Controlling the mind and senses

The mind is the friend Of those who have control over it, And the mind acts like an enemy For those who do not control it. In order to proceed further on the path of knowledge, devotion, and action with awareness, we must learn to control the senses, and then control the mind. The mind is in general restless, turbulent, strong and unyielding. Most people are controlled by their minds, and do not have control over their minds. The first step is to control the senses - What we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Also we have to control the impressions formed by sense perception and memories of these. We have to be moderate in eating, sleeping, and perform such daily activities in moderation as required for us to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.

The mind can be controlled by practise, and detachment. Practise in restraining the senses and their impressions, and detachment from outcomes, gains, and results of our actions. One who is truly detached is not upset, worried or nervous. Detachment leads us to peace and control of the mind. One who has control over the mind is tranquil in heat and cold, in pleasure and pain, and in honor and dishonor. A person is said to have attained yogic perfection when there is no desire for sensual pleasures, or attachment to the fruits of work,and has renounced all personal selfish motives.

Personal gain - a SECONDARY OBJECTIVE

Performing actions purely for our personal gain, or for the personal gain of those who are closest to us, keeps us bound and attached to the outcomes. To be free from the bondage and attachment, we can perform actions for the welfare of others. To make money, to live a life of security and comfort is important, but how we go about it makes all the difference. When personal gain is the PRIMARY OBJECTIVE of our actions, we are highly bound. When personal gain is incidental and optional, secondary, tertiary or quarternary, we remain unattached to and unaffected by the outcomes.

If we live only for ourselves, or for our near and dear ones, we might as well be dead, as far as most people in the world are concerned. We must live 'larger than life'. Our actions must make a difference to society and improve the lives of people around us. If we live and perform actions in such a manner, we are sure to achieve personal gains as well, apart from the collective gain.