Mysteries of Mind

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

Page 30

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DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORCE OF RESISTANCE
SELF-DISCIPLINE
There are two sources of human existence : Energy and Consciousness. The former illumines the somatic and extrasomatic atmospheres in the midst of which human beings live. Consciousness can be utilized only by means of energy. It does not require energy for its own existence, but it needs energy in order that it may be of some use to us. The human brain too cannot be of any use to us except through vital energy. Our sense-organs are associated with consciousness, but they are of no use to us unless they are activated by the vital force. Consciousness cannot be operative unless it has been energised in a wholesome way.
The development of energy runs parallel to the development of consciousness. It can take place only through pratyākhyāna or renunciation. The first consequence of the enlightenment caused by discernment is the spirit of renunciation. The discernment of an enlightened person gives him the capacity to distinguish between what is beneficial and what is not. The term pratyākhyāna means to give up. This is brought about by the application of energy.
Will-power is one of the forms in which energy manifests itself. When we see one person sitting and another walking, we naturally ask as to what makes the first walk and the second sit. Why are not both either walking or sitting? The answer is that it is the will-power which makes them behave in their own way. Human conduct is governed by the human will. Sitting, speaking, keeping silent, eating, resting etc. are governed by the will.
Once there was a lot of philosophic thinking in ancient India. People asked whcther the air was a living being. Some