MIND MYSTERIES & CONTROL - 9. THE 3 FAULTS OR DEFECTS OF MIND - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries & Control

Swami Sivananda’s work is a profound exploration of the human mind, its tendencies, and its capacity for transcendence. Chapter 9, titled "The Three Faults," offers deep insights into the limitations of the mind and practical guidance on overcoming them. Sivananda vividly illustrates the subtle but pervasive nature of these faults, using analogies and spiritual principles to illuminate the path to mental purification and liberation.   

The Nature of Faults in the Mind  
Sivananda begins with an example to explain the subjectivity of perception and the role of the mind in shaping our experience of the world. Milk, he notes, may be agreeable to some and disagreeable to others. The milk itself is neutral; the difference lies in the perceiver's mind. Similarly, a child, a husband, and a tiger view a woman in entirely different ways based on their mental tendencies. The woman remains unchanged, but the mind imposes its filters, biases, and defects, leading to varied perceptions. This serves as a foundation for understanding the three core defects, or doshas, of the mind.  

The Three Faults: Impurity, Tossing, and Ignorance
1. Impurity (Mala)
Impurity in the mind arises from vices such as lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, and envy. These are the blemishes that obscure the mind’s innate clarity and purity. They act as chains binding the individual to a cycle of desires, attachments, and suffering. Impurity is akin to a smudge on a mirror; it distorts the reflection of the self and prevents one from recognizing the divine essence within.
To remove impurities, Sivananda advocates selfless action (karma yoga)—acts performed without attachment to their outcomes. This path fosters detachment, diminishes selfish desires, and purifies the heart. By replacing sin with virtuous deeds, the mind is cleansed, paving the way for higher spiritual pursuits.
2. Tossing (Vikshepa)

The mind, Sivananda explains, is inherently restless, flitting like a feather in a storm or a stray dog wandering aimlessly. It constantly moves between thoughts, emotions, and desires, unable to rest on any single object. This restless nature causes confusion, fear, and distraction, pulling the individual away from inner peace and self-realization.

Tossing can be controlled through practices like breath regulation (pranayama), focused gazing, and Raja Yoga. These methods steady the mind, reducing its wavering tendencies. A steady mind is like a calm lake, reflecting truth and enabling the aspirant to concentrate on the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.
3. Ignorance (Avarana)
The third and most profound fault is the veil of ignorance, which obscures the knowledge of the self as one with Brahman, the Absolute. This ignorance is the root cause of duality, leading individuals to identify with the body, mind, and ego rather than their true, infinite nature. The veil of ignorance binds one to the illusion (maya) of the material world, perpetuating suffering and rebirth.
Sivananda prescribes study, meditation, and Vedantic inquiry to dispel ignorance. By delving into spiritual scriptures, meditating on the unity of the self with Brahman, and reflecting on the truth of statements like “I am That” (Tat Tvam Asi), the seeker can pierce through the veil. Knowledge of one’s divine essence eradicates ignorance, bringing about liberation.  

The Path to Liberation  
Swami Sivananda emphasizes that the ultimate goal of human life is to transcend these three faults and realize the Supreme. To achieve this, one must undertake a disciplined spiritual practice:

1. Study the Mind: Analyze its tendencies, understand its workings, and recognize its defects. By knowing the mind, you can master it.
2. Purify the Mind: Remove impurities through selfless action and virtuous living. Cultivate qualities like compassion, humility, and contentment.
3. Steady the Mind: Practice concentration techniques to overcome restlessness. Fix the mind on a single object or ideal, whether it be God, truth, or a sacred symbol.
4. Illuminate the Mind: Acquire knowledge through scripture and contemplation. Meditate deeply to experience unity with the divine.

The Role of Detachment  
One of the key teachings in this chapter is the importance of detachment. The mind becomes restless and impure due to its attachment to transient, worldly objects. Sivananda advises the seeker to rise above these deceptions and temptations. By letting go of lower impulses and desires, the mind becomes immovable, like a rock. Detachment leads to a state of inner freedom, where the individual no longer identifies with the fluctuations of the mind but abides in the eternal reality.  

Mind as Both Enemy and Ally  
Sivananda poignantly describes the mind as a ferocious dog preying on the ignorant but also as a tool that can be refined and directed towards liberation. The same mind that traps an individual in cycles of suffering can, when disciplined and purified, lead to salvation. This duality underscores the necessity of mastering the mind.  

A Call to Action  
The chapter concludes with an inspiring call to action. Swami Sivananda reminds readers that their primary duty in life is to overcome the mind’s defects and realize their divine nature. All other duties are secondary, arising from ignorance. The seeker must focus on dissolving the mind through intense meditation and contemplation of the Absolute. Sivananda’s teachings in this chapter are a roadmap to transcendence. He provides practical tools and timeless wisdom, urging readers to dedicate themselves to the path of self-realization. By addressing the three faults of the mind—impurity, tossing, and ignorance—one can rise above the limitations of the material world and merge with the infinite. This journey, he asserts, is the true purpose of human existence.  

#MindControl #SpiritualWisdom #SelfRealization #SwamiSivananda #Vedanta #InnerPeace #SpiritualJourney #Mindfulness #MeditationPractice #OvercomingIgnorance #PurifyTheMind #KarmaYoga #RajaYoga #EgoDissolution #SelflessAction #Consciousness #MindMastery #SpiritualAwakening #Liberation #SpiritualPractice