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224
THE MYSTERIES OF MIND
that our material possessions will last till the end of our life. This attitude makes the heart impure.
We identify ourselves with our family, but this false identification lasts only till we are in a position to support the family. Once this support is stopped, members of the family begin to take us in a different light to our great disgust. In such a situation we become miserable. Misery is a kind of dirt settled on the mind. We should, therefore, have the courage to think that there can be no identity between us and our family. The truth is that man is an individual rather than a member of a group or collectivity. Family relations are temporary and perishable. The realization of this truths gives a sounder base to family relations.
We will have to practise retrospective contemplation (Anuprèksa) in order to keep our hearts pure. There are three kinds of retrospective contemplation. (1) Contemplation in our independent identity. (2) Contemplation on our selfidentity and (3) Contemplation on the perishable nature of things. Anyațva anuprèkså means that the soul and the body are two different entities. Impurity of the heart is also the result of our ignorance of our body. This ignorance brings about all kinds of demerits in us. Once anyațva anupreksā has become mature, we will be able to develop a correct attitude towards the body. In such a case sense objects will not encroach upon the self to keep us selfforgetful. This will reduce the impurity of the heart.
Ekațva anuprèksā or the feeling of self-identity removes our ignorance towards social relations. Anițyā anuprēkņa (the feeling of the perishable nature of materials objects) removes our negligence towards sense objects. These there contemplations remove the impurity of the mind and heart.
There is a misunderstanding regarding meditation. People have been believing that meditation gives us miraculous powers like the power to raise the body above the ground. If we meditated with such a belief, it will not have any spiritual effect on us. We will not be able to achieve anything substantial from such a meditation. Acrobats may amuse their spectators but they are not spiritually rich. Meditators who believe in miracles are spiritually wretched.
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