of the ego distorts judgment and often leads to suffering. Thus, controlling and refining the ego is essential for mental clarity and spiritual growth.
The Ego and Its Barriers
The egoist mind creates obstacles, wavering between understanding and confusion. One moment, it grants clarity; the next, it casts doubt. At times, it drives us toward self-realisation; at other times, it leads us astray. This fluctuation arises from identifying too deeply with the mind. The solution is not to suppress the mind but to transcend it.
A Simple Guide to Meditation and Inner Stillness
As the Bhagavad Gita states:
"A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy such desires." (Bhagavad Gita 2.70)
This verse highlights the importance of equanimity and inner stability. By observing desires without being consumed by them, we cultivate mastery over the mind.
The Power of Meditation
Meditation is the key to transcending the mind. It is not a mere mental exercise but a direct and natural process of going beyond thought. The mind, by nature, is restless, generating an unending stream of thoughts from birth to death. Meditation helps regulate this activity, enabling us to master the mind rather than being enslaved by it.
By practicing meditation regularly, you gain the ability to switch off unnecessary thoughts and experience profound inner stillness. Meditation is not about controlling the mind; it is about witnessing it without interference. Simply observe thoughts neutrally, without judgment, analysis, or resistance. Just as you do not mistake your shadow for yourself, recognise that your thoughts are not your true essence. This simple act of witnessing releases mental burdens, fostering mental clarity and inner peace.
The Art of Watching the Mind
To meditate, adopt a comfortable sitting position. Close your eyes, relax your body, and withdraw your attention from the external world. Direct your focus inward, toward your breath. Breathe slowly, deeply, and rhythmically. As thoughts arise, simply watch them—do not engage, argue, or resist. Let them pass naturally, like clouds drifting in the sky. Gently return your focus to your breath and continue this for some time. By continuously disidentifying from thoughts, you enter a state of pure awareness—a space beyond thought, where only consciousness remains.
As you deepen your meditation practice, your restless mind gradually learns to embrace silence. Over time, it realises that silence is a source of power, energy, and positivity. Once the mind surrenders to this inner stillness, you become its master. You gain the ability to use the mind when necessary and to quieten it when it is not needed.
Conclusion: The Path to Mastery
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that self-mastery is the highest form of success. A person who has mastered his mind is unshaken by external circumstances and remains rooted in wisdom. The path to self-mastery requires discipline, mindfulness, and detachment. Through meditation and self-inquiry, we can train the mind, transcend its fluctuations, and experience true inner freedom.
As Lord Krishna assures Arjuna:
"One must deliver oneself with the help of the mind and not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well." (Bhagavad Gita 6.5)
This wisdom serves as a guiding light for anyone seeking mastery over the mind. By cultivating inner awareness, detachment, and disciplined practice, we shift from being slaves to our thoughts to becoming the true masters of our minds.
