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PYS - Techniques to calm the mind (1.35)


Namaste, let us continue to study the techniques Patanjali suggests to calm the mind. Please note that Patanjali suggests that you adopt one of the techniques suggested and practice it with deep conviction, sincerity and earnestness to accomplish the quietness of mind. The technique we are going to study today is an inquiry into how our senses (hearing, touch, vision, taste and smell) can affect our mind. Our senses can be affected by what we eat, what TV shows we watch, who we interact with, where we go on our vacations, what music or talks we listen to, where we live etc. Based on how the senses are affected, they can either become an attention (citta svarupanukara) or a distraction to our sadhana.

The effect of senses on the mind can be explained with a beautiful illustration from Kathopanishad. This illustration is symbolically denoted by the chariot driven by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita. It describes the five horses as the five senses, the reins as the mind and the charioteer as ‘You’. If each of the horses go in a different direction without any control by the reins and the charioteer, the horses would be exhausted, reins would be torn and so the charioteer. Similarly, if sense organs work independently, uncontrolled by the mind, they can be torn, and so the mind and then You. If you are master of your mind, you can hold the reins steady and drive all the horses in a controlled fashion, in unison, working towards the desired destination.

Many techniques have been suggested on how to become master of our senses. For many of us, it mostly comes down to a deep inner discipline and regimen on some of the aspects mentioned earlier such as our habits related to diet, relaxation, exercise, vacations, interactions, ‘screen’ time and so on. A regular practice of techniques such as deep relaxation or Yoga Nidra (eg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLs0xVwvWWM) also helps. Remember that the reins are in ‘your’ hands and with determination and practice, you can control them and take the horses where you want to go! Wish you all the best in your sadhana and more next week.

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