Short Summary of "Consequences of time and location" in "MIND Can it be tamed?" reflections by Swami Swaroopananda
Introduction
The seekers of India have considered the human mind as a monkey. Even though man has progressed in the outer world, his inner world needs to be improved to transcend the self=limiting tendencies. Like the same key can be used to lock and unlock the door, the mind is the instrument that becomes a friend if it is under control and helps to unfold the self, or else, the monkey-mind becomes the worst enemy that locks us inside the worldly troubles. Swami Swaroopananda Ji presents an investigation into the nature of the mind and offers the reader some tips and tools to tame the monkey mind.
 |
| Source: Amazon |
The table of contents in this book titled -"MIND; Can it be tamed?"-were: MIND; Your best friend or Your Deadliest Enemy; What is the Mind?; Mastering the mind; Influence of media; Importance of right company; Impact of diet; Consequences of time and location; Attention to actions; Contemplation; Two Strategies- Vairāgya and Abhyāsa; Attach to the Higher; Develop Contentment; No matter, Never mind.
In this short write-up, a small portion of this book is summarized for the reflection of the concept, i.e.,
Consequences of time and location
Different time periods of the day influenced the mind. Identification of the active Guṇa of mind (sattva, rajas, and tamas) on various time periods of the day is very important in progressing the spiritual journey. For instance, when the mind is in a sāttvika frame, encourage it to read spiritual books. Avoid worldly affairs during sāttvika hours of the mind.
"Ask yourself : what can you possibly gain from allowing yourself into the worldly affairs, which will go on- and continue going on- and continue going on."
(MIND; Can it be tamed?. pp no: 17)
Instead, use these sāttvika hours to study scriptures or books that uplift for meditation, worship, and so on. Use the early morning sāttvika hours to train and tame your mind. Try to regulate, give focus and direction and purify it.
Later, you can navigate the world of activity more efficiently and effectively with a sākṣi attitude.
Please note that 'avoid worldly activities in sāttvika hours' as mentioned before does not mean those activities should be ignored at all. The idea indicated is to find quiet time for oneself. Go to sleep early and rise before the rest of the household, and use sāttvika hours in the morning with a goal of developing oneself.
Prefer locations that evoke a sense of peace, harmony, mental quietude, places that engender a feeling of at-oneness. These are sāttvika. On the other hand, places that stroke your passions or deaden your sensitivity toward your fellow human beings or even animals are rājasika and tāmasika.
Opinion
Our mind is also dependent on the three Guṇas namely- sattva, rajas, and tamas. To perform our duties in the world, these are essential. But they should be handled with care. Our one day, credited with 24 hours, is also divided into these three Guṇas. i.e., 4a.m- 8a.m-sāttvika hours; 8a.m-4p.m-rājasika hours; 4 p.m-8p.m-sāttvika hours; 8 p.m-4 a.m-tāmasika hours.
Tāmasika hours are the time for resting our instruments- body, mind, and intellect.
Rājasika hours are the time for recharging our instruments with necessary food and exercise. Nowadays, we can do our livelihood working actions during those rājasika hours.
Sāttvika hours morning 4-8 and evening 4-8, these hours are very important for studying the scriptures, reflection on the meaning of the Vedas indicate, for meditation on the Supreme Reality, and discussions on Supreme with wise people. For this, the location that we choose is also important. Therefore, let's choose locations that encourage us to use our precious sāttvika hours which lead to spiritual growth.
May we improve and encourage our inner efforts to tame and uplift the mind!
Reference
Swaroopananda, Swami. (2016) "Consequences of time and location", MIND Can it be tamed? ISBN: 978-81-7597-682-5, Reprint edition, pp:17-21
Om Tatsat Brahmārpaṇamastu
Thanks
ReplyDeleteWell explained.
ReplyDelete