THE CONTROL OF THE MIND
In Vedanta we have a perennial method and understanding of Self development which has worked for many thousands of years. Vedanta recognises that it is the condition of the human mind which decides the corresponding conditions which prevail over man's physical existence.

Hence all the difficulties which we experience in our time arise from a single mental deficiency. This it is which prevents us from perceiving that the same being watches from the heart of all creatures.

This mental deficiency generates an isolated mental approach to the world around which in turn creates obstacles to communication and weakens the ability of human beings to work together. It is because of this deficiency that man needs such things as religion. i.e. a subject which brings all together, old and young, rich and poor etc.

In the age prior to this present mental darkness, human beings were naturally more developed than in this present age. It is to make up for this deficiency that the subject of Self development has arisen over the last 5000 years or so. Yet it is because of the same darkness that many have fallen prey to others who seek to use the need for Self development for personal gain, power or wealth. This we see happening with modern day religious institutions and cult organisations.

This desire for personal gain instead of peace of mind, is the start of the spiritual process and is a stage which all must pass through into the upper purer air of Love for the sake of Love, without any thought of result or for a better physical life.

LIBERATION FROM THE UNIVERSAL IGNORANCE Those who can learn to accept all that life offers without category of good or bad, nice or nasty or any of the opposites which divide, are those who are able to escape into the deeper meanings of the scriptures. Until such escape is made available the meanings may be taken to be more physical and therefore of limited aid in the search towards Self development.

The division into categories (good and bad etc.) is a mental defect which Vedanta encourages us to leave behind in exchange for a more unifying concept. This inner trade leads to the sense that there are not two poles of existence between which we appear to be pulled.

The idea that there are two is an illusory state of mind, a mental defect, which leads to a life of illusory struggle to escape from it. As in a dream at night, a pending disaster requires a solution of dream material to avert it. When awake both the disaster and the solution are equally dispelled. The same it is in the concepts of Advaita, which simply means there are not two. (Snake in the dark example)

THE TEACHINGS This philosophy is embedded in the divine teachings of the Shrimat Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras. The deeper meanings within these divine scriptures require a key to unlock them. The key becomes available when we have a singular attitude of mind.

THE APPLICATION An increase in receptivity is developed by the combined process of systematically turning the mind away from its attachment to the physical world and the daily study of the philosophy. It is this receptivity which brings the possibility of Self development in this life.

The contact with the ancient tradition and the practise of this within a European background has given rise to a rare opportunity for this receptivity to be developed. This is possible for those of us who can divert enough of the time in life for the purpose of Self development.

This giving up of time regularly and systematically with the benefit of right guidance is known as the Art of Devotion to Self Knowledge. This is the work over which Saraswati presides depicted by two hands on the Vina (art), one with the beads (devotion) and one with the scripture (self knowledge).

(The Goddess Saraswati)
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