SRI RAMANA MAHARSHI ON "CONTROL OF THE MIND"
A devotee who received direct instruction for a long period of time from Bhagavan asks:
“Although I have listened to the explanation of the characteristics of enquiry in such great detail, my mind has not gained even a little peace. What is the reason for this?”
Bhagavan replied: “The reason is the absence of strength or one-pointedness of mind.”
Devotee: “What is the reason for the absence of mental strength?”
Bhagavan: “The means that make one qualified for enquiry are meditation, yoga, etc. One should gain proficiency in these through graded practice, and thus secure a stream of mental modes that is natural and helpful. When the mind that has in this manner become ripe, listens to the present enquiry, it will at once realize its true nature, which is the Self, and remain in perfect peace, without deviating from that state. To a mind that has not become ripe, immediate realization and peace are hard to gain through listening to enquiry. Yet, if one practices the means for mind-control for some time, peace of mind can be obtained eventually.” [1]
Once a devotee of Bhagavan asked:
D.: “What is the meaning of the strength of the mind?”
Maharshi: “Its ability to concentrate on one thought without being distracted.”
D.: “How is that achieved?”
M.: “By practice. A devotee concentrates on God; a seeker, follower of the jnana-marga, seeks the Self. The practice is equally difficult for both.” [2]
D.: “What are the steps in practical sadhana?”
M.: “They depend on the qualifications and the nature of the seeker. If you are doing idol worship, you should go on with it; it will lead you to concentration. Get one-pointed, and all will come out right. People think that Liberation is far away and should be sought out. They are wrong. It is only knowing (by direct experience) the Self within oneself. Concentrate and you will get it. The mind is the cycle of births and deaths. Go on practicing and concentration will be as easy as breathing. That will be the crown of your achievements.” [3]
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[1] Self-Enquiry (Vichara Sangraham) of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, translated by Dr. T.M.P. Mahadevan, Sri Ramanashramam 2005, p. 16-17.
[2] Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi, recorded by Sri Munagala Venkataramiah, Sri Ramanashramam 2006, Talk 91. p. 90.
[3] Reflections on Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi, S.S. Cohen, Sri Ramanashramam 2006, p. 134-135.
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