Internal Auditing - Body , Mind and Beyond - The Influence of the Conscious and Subconscious Mind - Series - 7

The Power of Self-Talk and Mind Purification in Spiritual Growth

The Influence of the Conscious and Subconscious Mind

The conscious mind plays a critical role in shaping our subconscious beliefs. Whatever messages the conscious mind conveys repeatedly, the subconscious mind absorbs and programs accordingly. This is why self-talk—the internal dialogue we hold within ourselves—is a vital tool in reshaping and purifying the subconscious.

However, deeper spiritual traditions suggest that mere positive self-talk is insufficient. Instead, true transformation requires purification of the mind, a process deeply intertwined with devotional practice. According to ancient scriptures, real positive thinking is not just about affirmations—it is about transcending mental impurities through deep spiritual engagement.

The Three Modes of Material Nature

The mind operates within the framework of three fundamental qualities or gunas that govern material existence:

1. Satwa (Goodness) – Associated with wisdom, clarity, and serenity.
2. Rajas (Passion) – Characterized by desire, restlessness, and ambition.
3. Tamas (Ignorance) – Linked to lethargy, confusion, and darkness.

These three modes impact our thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. According to scriptures, true positive thinking emerges when the mind is purified beyond these modes—a state that can be achieved through devotion to the divine.

The Village and the Polluted Well: A Profound Analogy

Imagine a small village with only one well. One day, a dog falls into the well and dies, causing putrefaction and contaminating the water. The villagers approach their spiritual teacher, pleading for a solution. The guru advises them to draw out a thousand buckets of water, hoping fresh water will replenish the well.

However, after removing a thousand buckets, the water remains rancid. Perplexed, the villagers return to their guru, who asks them, "Did you remove the dead dog from the well?"

This story serves as a powerful metaphor. Removing contaminated water is futile if the root cause—the decaying dog—remains. Similarly, attempting to practice positive thinking without addressing the deep-seated impurities in the mind will not lead to lasting transformation. True purification requires removing the underlying ignorance within.

Divine Devotion as the Path to Purification

The Ramayana states that just as water cleanses physical dirt, devotion to the divine cleanses the impurities of the mind. Many enlightened saints have emphasized that love for the divine is not merely an emotional practice—it is the most effective way to purify one’s consciousness.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains that the mind operates under the three modes but has the potential to transcend them. Krishna tells Arjuna:

"I am beyond the three modes of material nature. If you attach your mind to me, it will rise beyond all impurities."

This teaches that attaching the mind to the all-pure—the Divine—enables one to surpass the limitations of satwa, rajas, and tamas, leading to ultimate spiritual clarity.

Self-Talk as a Tool for Spiritual Purification

Saints prescribe a simple yet profound practice: chanting God's name with every breath. As one breathes in, one silently chants Radhe; as one exhales, one chants Shyam. This continuous self-talk becomes divine in nature, embedding purity deep within the subconscious.

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Maharaj emphasized:
"Chant the divine name with each breath. You do not need a prayer bead to count—your breath itself becomes the rhythm of devotion."

By turning self-talk into divine remembrance, one reprograms the subconscious mind into a purified, spiritually aligned state.

The Power of Visualization in Mind Programming

Beyond self-talk, visualization is another powerful tool for subconscious conditioning. Psychological studies reveal that images have a greater impact on the subconscious than words.

Decades ago, cinemas experimented with subliminal advertising, where frames containing an image of Coca-Cola were slipped into film reels. The conscious mind did not register these fleeting images, but the subconscious absorbed them. As a result, during intermission, audiences felt an inexplicable urge to purchase Coca-Cola.

Though such advertising was banned, this same technique can be harnessed positively for spiritual growth. By vividly visualizing divine forms and engaging in devotional imagery (Rupadhyan), one deeply embeds spiritual impressions into the subconscious. This technique merges meditation with self-conditioning, leading to profound inner transformation.

Conclusion: Transforming the Mind Through Spiritual Practice

The journey toward a purified mind requires more than just positive thinking—it requires deep spiritual engagement. Mere self-talk can help to an extent, but without addressing deeper impurities, negativity inevitably resurfaces.

True mental transformation unfolds through a combination of divine devotion, continuous chanting, and visualization techniques. By integrating these practices, one surpasses the modes of material nature, transcends ignorance, and attains lasting inner purity.

Warm regards.

........To be continued