Mysteries of Mind

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

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THE MYSTERIES OF MIND
being manifests itself in this state. It consists in complete perfection, freedom from all kinds of external intervention and self-knowledge.
The first lighthouse which illumines our spiritual journey is discernment. Prekşā Meditation (Perceptive Meditation) and anuprēkņā (Contemplative Meditation) by the seeker for the self are meant for kindling the light of discernment without which the traveller cannot proceed even a single step forward. Between the current of vital energy which keeps us living and the state of being a knower and a seer lies the deep and impenetrable Unconscious. No spiritual progress is possible until the barriers of the Unconscious have been breached and crossed.
Emotions, delusion, desires and lack of discernment are the four defence lines of the Unconscious. The mere conquest of our likes and dislikes or attachments and aversions are not enough to achieve the state of self-realization. We will have to launch a well-planned assault on the Unconscious. Lack of discernment is the deepest line of defence which we will have to do away with first. The remaining three lines of defence are not very deep and strong and will be very easily broken. An assault on the first line of defence, i.e., lack of discernment is an assault on the very roots of our sorrows and afflictions. The first question we have to answer is how to mount the assault. What is to be our strategy? What exercises have we to do? What is the plan of our sādhanā ?
We have to begin with two kinds of exercises : the exercise of viveka-pratimā (exercise in discernment) and kāyotsarga-pratima (exercise in the abandonment of the body and full awareness). These exercises have to be performed for three to six months. When these have been done, we will be able to kindle the light of consciousness.
Viveka-Pratimā (the exercise in discernment)
Keep sitting or standing in the posture of kāyotsarga. Keep your mind calm. Avoid all kinds of thinking and just go on watching or experiencing the situation you are in. While thinking you are just on the surface of your being. Thinking does not take you into the depths of your being. Thoughts which you think are like the ripples which come and go. Once