Just as a strong wind sweeps a boat off its chartered course on the water, even one of the senses on which the mind focuses can lead the intellect astray. – Bhagavad Gita 2.67

We are very involved with our senses and are committed to them. We are ruled by them, if one is on the path of meditation, then it can be very distracting and we can succumb to temptation.

Let me share some examples. Memories are wonderful, they make us happy and distressed. Questions like why could I not understand or appreciate what was happening to me and around me? Why was I not more reasonable or empathetic? Why could I not have done better by working harder or have taken better care of myself? Well, the list goes on. I intentionally chose the distress list first. We tend to carry our sense of disappointment and bitterness almost forever. Pause and think.

Why are we wrapped and enrapt in our bundle of remorse and regret? Which sense is it? In some Hindu philosophy the mind – or manas – is considered a sixth sense. Its co-ordinates the five primary senses with other mental faculties.

We also have a treasure chest of our happy memories. Sometimes when we close our eyes, we see an unending film of joyous experiences. It is the play of our manas shakti. However a happy memory maybe accompanied with a tinge of sadness.

Now we come to the state of understanding the power of our manas over our memories. It is like relying on the experience, be it blissful, ecstatic or horrific. It means that we absorb them and learn from them. We do not have to have any baggage at all. We shed the memories. Our senses learn pratyahara, sensory withdrawal and then we can proceed in the direction of consciousness and awareness.

When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place. – Bhagavad Gita 6.19

Aim Hrim Klim

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