THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 19. THOUGHT-CULTURE and THOUGHT-CONTROL - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

In Chapter 19 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Sri Swami Sivananda discusses the pivotal concept of "Thought-Culture" and its profound influence on one's life and spiritual progress. He explains that mastering control over one's thoughts is crucial for achieving spiritual liberation, as thoughts are the precursors to action. The chapter delves into practical and philosophical insights on how the cultivation of the mind can significantly impact the individual's journey toward self-realization and inner peace.

The Nature of Thoughts
Sivananda begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of thoughts. He compares the intrusion of negative or unwanted thoughts in the mind to a pebble in a shoe. Just as it is instinctive to remove the pebble causing discomfort, it should be equally easy to expel an intrusive and harmful thought. The central message here is that, once we understand the nature of our thoughts, we can learn to control them. A person who cannot control their thoughts is a slave to their mind, a mere prey to the whims of fleeting mental distractions. For Sivananda, thought is the "real action" in life. It is not physical action that defines us; it is the thoughts that precede those actions. If a person can control their thoughts and rid themselves of negative or harmful thoughts in the early stages, they can prevent the occurrence of harmful actions in the world. This understanding is crucial because thoughts shape the world we experience. An unchecked, turbulent mind will lead to actions rooted in ignorance, anger, or greed, whereas a mind cultivated with positivity, purity, and divine contemplation leads to harmonious and compassionate actions. 

The Benefits of Thought-Control
Sivananda explains that mastering the mind is the key to happiness and spiritual freedom. When one gains control over their thoughts, the mental distractions that cause suffering—such as worries, anxieties, and torments—disappear. The calm that follows is not merely a temporary state of relaxation, but a profound sense of inner peace and tranquility that allows for focused concentration, meditation, and self-reflection. One of the remarkable benefits of controlling thoughts, according to Sivananda, is the cultivation of inner radiance and peace that reflects outwardly. Just as an incense stick releases a continuous fragrance, a person with a controlled mind emanates a divine aura, a sense of purity that affects everyone they meet. This serene radiance attracts others and can have a transformative effect on their lives as well. Sivananda illustrates that a yogi who has mastered their thoughts becomes a living embodiment of divine presence, with their peaceful and harmonious energy spreading outwards, much like the subtle perfume of fragrant flowers. Moreover, controlling one's thoughts is likened to a rare and valuable quality, similar to radium, which is precious and hard to come by. Just as radium is a powerful substance, so too is a person with control over their thoughts—a rare, valuable, and powerful being capable of great spiritual achievement. 

Conservation and Proper Utilization of Thought-Energy
Sivananda further emphasizes the importance of conserving mental energy. Just as physical energy can be wasted through idle talk or unnecessary exertion, mental energy can be dissipated through useless or irrelevant thoughts. Instead of squandering this precious resource on distractions, he advises focusing the mind on spiritual pursuits, meditation, and contemplation of the Divine. The concept of "mental orientation" is introduced, akin to the power of an electric current flowing through a magnet. Similarly, one's mental energy must be directed toward spiritual goals to achieve profound results. This requires a disciplined effort to discard unnecessary thoughts and refocus the mind on its higher purpose—union with the Divine. 

Dealing with Negative Thoughts
Sivananda provides specific guidance on how to deal with negative thoughts, which he identifies as obstacles to spiritual progress. He advocates for the cultivation of positive thoughts—thoughts that are constructive, loving, and beneficial to both the individual and others. To eradicate negative thoughts, one must first recognize them as impure or unworthy. Impure thoughts, such as those stemming from jealousy, hatred, or selfishness, need to be replaced with pure, divine thoughts that foster inner peace and harmony. Sivananda suggests the use of introspection to detect and eliminate negative thoughts as they arise. Vigilance is critical; the mind must be kept on watch to ensure that no harmful thoughts gain a foothold. If impure thoughts persist, Sivananda advises employing counter-thoughts or thoughts that oppose the negative ones. For instance, the thought of God's name or the concept of divine purity can overpower thoughts of lust, anger, or fear. In addition to counter-thoughts, meditation on divine qualities and the repetition of holy mantras are powerful tools for transforming negative tendencies. These practices allow the individual to gradually purify the mind, replacing it with positive, constructive thoughts. 

Cultivating a Garden of Peaceful Thoughts
Sivananda uses the metaphor of a garden to illustrate the importance of nurturing good thoughts. Just as a gardener carefully cultivates flowers and weeds them regularly, so must the individual carefully tend to the garden of their mind. Through practices like meditation, prayer, and introspection, one can "water" the garden of the mind, encouraging the growth of peaceful, loving thoughts while uprooting the weeds of negative, discordant thoughts. The key to this mental cultivation is consistency. The mind must be trained regularly, and the practice of mindfulness should be maintained throughout daily life. In this way, the mind becomes a fertile ground for spiritual progress, gradually growing into a space where peace, love, and divine consciousness flourish. 

Addressing Inconsistent and Haunting Thoughts
The mind, Sivananda notes, often jumps from one thought to another, creating a state of mental chaos. Thoughts of various kinds—concerns about work, the body, relationships, and desires—can overwhelm the individual, making it difficult to focus on a single objective. However, through the disciplined practice of concentration, it is possible to overcome this fragmentation. A yogi with a trained mind can maintain a single, focused thought for an extended period of time, a skill that is essential for meditation and spiritual growth. Furthermore, Sivananda addresses the problem of "haunting thoughts," particularly thoughts of sin or guilt. These persistent mental patterns can trap an individual in despair, preventing them from experiencing spiritual peace. Sivananda advises that these thoughts can be overcome through practices like meditation, prayer, and the repetition of mantras, which help redirect the mind from negative patterns to positive, divine ones. 

Techniques for Thought-Control
To control the mind and cultivate beneficial thoughts, Sivananda offers several practical techniques. One such technique is the use of auto-suggestions—statements that can be repeated mentally to strengthen the will and control the mind. Examples include: "I shall not think of anything," "My will is growing strong; I can control my thoughts," and "I will get perfect peace when I am thoughtless." These affirmations serve to redirect the mind's energy away from distractions and towards inner stillness. Another technique is the practice of breath-control, or pranayama, which is intimately connected to mental control. By regulating the breath, the practitioner can influence the flow of prana (life energy), which in turn helps to calm the mind and enhance concentration. This practice is considered essential for meditation and spiritual growth, as it steadies the mental fluctuations that often disrupt inner peace. 

Chapter 19 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control provides a comprehensive guide to the cultivation and control of thoughts. Sivananda's teachings emphasize that the mind is the root of all actions, and by mastering one's thoughts, one can transform their life, achieve spiritual liberation, and contribute to the well-being of others. Through vigilance, introspection, and disciplined mental practices, individuals can overcome negative thoughts, cultivate positive ones, and ultimately achieve a state of lasting peace and spiritual fulfillment. The power to control the mind, Sivananda suggests, is within every individual, and it is through the cultivation of thought that the path to liberation and divine realization is illuminated.  

#SriSwamiSivananda #MindControl #ThoughtCulture #Meditation #SpiritualGrowth #SelfDiscipline #PositiveThinking #MentalPeace #InnerStrength #Mindfulness #Yoga #SelfMastery #MentalEnergy #Brahman #MindfulnessPractice #ThoughtManagement #EmotionalWellbeing #SpiritualAwakening #DivineThoughts #MindOverMatter #ThoughtPower