03/09/2023
Chattering Mind
How can we control and stop the chattering mind?
Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati
We try very hard to stop the mind. Whenever we sit down, thoughts come. We become agitated and there is a struggle. One aspect of the mind fights against the other aspect and greater tension is built up. We become cranky, confused and depressed.
In order to get out of the this continual chatter we then look for something external to divert our attention, because the chattering will not stop. When the attention is diverted to some other place, and is identified with something out there,then we stop the observation of the chattering mind, but nevertheless the mind continues to chatter on,day in and day out. Some people are aware of it and others are not. We only become aware of the chattering when we try to find some kind of silence and peace in order to balance and energise ourselves.
Stop struggling with the mind and begin to observe it - "Let me see how the mind chatters". Be an objective witness to your chattering. Become a third person and observe the process. After some time this increased awareness will lead you away from the chattering of the mind.
It is like the asteroid belt in our solar system between Mars and Jupiter. So many rocks and stones are floating here and there, and we try to go beyond Mars, our ship is hit by those rocks and we come back to Earth. It is because we are trying to fight and struggle through them. This is exactly what is happening with the mind also.
Simply observe the movement of the mind, the thoughts, the chattering. If we can just observe from which direction the rocks are flying,then through that observation we can navigate either above them or under them and get to the other side. So first thing is observation, and for this we have the practice of Antar Mouna(inner silence).
In the book "Meditation from the Tantras", the practice of Antar Mouna is described only in relation to thoughts, but the same technique can be utilised to deal with different personality conflicts and the upsurge of emotion and desire, hatred,anger, jealousy, compassion, love or harmony. Observe, and then find a way to slip through that belt which binds the human personality. Once you slip through that belt, again there will be tranquility.
So,if you practise Antar Mouna, start with the thoughts first, and then the next thing that comes, perhaps an emotion. Go through every experience and manifestation of personality, and you will have cleared the mind -field. As long as you remain confined in the mind -field, one false step here or one step there is likely to blow the mind up. So, slow and steady wins the race.
On The Wings of The Swan Part I
Bihar School of Yoga