THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 35. DESCTRUCTION OF MIND - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

Introduction to the Mind's Nature and Role
In Chapter 35, Sri Swami Sivananda delves deeply into the nature of the mind, its misconceptions, and the path to its transcendence. He explains that the mind, through ignorance (avidya) and indiscrimination (aviveka), identifies with a false sense of individuality. It assumes itself to be the doer of actions and, consequently, becomes egoistic. This egoic nature binds the individual to the cycle of action (karma) and its fruits, whether pleasurable or painful. The mind acts as a thief of the Atman (the Self) by dragging the individual towards sensory experiences and external distractions. This misidentification creates the illusion of bondage. The chapter emphasizes that liberation lies in the destruction of this mind, which serves as the ultimate impediment to realizing one’s true nature as the Brahman (Supreme Consciousness).
The Potency and Destructiveness of the Mind
Swami Sivananda stresses that the mind holds immense power—it can create or dissolve entire worlds in an instant. However, this same mind, if unchecked, is the slayer of the Atman. Therefore, it becomes imperative to destroy the mind to transcend Maya (illusion) and experience eternal bliss. The methods to accomplish this destruction include:

1. Elimination of Desires: Desires fuel the fluctuations of the mind. Their eradication weakens the mind.
2. Control of Prana (Vital Energy): Breath and mind are closely linked. Controlling prana indirectly pacifies the mind.
3. Brahma Inquiry: Self-inquiry into one’s true nature dissolves the ego and mind.
4. Meditation on Great Sayings: Contemplation on mantras like “I am Brahman” or “I am That” unites the mind with higher consciousness.

When the mind is annihilated, time itself disappears, and the Atman’s light begins to shine unobstructed.
The Meaning of Mind's Destruction
The destruction of the mind does not imply the annihilation of the Self but rather the transformation of the lower mind, which is the source of desires, emotions, and egoic tendencies. The goal is to dismantle the mind’s present form, which perceives duality and identifies the Self with the body. This destruction is synonymous with the birth of cosmic consciousness, where distinctions dissolve, and the individual merges with the infinite. Stages of the Mind's Existence Swami Sivananda explains that people generally live in the physical body and are preoccupied with superficial needs such as eating and grooming. Even the educated often remain confined to this plane. Spiritual aspirants, however, transcend to the intellectual sheath through abstract thinking, reasoning, and Vedantic study. True safety from the mind’s torments lies in dwelling in this higher sheath. Through systematic meditation, constant contemplation on Brahman, and the study of sacred texts like the Yoga Vasishtha and Brahma Sutras, the intellectual sheath evolves, enabling deeper spiritual realizations.
Meditative Absorption of the Mind
The chapter describes the hierarchical absorption process:

1. The mind merges into the intellect.
2. The intellect merges into the cosmic intellect.
3. The cosmic intellect dissolves into the unmanifested (avyakta).
4. The unmanifested merges into Brahman.

This absorption corresponds to the yogic practice of focusing on inner realms, such as gazing at the third eye or the tip of the nose, which leads to a thoughtless state. In this state, external distractions vanish, and pure existence remains.
Two Types of Mind's Destruction

1. Destruction of the mind with form: Achieved during life by dissolving the ego and desires, resulting in liberation while living (jivanmukti).
2. Destruction of the mind without form: Attained at death, when the physical body is discarded, leading to ultimate liberation (videhamukti).

Techniques to Destroy the Mind
Sri Swami Sivananda outlines five methods to annihilate the mind:

1. Rejecting Thoughts: When a thought arises, immediately reject it by affirming, “Not this thought, not this thought.”
2. Cultivating Opposite Thoughts: Replace negative thoughts with their positive counterparts (e.g., replace hatred with love or fear with courage).
3. Fostering God-Consciousness: Engaging in God-centered thoughts dissolves intentions and desires.
4. Becoming a Witness: Observing the mind with detachment reduces its power over you.
5. Self-Inquiry: Asking “Who am I?” directs the mind inward, dissolving all egoic tendencies and thoughts.

These techniques, when practiced diligently, sever the six key components of the mind’s bondage: intention, desire, attraction, repulsion, ego, and the mind itself.
Renunciation and Dispassion
The chapter emphasizes the importance of renunciation (vairagya) and dispassion (detachment) to thin out the mind. Pride, fueled by power, possessions, and knowledge, strengthens the ego and the mind. By relinquishing these attachments, the mind becomes thread-like, facilitating its ultimate destruction.
The Role of Prana in Mind Control
Breath control is intimately tied to mind control. During meditation, the breath naturally slows, reflecting the mind’s stillness. While breath control can temporarily quiet the mind, true and lasting annihilation arises only through direct Self-knowledge and constant contemplation on the Supreme Self.
Mind Absorption vs. Loss of Consciousness
Swami Sivananda clarifies the distinction between temporary loss of consciousness and true absorption of the mind:

• Loss of consciousness (as in sleep) is a temporary state where the mind is inactive but revives later.
• Mind absorption, on the other hand, is a permanent state of transcendence where the mind dissolves into Brahman, leaving no trace of ego or duality. This state brings liberation and infinite bliss.

Practical Path to Liberation

1. Daily Self-Enquiry: Constantly ask, “Who am I?” This inquiry cuts the very root of the ego and the mind.
2. Cutting Intention at its Source: Addressing the root cause of mind activity (the “I” thought) eradicates the entire tree of mental bondage.
3. Detachment from Material Gain: Power, possessions, and desires fuel egoic tendencies. Renounce these to thin out the mind.
4. Unwavering Meditation: Engage in profound meditation on the Self to attain mind absorption and eternal bliss.

Conclusion
Sri Swami Sivananda’s discourse in Chapter 35 reveals the mind as both the source of bondage and the key to liberation. Through sustained effort in self-inquiry, renunciation, and meditation, one can achieve the destruction of the lower mind and transcend duality to experience the bliss of Brahman. This chapter serves as a practical and philosophical guide for seekers aiming to overcome the mind’s delusions and realize their eternal, infinite nature.  

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