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  • Neti Neti #20: Taming the Restless Mind and The Story of the Genie

    Question:

    My mind often feels restless and insatiable, constantly creating desires and distractions. I’ve heard the story of the genie climbing the pole to stay busy as a metaphor for controlling the mind. How can I apply this wisdom to my own practice, especially through the use of ‘Neti Neti,’ to keep my mind focused and find peace amidst its relentless demands?

    Dear Friend,

    There are stories that come to us from distant times and places, stories that hold within them a wisdom that speaks to the very heart of our human experience. One such story, from the Sufi tradition, tells of a man who encountered a powerful genie—a being capable of granting any wish, yet bound by a condition. The genie, restless and insistent, demanded that he be given tasks to perform, lest his untamed energy turn destructive. At first, the man found this simple enough, asking for wealth, health, and all manner of earthly pleasures. But soon, the genie’s demands for more tasks grew relentless, and the man, overwhelmed and desperate, turned to a wise sage for help.

    The sage, understanding the nature of the genie, offered a solution both simple and profound: “Tell the genie to climb up and down a pole, and to keep climbing until you have another task for him.” And so, the man did as he was advised, and the genie, with no other choice, began his endless task of climbing the pole. The man lived in peace, free from the threat of the genie’s unrest.

    In this tale, the genie represents the mind—our own restless, insatiable mind, always seeking, always wanting, always creating desires and distractions. When left unchecked, the mind can become our greatest enemy, leading us into worry, confusion, and suffering. It spins endlessly, caught up in its own creations, driving us to exhaustion with its demands for more.

    But the sage’s solution is a metaphor for the power of disciplined practice. The pole that the genie climbs is akin to the focus we give our mind through spiritual practices, such as mantra repetition. Just as the pole gives the genie a task, the mantra gives the mind something to hold onto, something to engage with, preventing it from causing harm through its restless wanderings.

    You have wisely chosen Neti, Neti—”Not this, not this”—as the task for your mind. This mantra, with its gentle negation, guides the mind away from distraction, away from attachment, away from the endless pursuit of desires. It directs the mind back to the simplicity of being, to the quiet truth that lies beyond all names and forms.

    In this practice, the mind, like the genie, is given a task that is both meaningful and liberating. It is kept busy, yes, but in a way that leads to peace rather than exhaustion. The mind climbs the pole of Neti, Neti, moving up and down with each repetition, each negation, until it eventually tires of its own restlessness and begins to quiet, to settle, to rest in the stillness that is always present beneath the surface.

    This story reminds us that discipline, when applied with wisdom, is not a form of restriction but a path to freedom. By giving the mind a task, by guiding it through the repetition of a mantra, we are not suppressing its nature but rather channeling it in a way that allows it to serve us, rather than enslave us. The mind, once a source of turmoil, becomes an ally on the path, helping us to stay focused, to stay present, and to return again and again to the truth of who we are.

    Dear friend, as you continue with the practice of Neti, Neti, remember the story of the genie and the pole. Let it serve as a reminder that the mind, when disciplined, can be a powerful tool for transformation. Each repetition of the mantra is like a step on the pole, guiding the mind upward, guiding it toward the light of awareness. And as you give the mind this task, may you find, as the man in the story did, a sense of peace, a sense of liberation, and a deeper connection to the truth that lies beyond all distractions.

    🙏🕊️🙏

  • Patanjali No. 2: The First Steps of Yoga: Stillness and Strength in Practice

    “Now, the discipline of yoga begins.”
    —Patanjali, Yoga Sutra 1.1

    With this simple declaration, Patanjali invites us into the present moment. “Atha Yoganushasanam” is a call to awaken to the path of yoga, the path of inner discipline and self-realization. It is a call to begin, no matter where we are in our lives. Yoga, in its deepest sense, is the discipline of mind, body, and spirit—and it begins now.

    For many of us, beginning the practice of yoga means stepping into an unfamiliar space. It is more than just physical postures; it is the cultivation of a stillness that transcends the waves of thought, emotion, and distraction. As Patanjali tells us in the second sutra:

    “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”
    —Patanjali, Yoga Sutra 1.2

    These fluctuations, or vrittis, are the constant movement of our thoughts and emotions. They pull us away from the present moment and cloud our perception of who we truly are. Yoga, then, is the practice of calming these fluctuations, of finding a stillness that allows us to return to the essence of our being.

    But this stillness does not come easily. It requires strength—not the strength of the body, but the strength of the spirit. To sit in presence, to resist the pull of distractions, is an act of great resilience. The calmness we seek in yoga is not a passive state of relaxation but a superior strength, born from inner mastery.

    The Discipline of Yoga

    At the very beginning, Patanjali emphasizes that yoga is not just a practice but a discipline. This distinction is essential. A practice can be casual or done intermittently, but discipline requires consistent effort, commitment, and focus. The word discipline itself conveys the idea of training, of shaping or controlling something to achieve a higher goal. In the context of yoga, this means training the mind to remain present and unaffected by distractions or fluctuations.

    Discipline in yoga is about developing the ability to observe the mind and body without becoming identified with them. It’s not an easy task—our minds are naturally restless, constantly moving from one thought to the next. This is where discipline comes in. The discipline of yoga requires us to cultivate patience, perseverance, and a dedication to returning to stillness, even when the mind resists.

    Patanjali’s use of the word anushasanam in Sutra 1.1 can be translated as “discipline” or “instruction,” highlighting that yoga is a structured and methodical path. To realize the ultimate goal of yoga—union with the true self—requires a discipline that integrates not only the physical body through postures (asanas) but, more importantly, the mind through meditation, mindfulness, and awareness.

    Why Discipline Matters in Yoga

    Discipline in yoga is the key to taming the fluctuations of the mind. It takes effort and intention to stop identifying with every passing thought or emotion. Through disciplined practice, we create a space between the mind’s activity and the true self, the Seer. This space allows us to witness the mind without being consumed by it. The goal of yoga, as Patanjali explains in Sutra 1.2, is to still the fluctuations of the mind so that we can experience the true self—the state of yoga, or union.Without discipline, the mind will continue to sway between desires, distractions, and doubts. It is through dedicated, disciplined practice that we train the mind to remain calm and present, allowing the deeper realization of yoga to unfold. Discipline doesn’t mean harshness or rigidity; rather, it means consistency and commitment. It is a steady return to the present moment, a steady return to the awareness of the Seer.

    In my own practice, I’ve come to realize that cultivating this calm presence is much like strengthening a muscle. Just as we go to the gym to build physical strength, we sit in practice to build the strength of awareness. Each time we resist the pull of thoughts and emotions, each time we gently return to the present moment, we are training ourselves in the discipline of yoga.

    It is important to approach this process with self-compassion. Too often, we judge ourselves for the mind’s restlessness. But just as we wouldn’t criticize a muscle for being weak before it’s been trained, we shouldn’t criticize the mind for its natural tendencies. Instead, we honor the effort it takes to stay still, to remain present.

    As we begin this journey through the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, we are reminded that yoga is not about perfection, but about practice. The fluctuations of the mind will always be there—it is our relationship to them that changes. Through consistent practice, we build the strength to calm the mind and experience the peace that lies beneath the surface.

    This is the beginning of the path, the first step in our exploration of Patanjali’s teachings. As we move forward, we will reflect on how these sutras can shape our lives and help us cultivate a deeper sense of awareness, peace, and purpose.

    Coming Up Next:
    In our next post, we will explore Sutras 1.3 and 1.4, which build upon this foundation of stillness. These sutras reveal what happens when the mind becomes still and how we experience our true nature. We will also look at what occurs when the mind remains caught in its fluctuations, giving rise to misperception. Join me as we continue this journey, moving deeper into the essence of yoga and self-realization.

    🙏🕊️🙏



  • Living in Alignment with God’s Will and The Mind of Christ

    Introduction:

    In the journey of Christian faith, believers often find themselves wrestling with the dichotomy between the “carnal mind” and the “renewed mind.” The carnal mind, also referred to as the “worldly mind,” is inclined toward sin, temptation, and the distractions of the flesh. On the other hand, the renewed mind is aligned with the will of God, filled with peace, love, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul speaks to this struggle in Romans 7:22-25, where he describes the conflict between his desire to do good and the law of sin at work within him:

    “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:22-25)

    However, this struggle is not a sign of defeat but an opportunity for transformation. The carnal mind and the renewed mind are not two separate entities but rather points on a spectrum that believers can skillfully navigate with intentional practice. In this post, we will explore a systematic approach to moving from the carnal mind to the renewed mind.

    1. Recognize the Current State: Awareness

    “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

    The first step in this journey is to become aware of the current state of your mind. This stillness is not just physical but also mental—a quieting of the mind to become aware of its current condition.

    • Practical Step: Begin each day with a period of silence and reflection. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any thoughts, feelings, or actions rooted in the carnal mind. This practice of awareness is akin to what is known in other traditions as mindfulness—being fully present and attentive to the state of your mind without judgment.
    1. Detachment from the Carnal Mind: Putting Off the Old Self

    “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)

    In Ephesians 4:22, believers are called to “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” This step involves recognizing when your mind is aligned with the flesh—thoughts of anger, fear, pride, and judgment—and consciously choosing to detach from them.

    • Practical Step: Throughout the day, practice noticing when your thoughts are driven by the carnal mind. When you recognize such thoughts, gently release them, understanding that they do not define your true identity in Christ. This is a process of “taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). It’s not about rejecting the worldly mind but redirecting it towards the truth.
    1. Cultivation of the Renewed Mind: Putting On the New Self

    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

    The Apostle Paul urges believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal is an ongoing process. In Christian practice, this involves immersing oneself in prayer, scripture meditation, and aligning one’s thoughts with the teachings of Christ.

    • Practical Step: Choose a scripture that speaks to the renewed mind, such as Romans 12:2, and meditate on it throughout the day. Let this scripture guide your thoughts and actions. Whenever you find your mind slipping back into carnal patterns, return to the scripture as your anchor. Regularly spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and guide your thoughts.
    1. Union with Christ: The Mind of Christ

    “For, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

    “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

    The ultimate goal of this journey is to “have the mind of Christ.” This is the state where one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions are in harmony with the will of God. It is an experiential realization of one’s identity in Christ, where the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guards your heart and mind.

    • Practical Step: Regularly practice moments of stillness and prayer where you consciously seek to align your thoughts with the mind of Christ. This is not merely an intellectual exercise but a deep, experiential awareness of God’s presence within you. By cultivating this awareness, you begin to live more fully in the renewed mind, the Christ mind, experiencing the transformation that Paul speaks of in Romans 12:2.
    1. Who Am I in Christ?

    “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

    “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

    An essential practice for realizing the mind of Christ is a form of self-inquiry, asking the question, “Who am I in Christ?” or “Who does God say I am?” This practice directs believers to explore and affirm their true identity as defined by their relationship with Christ, grounding them in the biblical truths about their divine nature.

    • Practical Step: Regularly meditate on these questions during your prayer time. Reflect on scriptures that reveal your identity in Christ, such as the verses above.
    • Prayerful Reflection: At the beginning or end of each day, spend time in prayerful reflection, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal deeper truths about your identity in Christ. This practice helps in aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions with the mind of Christ, leading to a transformed and renewed mind.
    • Affirmations of Identity: Create and repeat affirmations based on these scriptures, such as “I am a new creation in Christ” or “Christ lives in me, and I live in Him.” These affirmations help reinforce the renewed mind and align your self-identity with biblical truths.

    6. Daily Examination and Prayer for Transformation

    “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
    Transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth and renewal. Each day offers an opportunity to reflect on your progress and to seek God’s guidance in further renewing your mind.

    • Practical Step: At the end of each day, take time to reflect on your thoughts and actions. Where did you notice the influence of the carnal worldly mind? Where did you experience the renewed Christ mind? Offer these reflections in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to continue the work of transformation within you.

    7. Daily Meditation Practice: Cultivating Stillness and Oneness with Christ

    “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

    To help cultivate the renewed mind and deepen your experience of oneness with Christ, incorporating a daily meditation practice can be transformative. This practice will center your mind, align it with the mind of Christ, and develop a habit of returning to God’s presence throughout your day.

    Meditation Exercise:

    1. Find a Quiet Spot:
    • Settle in a comfortable, quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit with your back straight, hands resting gently on your lap, and close your eyes.

    2. Begin with the Breath:

    • Take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly through your nose, holding for a moment, and then exhaling through your mouth. Let each breath relax your body and mind.

    3. Focus on a Scripture or Question:

    • Choose a verse or phrase to anchor your meditation, such as “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20) or “Who am I in Christ?” Let this scripture or question be the focus of your mind.

    4. Gently Notice When the Mind Wanders:

    • As you meditate, your mind may wander. When you notice this, gently bring your focus back to your chosen scripture or question. Do this without judgment, understanding that each return to your focus is an opportunity to deepen your practice.

    5. Experience the Stillness:

    • As you continue to meditate, allow yourself to settle into the stillness, letting the words or question sink deeper into your awareness. Be still and know that God is present within you, guiding your thoughts and filling you with His peace.

    6. Close with Prayer:

    • After 10-15 minutes, gently bring your meditation to a close with a prayer, asking God to continue renewing your mind throughout the day and to help you live out the truth of your identity in Christ.
    • Daily Commitment: Make this meditation practice a daily habit, ideally at the beginning or end of your day. Over time, you will notice a deepening sense of peace, clarity, and connection with Christ.

    Conclusion:

    The journey from the carnal worldly mind to the renewed Christ mind is a dynamic and ongoing process. By understanding these states as points on a spectrum, rather than as fixed identities, believers can navigate their spiritual growth with greater intention and clarity. Through awareness, detachment, cultivation, and prayer, we can gradually move closer to the mind of Christ, experiencing the peace and transformation that come from living in alignment with God’s will. As we walk this path, we are not alone; the Holy Spirit is our constant guide, leading us into all truth and helping us renew our minds day by day.

    Incorporating a daily meditation practice and regular self-examination helps to anchor this transformation in our everyday lives, making the mind of Christ not just an ideal but a lived reality. Let us commit to this journey, trusting in God’s grace and the power of His word to renew our minds and guide us into a deeper moment by moment communion with Him.

    🙏🕊️🙏

  • Discovering the Path of Sadhana Pancha Kama: A Journey of Spiritual Progress

    In our quest for spiritual growth, we often seek teachings that provide both wisdom and practical guidance. The Sadhana Pancha Kama, a profound set of instructions for spiritual progress, offers just that—a roadmap for those who are earnest in their pursuit of higher realization.

    These teachings, as shared by Pravrajika Divyananda Prana, outline essential practices that can help us align our daily lives with our spiritual goals. They serve as both a guide and an inspiration for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual practice.

    The Sadhana Pancha Kama consists of forty instructions, each designed to cultivate qualities and habits that lead to spiritual awakening. These steps are not just theoretical concepts; they are meant to be lived and experienced in the heart and mind of every seeker.

    A Glimpse into the Teachings

    While all forty instructions are vital, I’d like to share some reflections on a few that have particularly resonated with me:

    • Study the Vedas Daily: This first instruction emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself in sacred knowledge. While I’ve primarily studied texts like the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, the teachings of the Buddha, and other spiritual traditions, the practice of daily study has become a cornerstone of my spiritual life. It reminds me to continually seek wisdom and understanding, no matter where I find it.
    • Perform Duties Ordained by the Vedas: In my own life, this translates to the practice of karma yoga. As I write and share spiritual reflections daily, I strive to perform these duties with dedication and without attachment to the outcome. It’s about doing the work with sincerity and leaving the results in the hands of the divine.
    • Turn Your Mind Away from Desires: This instruction speaks directly to the practice of detachment. Whether it’s letting go of material desires or attachments to specific outcomes in my life, I’m reminded that true contentment comes from within, not from external circumstances.
    • Seek the Company of the Wise: Surrounding oneself with wisdom has been essential on this path. Whether through spiritual teachers, books, or even online communities, the presence of wise guidance helps me stay focused and inspired on my journey.

    These are just a few examples of how the Sadhana Pancha Kama can be integrated into daily life. Each instruction offers a new opportunity for contemplation, growth and deeper understanding.

    A Path for All Seekers

    The beauty of the Sadhana Pancha Kama lies in its universality. These teachings are accessible to anyone, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. Whether you’re just beginning or have been on the path for years, there is something in these instructions for everyone.

    For those who wish to explore these teachings further, I highly recommend listening to Pravrajika Divyananda Prana’s discourse on the Sadhana Pancha Kama. Her insights bring these ancient instructions to life, making them relevant and applicable to our modern lives.

    May these teachings inspire you as they have inspired me, guiding you ever closer to the realization of your true self.

    🙏🕊️🙏