Self Control: Forcible or Gradual

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Modern psychology explains how the conscious mind is modified and

controlled by the sub-conscious. But the Yoga system further shows us

how we can modify the sub-conscious by conscious effort; how repeated

exercise of the will at the conscious level can influence the sub-

conscious depths and modify them permanently. By controlling and

disciplining the manifested effects of impurities, it goes to the

root of all impurities to overcome them. The Yoga system says, " I am

only aware of the effects of these impurities in the restlessness of

my mind and body, but I do not know the cause. However, I do not need

to speculate because by controlling the effect I can overcome the

cause " .

 

Our consciousness is in deep slumber at the base of the spine. It

must rise to the upper centres. For that reason the blockage in the

canal of consciousness, sushumna, has to be cleared. The yoga system

prefers the dredging of the canal rather than dissolving the

blockage, whereas Vedanta prefers to dissolve. Posture, diet and

pranayama are the means to dredge. Conversion of energy to ojas

provides the sustained strength to dredge. To dredge you have to have

strength, for that needs energy. Spiritual energy is refined, giving

you determination. The manifestation of yoga powers generates

confidence in the mind.

 

We have a tendency in Vedanta to decry the occult as obstacles, but

the Yoga system says no. Some power is necessary to encourage us. If

you are a yogi, you must have something - otherwise, what are you

doing? So these powers give you faith and confidence. Reason can

never uproot miseries and dispel ignorance. To accomplish the task

the whole person - physical, vital, mental - must rise against the

permanent tendencies of the mind that block the way.

 

The Yoga system is suited to those in whom reason has not yet

established a natural supremacy. That is Patanjali's view. Vedanta

says that things are easier said than done. Vedanta maintains that an

impure mind cannot be made pure by working the reverse way. It says

one should go to the root. The Yoga system tries to overcome the

subtle by controlling the gross which is manifest. Vedanta says no,

don't try to hurry. Vedanta relies more on the practice of dispassion

and believes that the primary urge in all of us is the need to reach

the Divine. It says we should overcome the gross by controlling the

subtle, for the subtle exerts more power over the gross. It is

therefore the easier and shorter way.

 

Vedanta says one cannot generate spiritual longing through diet,

posture or pranayama. It makes the process mechanical. Can you make a

person spiritual by giving him a diet and special exercises?

Withdrawal of the mind is not possible unless the mind co-operates in

the process. Forcible control can rouse the mind untimely, before

spiritual longing has come and before spiritual motivation for making

the journey has become sufficiently strong. This is an important

point.

 

to be continued...