Purity of Mind Why and How

Question: It is said that in order to meditate effectively one must have some purity of mind and the mind becomes pure by thinking good and doing good. But isn’t it difficult to be really so good living in this world? Does it mean we should give up all material possessions and become monks?

Answer: Let us remember that meditation is not easy. As a matter of fact, nothing is easy in life. Even achievements in our mundane life also cannot be had without struggle. Let us face the facts! Yes, purification of mind is difficult, but it is not impossible for those who are determined and who are willing to persevere. Formal renunciation of the world and becoming a monk is no solution. With a selfish mind, you will not be able to become a true monk either.

Question:  What is the way to purification of mind then?

Answer: First of all, since company has most powerful influence on one’s inner life, one must be give up bad company and seek holy company. Along with seeking holy company, we should read books containing lives and teachings of unselfish, pure and noble men and women. We should try to make small beginnings first. Let us start by making little acts of service, unselfishness and sacrifice. Along with it, we can also make a routine of reading spiritual classics, repeating the Holy Name of God and praying earnestly. As one follows all these, gradually one’s mind becomes pure.

 

Question:  Is there any difference between purity of mind and purity of soul?

Answer: The soul or the atman is pure by its very nature. It does not need any purification. It has to be dis-identified with the body-mind complex. Its identification with these (body-mind complex) is called its impurity.  Shri Ramakrishna said, ‘Pure mind and pure soul are one.’ So our main task is purification of mind and not purification of atman which is meaningless. Whole of the spiritual life is the process of this inner purification. Purity of mind simply means (a) to be unselfish, (b) to be ego-less and (c) to be free from sexual thoughts and actions.

Question: Please give some guidelines for practicing continence.

Answer: (a) Avoid all lustful inputs, mental and physical, such as seeing ugly movies and photographs.

(b) Look upon all women as your mother.

(c) Try to develop atma buddhi (considering yourself as atman and not as a body). Our identification with body results in discrimi-
nation between man and woman which in turn gives rise to sexuality.

(d) Control of all the senses is a must. Therefore moderation in eating, talking, sleeping, exercise and activities is required.

(e) Seek the joy of higher thinking and of worshipping God instead of seeking lower pleasures which are after all impermanent and the source of all consequent pain.