Internal Auditing - Body,Mind and Beyond - Mastering the Mind: The Path to Spiritual Clarity -Series - 11

 

Mastering the Mind: The Path to Spiritual Clarity

Understanding the Subconscious Mind

Most of our daily actions are not the result of conscious decision-making. Instead, they arise from the subconscious mind, which functions beyond our awareness, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

One of the strongest proofs of its existence is irrational fears or phobias. Some people fear spiders, while others panic at the sight of tiny lizards—even though logically, they pose no harm. The mind, however, does not always respond to logic. Instead, past experiences become deeply embedded in the subconscious, shaping how we react to situations.

How the Mind Operates Beyond One Lifetime

Our mind and soul do not begin and end with this lifetime. At the time of death, only the physical body perishes, but the subtle body (mind, intellect, ego) and causal body (tendencies) continue into the next life. This is why infants exhibit inexplicable emotions, such as sudden fear or joy—residual impressions from previous lifetimes influence their subconscious.

Even those blind since birth experience dreams because their subconscious mind retains visual impressions from past existences. This vast memory reservoir transcends physical limitations, proving that the mind carries knowledge far beyond what the conscious intellect perceives.

Self-Discipline: Controlling the Mind

The mind is a subtle machine housed within our body, constantly generating thoughts—some beneficial, some harmful. These thoughts affect:

• Happiness and emotional well-being
• Effectiveness in work and decision-making
• Physical health and expressions

Spiritual teachings emphasize that mental discipline is key to success. The mind can be the cause of both bondage and liberation—depending on how it is controlled.

To master the mind, one must exercise willpower and self-discipline, training it to reject distractions and pursue meaningful goals. This is essential because the untrained mind craves immediate gratification, leading to impulsive decisions and indulgence. By denying fleeting temptations, we cultivate inner strength, shaping our future instead of being ruled by whims.

The Role of the Intellect in Mind Control

The human intellect is designed to govern the mind—if only we choose to use it effectively. When faced with examinations, interviews, or urgent situations, individuals instinctively focus their minds on the task at hand, proving that the intellect can override distractions when necessary.

To illuminate the intellect, spiritual wisdom prescribes three steps:

1. Shravana (Hearing Divine Knowledge) – Regular exposure to spiritual teachings cleanses mental impurities.
2. Manana (Contemplation) – Like cows chewing cud, one must deeply reflect on wisdom received, ensuring true understanding.
3. Nididhyasana (Internalization) – When the intellect fully accepts divine truth, it shapes beliefs that define life’s direction.

Through these three steps, the intellect becomes the guiding force, leading to clarity, wisdom, and mastery over the mind.

The Need for Divine Grace in Mind Transformation

Despite our best efforts, the mind and intellect are both formed from material energy (Maya). Since Maya is as powerful as God, it cannot be conquered by self-effort alone—it requires divine grace.

• Before surrendering to God, the law of karma applies, dictating consequences based on past actions.
• After surrender, the law of divine grace applies, erasing accumulated karmas and accelerating spiritual growth.

Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita teaches that true liberation comes when the soul surrenders—replacing mental struggles with divine intervention.

Harnessing the Subconscious for Success

Since most of our actions emerge from the subconscious, understanding its influence is essential. Consider routine tasks like brushing teeth, taking a bath, or walking—these do not require constant conscious decision-making, as they are automated behaviors.

Similarly, phobias and deep-seated fears stem from subconscious experiences. A child trapped in a dark elevator may consciously forget the incident but later develop claustrophobia—a fear of enclosed spaces, triggered by the subconscious mind recalling the trauma.

Subconscious Speed and Reflex Actions

Research estimates that the subconscious processes information 40,000 times faster than the conscious mind. This becomes evident in critical situations:

• When crossing a road, you assume cars will stop at red signals.
• Suddenly, a vehicle rushes toward you without slowing down.
• Your conscious mind assesses danger and commands immediate retreat.
• Without conscious effort, the subconscious rapidly activates muscle reflexes, making you jump back instinctively, preventing harm.

This demonstrates that the subconscious is responsible for automatic survival mechanisms, ensuring that actions occur faster than conscious thought could allow.

Training the Subconscious for Success

The subconscious can be programmed—either positively or negatively—based on self-talk and external influences.

• If you repeatedly affirm positivity, such as "I am capable and blessed," the subconscious supports success.
• If you reinforce negative beliefs, such as "I will never succeed," the subconscious creates resistance, sabotaging opportunities.

Analogy: The Ship’s Captain and Crew

Imagine a ship, where the captain (conscious mind) directs commands and the crew (subconscious mind) blindly follows orders.

• If the captain instructs the ship toward destruction, the crew obeys without questioning why.
• If the captain chooses the right course, the ship sails toward safety and abundance.

Similarly, self-talk dictates subconscious programming—either leading to empowerment or limitation.

Conclusion: Mastering the Mind for Liberation

Controlling the mind and subconscious determines spiritual fulfillment and worldly success.

• Discipline the mind—reject distractions, cultivate focus, and shape thoughts wisely.
• Empower the intellect—hear divine wisdom, reflect deeply, and integrate it into daily life.
• Seek divine grace—surrender to God, allowing spiritual intervention to refine consciousness.

By mastering self-awareness, thought patterns, and subconscious programming, life transforms into a journey of clarity, joy, and ultimate liberation.

Warm regards.

.................To be continued