Observing the mind
Have you ever observed how the mind is in perpetual conversation, discussion and calculation ? It is always analyzing, dividing, controlling, suppressing, memorizing and, to a very slight extent, reasoning or trying to understand. When it is not doing all these, it is not calm but unconscious. People consider unconsciousness to be a state of calm-like sleep ; in fact, it is not calmness but unawareness, drunkenness, tiredness and indolence. Oh, I am sorry ! Actually, people do not have time to notice all these as their gaze is turned only outward. They even seek peace outward. In fact, they seek everything outside themselves, even God.
If ever you have time to observe your mind, you will realize that it is first a conscious force. If you go deeper, you will notice that it is also a thinking force. Continue to observe : it is also a speaking force. But all these are possible only when you are able to observe the thought processes of the mind. However, with sharp observation or attentiveness, you will realize that the mind is intrinsically detached from all mental activities ; it is a pure conscious force. Ultimately it can be realized to be only pure consciousness.
Have you ever realized that the mind can totally cease its activities ? That seems irrational and incredible for most people. Sartre said, “My thoughts are me. I think, therefore I am. Do not tell me to stop thinking ; that would mean my death.” But that does not alter the truth. I have personally stopped thinking, yet I’m still alive ! In other words, I am myself a living example of the complete cessation of all mental activities. After all, that is what meditation or inner silence is all about. more…
