Our mind is phenomenally powerful. Within a fraction of a
moment, it can take our thoughts from one end of the world to another.
Unfortunately, this phenomenal power is often directed against
us, especially against our long-term interests. Being attached to quick
pleasures, the mind often impels us to act self-destructively in pursuing such
pleasures.
Moreover, when we seek anything worthwhile, especially
anything spiritually worthwhile, that requires long-term commitment, we find
ourselves pitted against our mind. By sheer determination we may fight the mind
for some time, but it can in one moment of delusion overpower us. The
Bhagavad-gita (06.06) cautions that the uncontrolled mind is our enemy.
Significantly, the same verse also reassures that, when
controlled, the mind can become our friend. The best way to control the mind is
to connect with a power greater than the mind’s – the supreme power of Krishna.
And the best way to connect with Krishna is by practicing bhakti-yoga. This
time-honored process redirects our love from this world to him, thus enabling
us to relish higher satisfaction in his remembrance.
Initially the mind resists vehemently our attempts to focus
on Krishna because it fears losing opportunities for worldly pleasures. But if
we persevere in our bhakti practice, it gradually recognizes that Krishna
offers far better happiness than any of the worldly things it craves for.
Even in our present conditioned stage, we can find some
things in bhakti that attract us. This intersection zone between devotional
activity and mental congeniality can become our beachhead in tapping the mind’s
power for our devotional purpose.
Once the mind accepts that Krishna offers the highest happiness,
then far from distracting us from him, it starts reminding us of him when the
world distracts us. Thus, when we access Krishna’s sweetness through devotion,
the mind’s power becomes our power.
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