Controlling the Mind (03/10/12)
Hi C_____,
The ancient book on the practice of yoga (Bhagavad-gītā) describes the mind as difficult to control, like the wind. But the Gītā also says that one who engages in the practice of bhakti-yoga can easily control the mind.
That is what we do at the āśrama – we engage fultime in bhakti-yoga, 24/7. This includes chanting mantras, meditation, simple asanas, vegetarian diet, regulated life style and the cultivation of transcendental knowledge.
There is no single thing that I have ever heard of that calms the mind unless it was a drug and that usually has very bad side-effects.
Bhakti-yoga is a complete lifestyle and, when taken up seriously, calms the mind and senses, gives one a clear perception of the self, enables one self control and culminates in self-realization.
Happy surfing.
Swami
