Mysteries of Mind

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Today and Tomorrows Book Agency

Page 10

denial of freedom. We should be free and conscious agents rather than toys which simply react. Action and not reaction
is the watchword of sadhanā.
ix
The mind of the modern man is not free. He simply reacts to situations and circumstances. He does not act. Actions done under the impact of emotional situations are also reactions and not actions. The entire activities of the sense-organs are reactions. We hear and see things under the influence of our predilections. Instinctive actions are also reactions.
Friendliness is the third principle of perceptive meditation. The whole behaviour of the practitioner should be governed by the spirit of friendliness. He should maintain the esprit de corps. His actions should be the expression of the developed attitude of friendliness towards every living being. Even when bitten by a snake, he should behave with it in a friendly way thinking that it has bitten him out of ignorance. This is possible only when he does not react to a situation but acts wakefully. Compassion for all living beings is the consummation of the spirit of friendliness. 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' is a philosophy totally incompatible with the spirit of friendliness. He alone who has become conscious of his free existence will avoid reacting and will act of his own free will.
Restraint in matters of food and drinks is the fourth principle of prekṣā meditation. Food not only affects health, it also influences the mind, meditation and consciousness. Mostly we eat unnecessary things. Food habits are governed by social and geographical conditions and traditions and customs. Eating too much or more than what is necessary produces deformities because it cannot be properly digested. Most of it goes waste. It accumulates poisonous waste-products in the intestines. It affects our minds and thoughts adversely. It also clouds our consciousness. If the nervous system is not trimmed and clean, mind and consciousness will not remain pure and our energy will not be increased. If a looking glass is not clean it will not reflect anything clearly. The reflection of consciousness will be obstructed if the nervous system and the intestines have been blocked and the light of consciousness will remain hidden within the body. Those who have