THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 43. ANNIHILATION OF THE MIND - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.Appendix III: Annihilation of Mind The mind, in Vedantic philosophy, is often described as a complex and powerful force, a tool of the Atman (the Self). It plays a pivotal role in shaping human experience, being both the lens through which we perceive the world and the vehicle through which we act upon it. The mind is considered a bundle of desires, intentions, likes, dislikes, thoughts, and imaginations. It creates the illusion of duality, separating the individual from the greater reality of the Supreme Brahman. This appendix seeks to explore the process of annihilating the mind—a key concept in Vedanta that ultimately leads to liberation or Moksha. Understanding the MindIn Vedantic terms, the mind is not just a passive observer but an active participant in creating the world of experience. The mind is influenced by desires (Vasanas), intentions, likes (Raga), dislikes (Dvesha), and attachments, all of which perpetuate the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara). The true nature of the mind is to seek pleasure and avoid pain, constantly oscillating between attraction and repulsion. However, the mind is not the Self (Atman), and to realize one's true nature, the mind must be transcended. The Mind as a Bundle of Desires and Intentions:The mind can be thought of as a collection of various desires and intentions. These desires form the very fabric of thought and experience, binding the individual to the world of sensual objects and worldly attachments. To free oneself from these attachments and to attain liberation, one must annihilate the mind, not in the sense of destroying it completely, but in overcoming its limitations and false identifications with the ego.The Annihilation of the Mind:Annihilating the mind does not mean total destruction in the literal sense. It refers to the transcendence of the mind’s illusory and limited nature. True liberation is attained when the mind no longer binds the individual to duality and the ephemeral world of appearances. Temporary absorption of the mind, where one might enter a deep meditative state or a form of unconsciousness, does not result in liberation. The mind may resurface and continue its cycle of desires. The true destruction of the mind is permanent and leads to the realization of one's true, unchanging nature as the Atman.Practical Methods for Annihilating the MindThe process of mind annihilation is central to Vedantic spiritual practice. Several practical methods are outlined in this appendix to guide practitioners toward controlling, purifying, and ultimately transcending the mind. These methods, while distinct, all lead to the same goal: the realization of the self as the Supreme Atman and the dissolution of the ego. 1. Self-Inquiry: "Who Am I?"Self-Inquiry, especially the inquiry into the question "Who am I?" is one of the most effective methods of mind control and annihilation. This method involves turning the mind inward, away from the distractions of the external world, and seeking the true source of the "I" thought—the ego. By questioning the nature of the self, the practitioner gradually comes to realize that the "I" is not the body, mind, or ego, but the eternal and unchanging Atman, the Supreme Self. This realization dissolves the illusory identification with the ego and annihilates the mind's grip on the individual.2. Slaying the EgoThe ego, or the sense of individual "I," is the root cause of all desires, thoughts, and actions. It is the seed from which all other mental activities arise. In Vedanta, the "I" thought is regarded as the source of all other thoughts. By focusing on the ego and seeking its root, the practitioner can trace it back to its non-existence. When the ego is transcended, the mind loses its binding power, and the individual experiences the ultimate freedom of the Self. The ego, when dissolved, is absorbed into the infinite consciousness of Brahman. 3. Dispassion (Vairagya)Dispassion is the cultivation of a lack of attachment to sensory pleasures and worldly desires. It arises from recognizing the impermanence of material objects and the fleeting nature of sense pleasures. By understanding that all worldly objects are perishable and that sensual pleasures are momentary and illusory, the practitioner can detach the mind from worldly distractions. This detachment, or dispassion, serves as a powerful tool in the annihilation of the mind, leading to a deeper connection with the higher self. 4. Spiritual Practice (Sadhana)Regular spiritual practice, including meditation and concentration on the Supreme, is essential for the control and annihilation of the mind. Meditation focuses the mind on Brahman, the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. Through sustained practice, the mind becomes steady, and the practitioner begins to experience deep meditative absorption (Dhyana). This state of ...
