Stable Mind
Stable mind
How to create a stable mind in your practice?
In The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, many tools are provided to attain stability of the mind.
Sutra 1.2 states “Yogash Chitta Vritti Nirodhah”. “ Yoga is the control of the modifications of the mind.”
Through the sutras there is a stepping stone guidance to achieve this.
Nirodhah state of mind is highly mastered, controlled and regulated. The mind becomes one-pointed and progressively still. Like when you are totally absorbed into something. The attention moves inwards and there is a mastery over the process of the mind. A one-pointed mind is undisturbed or uninvolved with other stimuli but still able to attend to other peoples needs. This skill of focus leads one to experience sustained concentration/meditation and ultimately Samadhi.
Why stop these mind activities?
Once we quieten our thought patterns that taint our true self, the true self shines forward.
We are not trying to suppress our thoughts and emotions but are aiming to transcend them in order to identify with our true self that’s already there. The mind clouds our true self as it is drawn mostly to sensory experiences, memories & fantasies. Our pure consciousness mistakenly takes on the identity of our thought patterns and incorrectly believes that who we are is the same as our thoughts. STOP THERE! This is huge! We are not our thoughts. We are not our profession, our success/failure. We do not have to be stuck in our belief system. Our thoughts can hinder our excellence and our fullest potential.
How can we gain control of our thoughts?
The yogis believe that the mind has 5 states: restless/ troubled, dull/lethargic, distracted/monkey mind with moments of focus, concentrated/one-pointed and mastered/controlled.
The mastered mind (Nirodhah) is the goal of yoga. We transcend the mind.
Through the practice of the 8-limbs of yoga, we train our mind to discriminate what is significant or not. Discrimination is the key. This enables us to attain control and reach our ultimate goal. As we heighten our awareness through the practice of asana, we learn more about ourselves, we learn to pause before we react, we learn to listen deeply to the truth. We make better choices. We question, “Does this action serve well for me and lead me to my ultimate goal?” Or “ Will this thought hinder me from moving in the right direction?”
B.K.S Iyengar believed we can experience the 8-limbs of yoga in Asana. We can train our mind to have one-pointed focus as we absorb ourselves in the actions and extensions of the asana. We can direct our consciousness and connect from our outer being to our inner core self and bring our inner core self forward to the surface as an outer expression throughout the whole posture. We can learn to discriminate within an Asana. “Is this side of my body working harder than the other?”, “ Im going to stay in headstand a little longer than what my mind is saying.”
“The mastered mind (Nirodhah) is the goal of yoga. We transcend the mind.”
Abhyasa & Vairagya
These 2 practises are the means to master the many levels of the mind, so as to experience the true self.
Abhyasa is the practice of creating a positive lifestyle with correct actions, thought and speech. A lifestyle that supports stability & tranquility.
A repetition of positive actions, thoughts and words that become part of your lifestyle in a virtuous way.
Vairagya is the cultivation of non-attachment, where one lets go of attraction or aversion to things. Let go of actions, thoughts or words that move you away from your stable, positive life style. This can include people who do not improve your quality of life and belief systems. Also any strong aversions to people, their actions or words, learn to let go of your hatred/anger as it only disturbs your own mind.
If you don’t ‘feed’ these unwanted actions, they will fade away and be replaced by the better choice.
Effort and commitment
Have faith you are moving in the right direction.
Maintain your positive energy with your goal in mind.
Cultivate a constant mindful awareness of your path.
Continue to use the skills of concentration & to use your acute awareness to discriminate well.
Listen to your higher wisdom & introspection.
What gets in the way of this positive mindset and lifestyle?
It is quite normal for the human mind to have all these obstacles. This is why the yogis devised the tools to rise above the torments of the mind.
The distractions
Illness, fatigue, laziness, doubt, lack of perseverance, mental stagnation, instability, cravings, misperceptions, false perception
The obstacles
Pain, sadness, frustration, ignorance, egoism/false identity, attachment, dislikes, insecurity
The solution
One-pointedness of the mind. If the mind is focused, it is less likely to get drawn into the delusions of the mind.
Practicing slow, steady regulated breathing calms the mind. Pay particular attention to the exhale. To lengthen the end of the exhalation.
Reduce our mental distortions by becoming more aware of the role of our senses. These are the doors to our perception of life.
Realise there are things much greater than our selves. This puts things in perspective.
When we are confronted by problems, seek help from others
Be happy for those who are happy. Be compassionate for those who are not. Remain undisturbed by the errors of others.