Mysteries of Mind

SR No.: 006756
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Today and Tomorrows Book Agency
Publication Year: 1982
Total Pages: 278
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 11 MB

Page 174

CONSUMMATION OF SADHANA
161
Talks and discussions play a minor role in sādhanā. The main thing is whether the coach can enable the disciple to have his own experience. Sādhana is the practical aspect of self-knowledge. In scientific investigations theory has to be tested by experiments or experience. If the practitioner is burdened with a theory from the very beginning, he will be confused in practice. Our minds are already overburdened with all kinds of theories. An additional burden will add to their confusion. Sādhanā aims at making the mind and the body light. It is direct personal experience which matters. The practitioner must investigate, experiment and experience every thing in his own way. Theory is meant for giving a particular direction so that the mind may become clear of all doubts and misgivings. Practice is more important than theory. Theory is grey; ever green is the tree of life.
Kāyotsarga is the first step in sādhanā. It aims at reducing tensions. The second stage consists in wakefulness. The mind has to be enlightened. An enlightened mind will function in the most satisfactory way.
In the process of Body perception we try to invert the mind. However, it is the nature of the inind to wander ainilessly. But once it has been enlightened. it can be easily controlled. It is not by its very nature wakeful or self-conscious. The self cannot be manifested unless the mind has been enlightened. When the mind sleeps every thing else sleeps. When the mind is enlightened, everything else becomes enlightened.
During a terrific bombardment in the second world war an old woman was found working and sleeping in the most natural way. She had no fear and worries. People asked her how she could have a peaceful sleep in such a situation. She replied that the God within her was always wakeful, and therefore, there was no need for her to be watchful. The fact is that an enlightened mind has no worries. It needs no support and care from others,
Theoritical knowledge does not necessarily give birth to wakefulness. The practitioner has to exert himself in the correct direction. Svāsa prekşă (breath perception) is an effective means of becoming wakeful. The practitioner should patiently follow the inhalling and exhalling process of