The Path to Liberation: Conquering the Mind

Day 160

The Path to Liberation: Conquering the Mind

Virocana explains to Bali how to conquer the powerful minister – the mind – and attain liberation.

Conquering the Invincible Minister

Virocana acknowledges the immense power of the minister (mind) but assures Bali that it can be conquered with intelligent action. He warns that without this intelligent action, the mind can be destructive.

Seeing the King and Subduing the Minister

Virocana reveals the key to conquering the mind – seeing the king (true Self) and subduing the minister (mind). These go hand in hand.

Intelligent Practice

Virocana emphasizes the importance of "intelligent practice" for both seeing the Self and subduing the mind. This practice involves self-effort and steady practice.

The Mind is the Minister

Virocana clarifies that the minister referred to is the mind. The mind creates the illusion of the world and is responsible for suffering. Conquering the mind leads to conquering everything.

Intelligent Means to Conquer the Mind

Virocana reveals the best intelligent practice to conquer the mind – complete freedom from desire, hope, or expectation for all objects at all times. He acknowledges the difficulty of this practice but emphasizes its effectiveness.

Persistent Practice is Key

Virocana stresses the importance of persistent practice for subduing the mind. Just like a harvest requires sowing, liberation requires dedicated effort.

Dispassion Through Right Exertion

Virocana emphasizes the role of right exertion (purusha-kara) in attaining dispassion. He discourages relying on fate or divine grace.

Mind, Nature, and Liberation

Virocana explains the interconnectedness of mind, nature (niyati), and right exertion. The mind can create its own reality through right effort. Nature is seen as the inevitable unfolding, and right exertion can influence it.

Jiva and the Natural Order

Virocana describes the jiva (individual) functioning within the natural order, prompted by nature. These actions may appear selfish, but they are part of the larger order.

Mind and Liberation

Virocana concludes that as long as the mind exists, there is no concept of god or a natural order. Liberation comes when the mind ceases to be.

Bali's Question

The story ends with Bali asking Virocana how to establish the cessation of craving for pleasure in his heart.