What is Mind?

[atanu]

There is a story of Subramuniyaswami's guru, Yogaswami of Sri Lanka, while on pilgrimage to South India, meeting with the beloved Ramana Maharshi. The story goes that they just sat in 'summu iru' together for a few hours, neither saying anything. When asked later, one or both said to the devotee, "nothing to say" . Aum Namasivaya

Namaste Eastern Mind,

Ramana was very drastic on a few points. He taught that silence is the most potent communication. Words, he said, were like glowing of bulbs, which obstruct the flow of electricity and reduce the potential difference.

For highest achievers, all transmission between Maharshi and others was through silence, since he never considered that there was another. So, he could not teach and assume a position of Guru also.

Surprisingly, he had a silent meeting with Somerset Maugham.

Regards,

Om

[yajvan]

Hari Om
~~~~~

Namaste Eastern Mind,

For highest achievers, all transmission between Maharshi and others was through silence, since he never considered that there was another. So, he could not teach and assume a position of Guru also.

Surprisingly, he had a silent meeting with Somerset Maugham.

Regards, Om

Namaste atanu, EM (et.al)
yet that silence is rich with Supreme Consciousness... If we were talking as Kasmir Saivites, this offering of Maharshi and the native, the native would be ready and sambhavopaya would be the method.

This is also called icca sakti or the Will of God, His sakti or energy. There is no means or procedure the sadhu needs to exercise. He is ready ( ripe) for the Grace of the Master. They say in this condition you ( the sadhu) does not exist only the Master, only that Supreme State. This is why silence is the means... what needs to be said?


pranams,

[yajvan]

Hari Om
~~~~~


Namaste,
this string is something we started in October... many had views on what the mind is ( or is not). I thought to add one idea that is found in the Yoga Vasișțha.

Sri Ram asks, tell me what the mind really is.
Vasișțha replies, Even as empty inert nothingness is known as space, mind is empty nothingness. Whether the mind is real or unreal it is that which is apprehended in objects of perception. Rama, thought is mind; this is no distinction between the two.

Yoga Vasișțha, On Creation Chap 3.4

pranams

[yajvan]

Hari Om
~~~~~

Namaste,

"Mind' is a common subject in the Yoga Vasișțha. I thought to add a few ideas on this matter for your consideration.

Vasișțha muni speaking to Sri Ram:

Motion is natural to prana and when it moves in consciousness mind arises; then the conditioning� keeps the prana in motion. When one (of them) is arrested, (then) both fall. - Yoga Vasișțha, Upasanti Prakaranam 5.91

Mind is only perception, and perception is movement in consciousness. The expression of this movement is action and the fruition follows this. Mind is an intention arising in the omnipotent and infinite consciounsss. Though non-different from the infinite consciousnessm it thinks that is is. Yoga Vasișțha, Utpatti Prakaranam 3.96

pranams


1. Conditioning in part, are vasanas that reside in us. More on vasanas if interested, at: http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/sho...hlight=vasanas

[Bob G]

mind is ever shifting patterns seen by ever lasting spirit.

[yajvan]

Hari Om
~~~~~


Namaste,

Vasișțha muni speaks to Sri Ram:

This mind is inert and is not a real entity: hence it is forever dead! Yet beings in this world are killed by this dead thing. How mysterious is this stupidity! The mind has no self, no body, no support and no form, yet by this mind is everything consumed in this world. This indeed is the great mystery. - Yoga Vasișțha, Upasanti Prakaranam 5.13

[Bob G]

Good quote Yajvan!

And I'd add if I may that It will always remain a great mystery to "mind" which can never solve it.

(where as Spirit knows instantly without effort)