THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 23. PLEASURE & PAIN - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

In Chapter 23 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Sri Swami Sivananda delves deeply into the nature of pleasure and pain, illustrating their intricate connection to the mind. With profound insight and a lucid narrative, he dissects the origins, implications, and ultimate transcendence of these two seemingly opposing forces. This chapter is not merely a philosophical exploration but also a practical guide for aspirants seeking liberation from the bondage of duality.
Pleasure and Pain: Pertain to the Mind
Swami Sivananda begins by asserting that pleasure and pain are effects of virtue and vice, and they exist solely within the mind. It is the mind that brings these emotions upon itself through its attachments to external objects. The mind contracts in pain and expands in pleasure, reflecting its volatile nature. The ego, which identifies itself with the body and the external world, creates this duality, while the vital force (prana) drives actions. Yet, if actions are performed selflessly, with detachment and a stainless mind, the body remains unaffected by the fruits of these actions. Through this explanation, Sivananda emphasizes that the external world is merely a stage of vibrations and phenomena. Objects in themselves are neutral, holding neither pleasure nor pain. These emotions are projections of the mind, born out of its tendencies and attitudes. He attributes the illusion of pleasure and pain to maya (illusion), which has its seat firmly in the mind's imagination.
The Role of Ignorance in Pain
According to Swami Sivananda, pain arises from ignorance—the identification of the self with the body and mind. This identification fuels attachment and pride, which are the root causes of suffering. He offers practical observations, noting that pain is not experienced during sleep, demonstrating that the mind must be connected to the body for pain to manifest. The intensity of pain, he explains, is directly linked to the mind's attachment to objects or circumstances. For instance, a luxurious person may find a trivial discomfort intolerable, while someone immersed in their passion may remain oblivious even to bodily harm. This insight reveals the subjective nature of pain, driven more by mental predispositions than external realities.
The Mind’s Search for Pleasure
Swami Sivananda articulates a profound truth: the mind's pursuit of pleasure is rooted in its origin from the eternal bliss (ananda) of the Brahman, the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. All worldly pleasures are mere shadows of this infinite bliss. The love for external objects stems from the mind's innate yearning to reconnect with its true nature. The ultimate clue to this lies in the fact that we love ourselves the most—a reflection of the Atman, the Self, which is inherently blissful. However, he warns that pleasure derived from external objects is fleeting and deceptive. Such pleasures are born from desires, which agitate the mind, driving it to seek fulfillment. When the desire is momentarily satisfied, the mind experiences a temporary cessation of agitation, mistaking this for joy. True and lasting happiness, Sivananda asserts, comes only when the mind rests in the Atman.
The Illusory Nature of Sense Pleasure
Sivananda offers a striking analysis of the illusory nature of sense pleasures. Beauty and ugliness, pleasure and pain, he explains, are merely mental constructs. They exist as projections of the mind and vary widely depending on individual perception and cultural conditioning. For example, what one person finds beautiful may appear unattractive to another. He challenges the aspirant to recognize that worldly pleasures, being transient, are a mirage. Objects of pleasure are often accompanied by their counterparts of pain, as “the delights that are contact-born are verily wombs of pain.” Wealth, relationships, and physical enjoyment all carry inherent suffering, stemming from attachment and the effort required to maintain them. Sivananda’s practical wisdom shines as he urges readers to see beyond the deceptive allure of worldly pleasures and direct their focus inward toward the Atman, where true and eternal bliss resides.
Pleasure from Thought Dissolution
One of the key teachings of this chapter is the concept that pleasure arises not from external objects but from the dissolution of thought waves. When the mind is agitated by desire, it becomes restless, scheming and planning to achieve its goal. Upon fulfilling the desire, the cessation of the mental disturbance brings a temporary experience of peace and bliss. This, however, is mistaken as coming from the object. In truth, the bliss is an emanation of the Atman within, revealed momentarily when the mind returns to its natural, undisturbed state. Sivananda urges seekers to understand this truth, dispelling the illusion that happiness resides in external objects. This recognition is a crucial step toward liberation from the endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction.
Real Happiness Lies Within
The chapter’s most profound message is the affirmation that true happiness lies within the Self. Sivananda poetically critiques the worldly pursuit of happiness, likening it to a futile search for water in a mirage. External pleasures, such as wealth, fame, and relationships, are ultimately hollow and impermanent. They fail to provide the lasting satisfaction that only the Atman can offer. By withdrawing the senses from external objects and quieting the mind, one can experience the infinite bliss of the Self. This process involves annihilating desires, calming the thought waves, and concentrating the mind. When the mind is stilled, the aspirant realizes that happiness is not something to be sought—it is the very essence of the Self.
Attachment and the Nature of the Mind
Sivananda highlights the mind’s role as the root of attachment. It is the mind’s restless nature that drives it to seek enjoyment through external objects. While attraction is natural, attachment arises only when the mind identifies with and clings to these objects. This attachment perpetuates the illusion of pleasure, leading to bondage. To overcome this, Sivananda advises detachment and redirection of the mind’s attention toward higher, spiritual pursuits. By cultivating a love for the eternal Brahman and renouncing worldly attachments, the aspirant can transcend duality and experience the unchanging bliss of the Self.
The Golden Mean
The chapter concludes with practical advice on maintaining a balanced mind. Sivananda warns against extremes, whether of joy or sorrow, as they disturb mental equanimity. By cultivating moderation and cheerfulness, one can navigate life’s challenges with serenity. A cheerful and calm mind is essential for spiritual practice, as it creates the conditions for deeper concentration and meditation. He encourages aspirants to study spiritual texts, associate with wise individuals, and engage in practices such as mantra repetition and meditation. These disciplines help the mind merge into the infinite bliss of the Brahman, culminating in liberation.
In Pleasure and Pain, Sri Swami Sivananda presents a masterful exposition of the mind’s entanglement with duality. He reveals that pleasure and pain are not intrinsic to external objects but are creations of the mind, driven by ignorance and attachment. True happiness, he teaches, lies within the Self, accessible through detachment, self-discipline, and meditation. By transcending the illusions of the mind, the seeker can merge with the infinite bliss of the Brahman and attain eternal peace. This chapter serves as both a profound philosophical treatise and a practical guide for aspirants on the path to self-realization.  

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