The balance of mind, which is highly sought after, can only be attained and maintained by pure thinking, intelligent observation and the analysis of events and situations around us. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says: “You have a choice only in regard to the actions, but you cannot dictate its fruits.” Through actions, we are all preparing ourselves to be happy. But we should realise that we can only do our duty; the fruit of an action is in the future period of time and is governed by countless factors that are beyond our control. If the present action, which is in our hands is muddied by anxiety, the consequent inefficient performance naturally cannot produce success or happiness.
To overcome such anxieties, which are the rootcause of human misery, two time-tested methods are prescribed in the Bhagavad Gita. The first method is to have faith in the Lord and in oneself. The kind of faith a child has in his/her mother. The other method is through pure enquiry; by examining the source of anger, delusion, frustration and other negative factors that affect the human personality. Here, again the Bhagavad Gita scientifically analyses the fall of man through a gradual process of the breakdown and destruction of an individual. The material objects of the world and their arrangements, which are inert and insentient, cannot by themselves lead to happiness or social security. Unfortunately, we assign great value to these, develop unintelligent attachments and thus suffer.
In the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, the ladder of fall is explained. By constantly thinking of objects one develops deep attachment and intense desire to possess the objects at any cost — the cause of all corruption! If the object is not secured, the obstructed force of desire transforms itself into anger — the cause for all violence and crime. Out of anger one becomes deluded. At this stage, one cannot differentiate real from unreal, right or wrong. Delusion results in loss of memory. However, if the desire is fulfilled it gives birth to more desires, ultimately culminating in greed. If one gets all that one seeks, then the person develops arrogance of possession. The problem of man is the problem of the mind. Hence, it is very important to develop self-control and self-discipline, to regulate and control the mind through noble ideals and take the value system to higher levels.
Swami Tejomayananda, head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, is an orator, poet, singer, composer and storyteller. To find out more about Chinmaya Mission and Swamiji, visit www.chinmayamission.com
