The Mind: A Delusion and the Root of Suffering

Day 154

The Mind: A Delusion and the Root of Suffering

Vasistha continues his discourse on the mind and its role in suffering:

Who Can Be Helped?

Vasistha advises Rama that trying to help those with distorted minds is like trying to cover the sky with a small umbrella. Those controlled by their minds are like animals led by a rope. The wise don't waste their energy on such endeavors. However, they strive to uplift those who have conquered their minds and are ready for self-inquiry.

The Illusory Mind

Vasistha emphasizes that the mind is not real. It exists only as long as we forget our true Self. He instructs Rama to abandon the thought of the mind, as clinging to its existence is like a ghost haunting you. He explains that objectivity in consciousness leads to bondage, whereas abandoning this objectivity leads to liberation. Experiencing the qualities of nature leads to bondage, while detachment from them leads to liberation.

Seeing Beyond Duality

Vasistha teaches Rama to remain established in the state of "seeing" (sight), the space between the self (seer) and the world (seen). He instructs him to recognize himself as the experiencing (between experiencer and experience), existing in self-knowledge. Attaching oneself to objects creates the mind (subject) and unhappiness. True intelligence lies in recognizing the Self as everything, leaving no room for a mind, object, or thought.

Abandoning Fear Through Self-Knowledge

Vasistha compares the mind to a serpent in the body, causing fear. Through yoga practices, one removes this serpent and eliminates fear. When the Self forgets itself and identifies with objects, it becomes impure, and the "poison" of craving arises. This craving fuels delusion, and no god can withstand its consuming fire.

The Destructive Power of Craving

Vasistha identifies craving as the root of all suffering. It's subtle yet powerful, consuming flesh, bone, and blood. It makes a person weak, miserable, and fallen. When craving ceases, life-force becomes pure, and divine qualities blossom.

The Blindness of Craving

Vasistha compares craving to a trap that leads to hell. It creates a blinding delusion much worse than physical blindness. Even Lord Vishnu, the preserver, humbled himself by becoming a dwarf due to craving. Therefore, craving, the source of all sorrows, must be renounced.

The Duality of Craving

Vasistha acknowledges the paradox of craving. While being the root of suffering, it also drives essential functions like the sun shining or the wind blowing. Craving binds all beings in the three worlds, and while strong ropes can be broken, the rope of craving is much harder to sever.

Overcoming Craving

Vasistha advises Rama to conquer craving by stopping conceptual thinking. The mind cannot exist without thought. He instructs Rama to prevent the images of "I," "you," and "this" from arising in the mind, as these lead to hopes and expectations. By doing so, Rama will be considered wise.

Ego: The Root of Craving

Vasistha connects craving to the ego-sense, the source of all sins. He instructs Rama to use the sword of wisdom to cut at the very root of this ego, eliminating fear.