The way we behave and act in our conscious realm is guided by the way our mind works. Of course the way mind processes information, is shaped by many things - social conditioning, education, upbringing, value system, social circle, etc.
Also there is something very special in we humans. Psychologists call this as meta mind. Somehow, after continuous evolution for billions of years, the nerve connections between the neuron cells have gone so complex that, the mind system has started being aware of itself! This is something very unique.
The idea is that mind can observe its own thought. This aspect of mind can be termed as the "meta-mind" - a neural system that not only is an audience to the thought systems of a person, but can also act as a director of those thought systems.
This meta mind governs the quality of our existence. This is because it sorts out and refines our response to the stimulus we get through our five senses. This creates a sense of discrimination, a sense of choice, a sense of stance we take.
Now, it is very important to mentor the meta mind, so that it can work as a good director to the smaller mind - the little self - which is constantly under the push and pull of urges, propensities and external stimulus. So psychologically speaking the goal for an optimal existence is two fold -
1. Mentoring the Meta Mind
2. Establishing a strong link between the meta mind and the little mind - which governs our behavior.
In Hindu philosophy meta-mind can be termed as Atman. Interestingly more than 900 years before the birth of Christ, in India there was a discipline which was prevalent which aimed at establishing this link. It used to be called as Yoga.
In Sanskrit Yoga means "linking"/"coupling" etc. So the aim of this discipline was to calm the little self, and thus allow humans to see the Atman (name used for the meta mind in this framework).
Once you are able to see the Atma - it meant you had a link established between your little mind - behaviors and actions with the meta mind.
The mentoring aspect for the meta mind was established with contemplation, reading, listening to gurus, etc.
In our daily life in 21st century, to be able to utilize this effective framework, I feel the mentoring part can be met by reading good books, writing and contemplating. I do not mean to be a loner, and not indulge into pleasures of life. I mean to be mindful and totally indulged in everyday life and its responsibilities and expectations, and the pleasures of daily life - with a deeper awareness, complemented with nurturing the mind with good books, knowledge and good influence.
The linking aspect can be effectively met by meditation and Yoga. All the sub-categories of Yoga – The Bhakti Yoga, The Gnana Yoga, The Hatha Yoga and The Karma Yoga can all be simultaneously exercised to be able to lead a more fulfilling life!
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Copy Right © All rights reserved - Samrat Kar
Also there is something very special in we humans. Psychologists call this as meta mind. Somehow, after continuous evolution for billions of years, the nerve connections between the neuron cells have gone so complex that, the mind system has started being aware of itself! This is something very unique.
The idea is that mind can observe its own thought. This aspect of mind can be termed as the "meta-mind" - a neural system that not only is an audience to the thought systems of a person, but can also act as a director of those thought systems.
This meta mind governs the quality of our existence. This is because it sorts out and refines our response to the stimulus we get through our five senses. This creates a sense of discrimination, a sense of choice, a sense of stance we take.
Now, it is very important to mentor the meta mind, so that it can work as a good director to the smaller mind - the little self - which is constantly under the push and pull of urges, propensities and external stimulus. So psychologically speaking the goal for an optimal existence is two fold -
1. Mentoring the Meta Mind
2. Establishing a strong link between the meta mind and the little mind - which governs our behavior.
In Hindu philosophy meta-mind can be termed as Atman. Interestingly more than 900 years before the birth of Christ, in India there was a discipline which was prevalent which aimed at establishing this link. It used to be called as Yoga.
In Sanskrit Yoga means "linking"/"coupling" etc. So the aim of this discipline was to calm the little self, and thus allow humans to see the Atman (name used for the meta mind in this framework).
Once you are able to see the Atma - it meant you had a link established between your little mind - behaviors and actions with the meta mind.
The mentoring aspect for the meta mind was established with contemplation, reading, listening to gurus, etc.
In our daily life in 21st century, to be able to utilize this effective framework, I feel the mentoring part can be met by reading good books, writing and contemplating. I do not mean to be a loner, and not indulge into pleasures of life. I mean to be mindful and totally indulged in everyday life and its responsibilities and expectations, and the pleasures of daily life - with a deeper awareness, complemented with nurturing the mind with good books, knowledge and good influence.
The linking aspect can be effectively met by meditation and Yoga. All the sub-categories of Yoga – The Bhakti Yoga, The Gnana Yoga, The Hatha Yoga and The Karma Yoga can all be simultaneously exercised to be able to lead a more fulfilling life!
______________________________________________
Copy Right © All rights reserved - Samrat Kar
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