[Chaturamnaya] Jagadguru Speaks: Purify Mind to Ensure Your Welfare

[S Jayanarayanan]

(Around the beginning of the month, a nugget of Wisdom from the Jagadguru may be posted
on the Chaturamnaya list : http://lists.advaita-vedanta.org/cgi-bin/listinfo/chaturamnaya )
 
 
In creation, human birth is superior. It is only with this human 
body that one can engage in dharmic activities. Therefore, the more 
meaningfully man engages this human birth, the more beneficial it 
will be for him. For this, man must often strive to purify his mind; 
because it is only with a pure mind that man can engage in any 
noble activity. Our subsequent births are dependent on our karma. 
 
In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord has well described the three gunas of 
the mind. It is through these gunas that man performs his karma. 
Having well understood the nature of these gunas, if the wise man 
establishes his mind in sattva guna, then action performed by him 
will not be erroneous. Results will be favourable and his well-being 
will be ensured. 
 
However, at times, results may unfold contrary to his ideals. In 
such situations, he must not be swayed by his tamo guna and react 
impulsively. With due deliberation and forethought, man must veer 
back to sattva guna and begin his work -- this is what our great 
sages advise. 
 
रजस्तमोभ्यामाक्षिप्तं विमूढं मन आत्मनः ।
यच्छेद्धारणया धीरो हन्ति या तत्कृतं मलम्‌ ॥
 
It means that if the wise man is pulled towards rajo or tamo guna 
(owing to situations), he must control his deluded mind by means of 
dharana (concentration). That dharana will rid man of the 
transgressions committed. 
 
Having understood this well, man must strive to keep his mind pure 
under all circumstances. This will bestow on him immeasurable 
fortune.