We all know that thoughts precede actions. But, what precedes thoughts? We don’t know and we will never know as our knowledge rests within the realm of thoughts.
In a recent experiment, it was scientifically established that one becomes aware of a thought about 30 seconds after it has occurred to him/her. It is clear from this experiment that we cannot create thoughts and, therefore, cannot control them. Whatever we say about the state preceding thoughts can only be a 'concept.'
However, we can surely analyse what happens after thoughts occur to us. As soon as a thought occurs, the mind reacts spontaneously based on its conditioning and may propel the body into action - again almost spontaneously - if required. As soon as a thought is thus dealt with, another strange thing happens. The mind starts dwelling on that thought or the result of the action just performed. It either rambles backward in the past associating with past experiences or projects it into the future building hopes, anticipation and anxiety. Indeed, it is this trait of the mind that causes unending mental worries. What was a pure ‘happening’ without any of its control now becomes its ‘doing’ with associated pride or guilt. Ego is thus nourished. We perpetually live in such chain reactions of our thoughts accepting the mental 'noise' as 'normal.'
However, one may quieten this mental noise by simply observing the mind and its various ramblings in a detached manner. The pace of any event appears slower under intense scrutiny of unbiased 'observation.' For example, when you watch a clock continuously, it appears to move much slower. When such a practice is done repeatedly, mind begins to understand its futility in rambling between past and future. It starts lowering its gear until it is 'parked.'
This is perhaps what Sage Patanjali meant when he said, “Guide your thought process to Silence.” In a still mind, one gets a clear glimpse of reality – as it is – bringing internal peace and everlasting bliss. The world (and life) then becomes a mere play only to be enjoyed in all circumstances.
In a recent experiment, it was scientifically established that one becomes aware of a thought about 30 seconds after it has occurred to him/her. It is clear from this experiment that we cannot create thoughts and, therefore, cannot control them. Whatever we say about the state preceding thoughts can only be a 'concept.'
However, we can surely analyse what happens after thoughts occur to us. As soon as a thought occurs, the mind reacts spontaneously based on its conditioning and may propel the body into action - again almost spontaneously - if required. As soon as a thought is thus dealt with, another strange thing happens. The mind starts dwelling on that thought or the result of the action just performed. It either rambles backward in the past associating with past experiences or projects it into the future building hopes, anticipation and anxiety. Indeed, it is this trait of the mind that causes unending mental worries. What was a pure ‘happening’ without any of its control now becomes its ‘doing’ with associated pride or guilt. Ego is thus nourished. We perpetually live in such chain reactions of our thoughts accepting the mental 'noise' as 'normal.'
However, one may quieten this mental noise by simply observing the mind and its various ramblings in a detached manner. The pace of any event appears slower under intense scrutiny of unbiased 'observation.' For example, when you watch a clock continuously, it appears to move much slower. When such a practice is done repeatedly, mind begins to understand its futility in rambling between past and future. It starts lowering its gear until it is 'parked.'
This is perhaps what Sage Patanjali meant when he said, “Guide your thought process to Silence.” In a still mind, one gets a clear glimpse of reality – as it is – bringing internal peace and everlasting bliss. The world (and life) then becomes a mere play only to be enjoyed in all circumstances.
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