Spirituality

No Space, No Mind

Mind can be considered as the greatest problem faced by human beings. We generally consider mind as the greatest gift. Only human beings are able to think so profoundly. Only human beings have developed such subtle feelings. It is always said that, the greatest gift that humanity has got from god is his mind. 
                             
But, mind is the greatest problem on the way. The greatest obstacle. Man could think about something beyond mundane life only because of his mind. I think this is the greatest gift that mind has given to us. But, the mind is helpful only up to realizing this truth, that there is something beyond the mundane. Once this truth is realized, mind should also be left along with the other mundane things. Mind is meant for mundane things.

Mind cannot move in present. It can move only either in past or in the future. In present there is no space. Mind can either contemplate over the past or can imagine about the future.

In scriptures, it is written somewhere that there are three types of things. Things which are known, unknown and unknowable. We know things because of the mind, we perceive them with the help of this mind. The unknown things can be brought under the category of ‘known things’ with the help of the mind. The most important function of mind is, at some point it helps you to realize that there is something left by it. Something beyond the scope of mind. The unknowable.

To experience this unknowable (I am not using the word ‘know’ because the unknowable can only be experienced, tasted.) mind is not needed. But, this has been our tradition, our conditioning that we use only our mind to deal with the things. We do not know any other language, mediator other than mind. And this creates the madness in the world. People go on finding answers, theories to explain the eternal truth. Which is just like trying to measure the infinite ocean with the help of a small tumbler.

Now, what to do about this mind? So, here comes a very basic principle about the mind and its functioning. Mind cannot move in present. It can move only either in past or in the future. In present there is no space. Mind can either contemplate over the past or can imagine about the future. These two are the working areas of mind. When it come to present, there is no scope for the mind. In present, you do not think, rather, you live in the present.

So, the best way to deal with the mind is live moment. Bring your focus totally on the present, or rather just be present. This concept of bringing the mind in the present has been utilized by different religions in different forms, via different meditations. Hindu, Buddhist, Zen masters have used this concept by giving different meditations. One point to note is that, they have not given any theory for curing the problem of the mind, rather they have given techniques. It is just like eating the medicine. Eat it and it will work. There is no scope for your mind.

In Vigyan Bhairav Tantra there are 112 meditation techniques. Most of them just try to restrict you in the present. So that there is no scope for the mind. Buddha has given the breathing techniques which try to bring you in the present so that there is no scope for the mind. Ashtavakra Muni has given Sakshibhav as his main principle. Sakshibhava forces the mind to be inactive. Zen people use Zazen i.e. witnessing as there main tool Witnessing also limits the mind.

So, be in the present. Live the life moment to moment. Do not repent for the past also do not imagine the future. Be  in the present. Make it as beautiful as possible. And always remember, in present, there is no space and hence no mind.

14-Feb-2011

More by :  Mandar Karanjkar

Top | Spirituality

Views: 3479      Comments: 2



Comment Thinking is worth when it gives you choice to go against your nature or instincts. Animal may also be thinking but they do not have this conscience as developed as humans. Also I think, humans can have thoughts which question their own thoughts. I doubt if animals have such thoughts...

mandarkaranjkar
16-Feb-2011 09:55 AM

Comment Would you please tell me ,how do you know that only human beings are able to think and nobody else.

Jehangir.

MUNAWAR JEHANGIR
16-Feb-2011 08:19 AM




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