How to control a restless mind

People believe that a restlessness mind is the main hindrance in attaining God Realization. But actually it is not such a hindrance as is our attraction, fondness and attachment to things, pleasures, individuals, objects  and incidents. It is essential  for aspirants to know that it is  attraction, fondness and attachment that leads to the shackles of birth and death.

The union with the constituents of Matter (Prakriti) is responsible for the birth of the soul in good and evil species.  People generally give  attention to getting rid of the volatility of mind and pay no attention towards  their attachment and fondness of the mind.  One must keep in mind that it is not volatility of mind but  attachment and fondness  which leads to bondage.   Restlessness of mind is rooted out when one is asleep, but attachment remains even during that period. 

I am very much surprised to see that man does not give up attachment.  You have a great liking for money.  But you can spend a large amount of money to gain honor and praise,  while normally you can’t spend money, due to your attachment for it.   What wrong has the money done to you?   The significance of money, the attraction for it, is deeply rooted in you.    I ask you to divert your attention to this fact because even the aspirants who have been in ‘satsang’  good company for a number of years, don’t pay attention to the fact that attachment is the root cause of misfortunes. This attachment which you have in every sphere of life, such as in dealings, eating-drinking, spiritual discipline and transactions etc.  is a great hindrance.  If it is removed, your demeanor will become pleasant and you will make worldly as well as, spiritual progress. 

to be continued…..

From book “Jeevan Upyogi Pravachan”  or “Art of Living” in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji