Saturday, 15 February 2025

The nature of the mind is indeed turbulent. It is like a stormy sea, ever shifting, restless, and constantly pulled in multiple directions by desires, fears, and distractions. This natural state of the mind often leads to confusion, suffering, and a lack of clarity. In such a state, finding peace seems impossible because the mind continuously seeks gratification from the external world, which is temporary and fleeting.

The nature of the mind is indeed turbulent. It is like a stormy sea, ever shifting, restless, and constantly pulled in multiple directions by desires, fears, and distractions. This natural state of the mind often leads to confusion, suffering, and a lack of clarity. In such a state, finding peace seems impossible because the mind continuously seeks gratification from the external world, which is temporary and fleeting.

However, through spiritual practice, the mind can be transformed. Spiritual practices like meditation, yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and selfless service are tools designed to calm the restless waves of the mind. With sustained dedication and discipline, these practices gradually reduce the turbulence of the mind, bringing it to a state of stillness.

The key is to reach a state of no-mind—a state where the constant chatter of thoughts ceases, and the individual becomes fully absorbed in the present moment. This is a state of complete inner silence and awareness, free from the distractions of past and future, where only the pure essence of the self remains.

In the Bhagavad Gita, this is reflected in Chapter 6, Verse 19, where Lord Krishna speaks about the power of meditation and the state of mind one can attain through it:

> "As a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, so the mind of the yogi, disciplined in yoga, remains steady in meditation." (Bhagavad Gita 6.19)



When the mind is purified through spiritual practice, it becomes like a steady flame, unaffected by the winds of external circumstances. This is the state of unshakable peace—a deep, abiding tranquility that is not dependent on the external world. It is the realization that true peace is not found in circumstances or possessions, but in the silence and stillness within.

This state of unshakable peace is often described as bliss or ananda, a natural outcome of spiritual maturity. As one progresses on the path of self-realization, this peace becomes permanent, and the individual experiences oneness with the Divine. The external world may still be turbulent, but the inner world remains calm, steady, and peaceful, unaffected by the fluctuations of the material realm.

Krishna further elaborates on the peace of the realized mind in Chapter 2, Verse 70:

> "A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—who can withdraw their senses from the objects of sense pleasure, is said to have attained peace." (Bhagavad Gita 2.70)



In this state, the individual is no longer swayed by desires and attachments. Instead, they possess an unshakable peace, as their mind is centered on the divine truth and not on the transient desires of the material world. This peace is not fragile, dependent on circumstances or external validation, but is rooted in divine wisdom and the realization of the eternal nature of the soul.

In practical terms, reaching this state involves the continual practice of mindfulness and detachment—detachment from the pull of the senses, from negative thoughts, and from the cycles of attachment and aversion. The more one practices this detachment, the more one experiences the bliss of the eternal Self, which is beyond the reach of worldly disturbances.

In conclusion, the mind, when left unchecked, is indeed turbulent. However, through dedicated spiritual practice, the mind can be quieted, bringing about a state of no-mind, where inner peace is realized. This peace is not just a temporary state but a permanent realization of the true nature of the Self, untouched by external forces and anchored in the infinite stillness of the Divine. Unshakable peace is the natural outcome of aligning oneself with the supreme truth, and it is the birthright of every soul that seeks it with sincerity and dedication.

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