According to ancient scriptures and yoga, the human body is nothing but energy. We are not identifying with essence of life but with something that is created from that essence, and which is material and gross. Our collective consciousness is based on the body and the senses.

The mind simply enforces the needs of the body and senses, and desire enforces the needs of the body and the senses. It is our external awareness, which causes this. We are on the quest to seek happiness, and this drive is oriented to oneself only. Our demand is we seek happiness, and we seek pleasure. When we change this quest to enable others to receive happiness, then it becomes selfless. So selfish is self-oriented and selfless means inclusive, where everyone is included in what one is experiencing.

What is a fickle mind?

It is an ancient problem. One wishes to do something but one is not motivated enough to sustain it. Fickleness of mind is human nature. Even Rama asked his guru how one could control the fickle mind. There is lack of spiritual stability and one is always only aware of external factors. There is no connection between the external and internal awareness.

So now we can only pray to Ganesha to remove the obstacles in our lives and give us wisdom to pursue the path of self-realization.

As Yogis we should be ready to deal with the challenges in our society and help people to discover health and happiness in their life. We ourselves must be healthy and happy within and reinforcing our internal awareness.

Extracted from Swami Niranjananda lecture in Ganga Darshan 2021.

Aim Hrim Klim