HARMONY BY ACTION - SWAMI TATWANANDA

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Sublimation of the Mind is the Rightful Attitude

 

Most minds are unable to assimilate the knowledge imparted by the sciptures

about the svarupa of Atma ("I") and the identity between Brahman (Truth) and

jiva - the Atman. The mind does not reject the imparted knowledge but is unable

to understand and abide in that "vision of oneness" being held under the

influence of earlier wrong judgements.

 

We observe in the mind's functional capacity - three modes:

 

1. The tamasic mind, which is a heavy engulfing mood of inertia. The movements

are at the lowest ebb, like in the deep sleep state. A state of dullness and

non-recognition are seen as its functional mode.

2. The rajasic mind, which is a hyperactive mode. Impelled by the incessant

urges, the mind is agitated and distracted. Consequently, the actions of the

mind are not based on knowledge.

3. The sattvic mind, which is a quiet peaceful mode with no mental agitation.

It is alert and thereby conducive to knowledge and clarity. Being an equipoise

mind, it is capable of performing the best of actions. A sattvic mind is the

prerequisite foundation for any meaningful accomplishment.

 

To gain such a sattvic mode of mind, first the mind has to free itself from the

sorrows of the past and the fears of the future. The past is the reminder of

what one has not achieved - the regrets. The future holds what is to be sought -

the ambitions with uncertainties of success (the fears). When the mind is

liberated from the influence of the past regrets and fears about the future, at

least for a fraction of the present moment the mind is quiet and abiding. That

moment of quietude, however, is inadequate to grasp, understand and abide in the

knowledge of Self. Therefore, one has to learn to expand and stretch that one

moment into the oncoming moments.

 

For this exercise, it is the mind that needs the discipline or learning. The

discipline depends upon one's own ideal. As "moksa" is the sought ideal, the

true nature of Self should be introduced to the mind, which is the seat of

knowledge and satisfaction. According to the scriptural teachings, the svarupa

of Self/Atma is Satchitananda As such; there is no necessity to seek by actions

what is already one's own nature. This fact, that it is an already accomplished

fact, has to be constantly and consistently brought to the attention of the

mind, which needs correction.

 

A disciplined mind will be discriminative in all actions. As the prime mover of

the ten sense organs, the disciplined mind will have the understanding and

capacity to guide the organs of perceptions and actions in keeping with the

discovered satisfaction. This sublimation of the mind is the discipline expected

in spiritual practice. To pursue a life of actions, which does not deter or

contradict the Fulfillment is the accomplishment of Karma yoga.

 

(Excerpted from Swamiji's talks on Karma Yoga-published as Harmony by

Action.1989).

 

Pursuance of Disciplined Actions is a must for the seeker

 

Prior to the exposition of Vedantic teachings, the jiva pursued an

experience-oriented lifestyle to gain satisfaction. Disillusioned, however, by

the relative actions to become a joyous, contented entity, the individual turns

to scriptural teachings, as a seeker of "moksa" with the urge to know the source

and nature of joy/peace in this world. To this query Krishna says in chapter two

of Gita "You are that very joy." The life principle "I" as "existence-awareness

is limitless happiness"(Satchitananda Atma). Thus, it is implied that there is

no need to depend on karma to be a happy and fulfilled being.

 

Krishna, however, makes it explicitly clear to the seeker, the man of action,

that he must continue fulfilling his allotted duties but with a different

attitude. That attitude calls upon the seeker to perform his duties (actions) to

satisfy the needs of the others. Also as a part of the whole universe, the jiva

is responsible to serve by activities in harmony with it from which he benefits

immensely. Each and every one of us is duty bound, as we bind everyone and every

thing with our demands and expectations.

 

(Excerpted from Swamiji's talks on Karma Yoga-published as harmony by

Action.1989)