THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 18. THE POWER OF THOUGHT - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

In Chapter 18 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Sri Swami Sivananda explores the profound and subtle nature of thought, describing it as a living, dynamic force with the power to shape our reality, our health, our character, and even our destiny. Thought, according to Sivananda, is not merely a passive mental activity but a living, vital force capable of creating tangible effects in both the mind and the external world. This chapter delves deeply into the different aspects of thought and its transformative potential.

Thought Is a Living Force
The first key idea Sivananda presents is the concept of thought as a living force. He emphasizes that thought is not an abstract or static concept, but a dynamic and potent energy that operates with great subtlety. Thoughts have their own energy, form, and power. When a person thinks about something, the mind shapes itself into the form of that thought, illustrating the immediate impact thought has on the mental plane. Just as a sculptor molds clay, the mind molds itself based on the thoughts it entertains. The changing nature of the mind reflects the continuous flow of thoughts, and the mind itself becomes a dynamic, constantly shifting force. Sivananda further explains that thought has a unique ability to resonate with vibrations, which vary depending on the quality of the thought. For instance, a thought charged with anger or hatred is a dark, heavy vibration, while a spiritual thought might vibrate with a light, golden hue. These vibrations are not merely metaphorical; they are real forces that interact with the environment and influence those around them. Through meditation and yogic practice, one can train the mind to see and direct these vibrations for spiritual growth and healing. 

Thought as Subtle Matter
Sivananda presents thought as a form of subtle matter. In this context, thought is not just a mental construct, but a tangible substance that can be felt and observed by those who have developed advanced spiritual faculties. Thought is as solid and real as any physical object, though it operates on a much finer and subtler level. This understanding is central to the yogic worldview, which sees the mind and thoughts as central to the fabric of existence. Thoughts, according to Sivananda, possess certain qualities and can be perceived in terms of form, color, and texture. Spiritual thoughts may appear as golden or luminous, while negative thoughts such as anger and selfishness may manifest as dark or muddy. A trained yogi can perceive these qualities with the inner eye, offering a clear indication of the individual's mental and emotional state. This perspective on thought highlights the importance of mental discipline and the need to cultivate positive and constructive thoughts to elevate one's spiritual life. 

Thought Is a Creative Force
Thought is not just a passive force; it is a creative one. It shapes our reality in powerful ways. Every action begins with a thought, and as we think, we mold our circumstances. Whether we succeed or fail, our thoughts are the root cause of those outcomes. Sivananda encourages the cultivation of positive thoughts, emphasizing that they are the foundation of success in life. The law of attraction, often discussed in modern spiritual circles, is rooted in this ancient teaching that like attracts like. The more we focus on positive, constructive thoughts, the more we attract positive experiences into our lives. The power of thought extends beyond personal success. Sivananda teaches that thought is a universal force that can influence others. A thought of love, compassion, or goodwill has the power to affect others in ways that we may not immediately see. The power of thought is contagious, and one person's thoughts can inspire and uplift an entire community. Just as a cheerful person can lift the spirits of those around them, so too can a negative, angry individual spread their own emotional contagion. 

Thought and Health
Sivananda connects the quality of thought directly to physical health. He asserts that the mind and body are deeply intertwined, with the mind playing a pivotal role in determining the state of the body. If the mind harbors healthy thoughts, it will manifest in a healthy body. Conversely, if the mind is filled with negative, unhealthy thoughts, the body will begin to reflect this in the form of sickness and disease. The idea that the mind influences the body is not only a spiritual concept but also has been corroborated by modern science, which recognizes the connection between mental states and physical health. Sivananda suggests that by cultivating positive, healing thoughts, one can maintain good health and vitality. Thoughts of strength, vitality, and well-being will contribute to a strong and healthy body, while thoughts of weakness, disease, and infirmity can lead to illness. This principle extends to all aspects of life, from physical health to emotional and mental well-being. 

Thought Builds Character
The quality of thought also determines the character of an individual. "As a man thinketh, so he is" is a phrase often quoted by Sivananda, encapsulating the idea that our thoughts shape who we are. Through consistent and focused thinking, we can build the qualities we wish to embody. Whether it is courage, purity, patience, or self-control, our character is a reflection of the thoughts we repeatedly entertain. The process of character-building through thought involves deliberate choice. It is not enough to simply think positive thoughts occasionally; one must make a conscious effort to cultivate good thoughts and to focus on them consistently. Through repetition, these thoughts eventually shape the mind, forming habits and qualities that become ingrained in the individual's character. This is a central tenet of the practice of self-discipline and meditation, where the aspirant consciously guides their thoughts towards higher goals. 

Thought Weaves Destiny
One of the most profound ideas in this chapter is the idea that thought creates destiny. The thoughts we hold today will shape our future, both in this life and in future incarnations. According to Sivananda, thoughts form grooves in the mind, creating mental patterns that influence our actions and experiences. If we consistently dwell on certain thoughts, we build a habit of thinking that becomes automatic, influencing our behavior and shaping the circumstances of our lives. This concept ties into the law of karma, as the quality of our thoughts influences the actions we take and the consequences we face. Just as a person plants seeds that will grow into a certain type of tree, so too do our thoughts plant seeds that will shape our future experiences. Thus, by cultivating positive, noble thoughts, we can create a future that is harmonious and fulfilling. 

Thought and Telepathy
Sivananda also touches on the concept of thought-transference, or telepathy, explaining that thoughts can travel from one person to another, even across great distances. Just as waves ripple outward from a stone thrown into water, so too do thoughts spread out and affect the minds of others. In this sense, thought is a powerful tool for communication, one that transcends the limitations of space and time. This idea highlights the interconnectedness of all beings, as our thoughts are not isolated but part of a vast network of mental energy that links us all. 

In conclusion, Chapter 18 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control emphasizes the immense power of thought and its ability to shape every aspect of our lives. Thought is not only a mental activity but a living, dynamic force that has the potential to create, transform, and heal. By cultivating positive thoughts and consciously directing the power of the mind, we can improve our health, build our character, shape our destiny, and influence the world around us. The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of mental discipline and the transformative potential of thought in both the spiritual and material realms.  

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