THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 7. THE PSYCHIC STATES - Sri Swami Sivananda - Complete Works with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

In this chapter, Swami Sivananda offers a profound exploration of the inner workings of the mind and its various psychic states. He emphasizes the importance of observing the mental phenomena that arise within the mind in a solitary environment. Through such observation, one can come to understand the complexities of the psychic world and the subtle influences that shape thoughts, emotions, and behavior. This chapter provides invaluable insight into the mind’s inherent tendencies and offers practical guidance for controlling these tendencies in the pursuit of spiritual growth.  

The Power of Self-Observation  
Sivananda begins by encouraging us to sit in silence in a solitary room and observe the various mental states that arise within us. He stresses the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in understanding the different phenomena of the mind, including moods, thoughts, impulses, and emotions. By focusing on these inner experiences, one can learn to discern the root causes of mental disturbances and work toward achieving greater mental clarity and control.  

Instincts: Self-Preservation and Reproduction  
One of the key insights Sivananda provides in this chapter is the identification of two fundamental instincts that govern human behavior. These instincts are self-preservation and reproduction. The instinct for self-preservation is manifested through basic needs like hunger, which compels us to seek nourishment. The reproductive instinct, on the other hand, is linked to desires related to lust and procreation. Sivananda highlights the role of these instincts in shaping human behavior, including the desire for power, name, and fame. These desires are driven by egoism and self-aggrandizement. Greed, exploitation, and domineering behaviors are seen as expressions of the lower, ego-driven aspects of human nature. To cultivate God-consciousness and transcend the ego, Sivananda advises us to renounce such tendencies and focus on spiritual practices that elevate the mind and spirit.  

The Herding Instinct  
In addition to the basic instincts of self-preservation and reproduction, Sivananda introduces a third instinct: the herding instinct. This instinct manifests in the human desire for companionship and social interaction. While this instinct is essential for social survival, Sivananda cautions that the pursuit of worldly pleasures and the company of those who are not spiritually inclined can hinder one’s progress on the path to self-realization. For spiritual aspirants, Sivananda advises cultivating solitude and detachment from worldly distractions. By living alone and seeking the company of spiritually minded individuals, one can strengthen their individuality and become more attuned to their inner self. Though difficult at first, this practice of renunciation leads to greater spiritual strength and progress.  

Impulses: Controlling the Mind’s Drive  
Sivananda discusses the nature of mental impulses, which are sudden and often uncontrollable forces that propel us to act. He identifies three primary types of impulses: impulses of thought, speech, and action. While these impulses are natural, they must be controlled to prevent them from leading us astray. Among the most powerful impulses are those related to sex and speech. These impulses are deeply connected to our desires and instincts, often overwhelming our ability to think rationally. Through silence, meditation, and mindful contemplation, we can learn to control these impulses and align our actions with higher spiritual goals. The practice of controlling these impulses is integral to cultivating self-mastery and mental peace.  

Emotions: The Play of Desire and Thought  
Emotions are another key aspect of the psychic states discussed by Sivananda. He explains that emotions arise when thought and desire combine. Emotions, whether positive or negative, are essentially desires infused with mental images or thoughts. These emotions can have a powerful impact on the mind, distorting thoughts and creating inner turbulence. Sivananda classifies emotions into two primary categories: raga (attraction) and dvesha (repulsion), or love and hatred. These emotions form the basis for all other emotional experiences. For example, wonder is a combination of admiration and fear, while anger can be a mixture of jealousy and frustration. When the mind is dominated by negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, or impatience, it becomes a source of inner turmoil, dragging the individual further away from spiritual realization.  

Controlling Emotions and Impulses 
Sivananda offers practical methods for controlling emotions and impulses. The key to overcoming emotional disturbances is self-awareness. By identifying oneself as the Atman, the unchanging, pure consciousness, one can detach from the emotions and observe them without becoming entangled in them. By repeating affirmations of self-inquiry, such as "I am not the mind, I am Atman," emotions begin to lose their power over the individual. This method of controlling emotions is rooted in knowledge and self-realization and is considered more effective than struggling with the emotions through willpower alone.  

Sentiments and Moods  
In addition to emotions and impulses, Sivananda discusses sentiments and moods as important psychic states that shape human experience. Sentiments are complex emotional responses that can be religious, moral, or aesthetic in nature. While sentiments may seem noble, Sivananda emphasizes that they are ultimately illusory and are not a part of the true Self, which is beyond all feelings and emotions. Moods, or bhavas in Sanskrit, are more transient states of mind. These can range from happiness and joy to sorrow and depression. Sivananda explains that moods are not permanent states but rather temporary fluctuations in the mind. People who are dominated by negative moods, such as anger or depression, can spread these moods to others, infecting their environment with negativity.  

Controlling Negative Moods  
To control negative moods, Sivananda advises spiritual aspirants to engage in practices such as prayer, meditation, chanting, and self-inquiry. These practices help to counteract negative thought patterns and emotions. For example, when feeling depressed, one should chant "Om" and affirm that the essential nature is bliss. Over time, this practice can help transform negative moods into positive, constructive states of mind. Sivananda also provides practical advice for managing specific moods, such as the talking mood, the mood of hatred, or the mood of selfishness. For each of these, there is an antidote, whether it be silence, love, selfless action, or service to others. By cultivating positive moods and eliminating negative ones, one can purify the mind and draw closer to self-realization.  

Whims, Fancies, and Imagination  
Whims and fancies are spontaneous mental occurrences that arise suddenly and often unpredictably. Sivananda compares whims to waves or tarangas in Sanskrit. These waves of thought can arise quickly and dissipate just as fast, often leading to confusion and erratic behavior if not controlled. Fancies, while lighter and less intense than whims, are also distractions that can hinder spiritual progress. They arise from the imagination and often lead to daydreams or unrealistic thoughts. To counteract whims and fancies, Sivananda suggests practicing discrimination or viveka. By using reason and wisdom to evaluate the potential consequences of actions, one can avoid acting impulsively and impulsively reacting to whims. Self-inquiry is also crucial in discerning whether a particular thought or action is aligned with spiritual growth or merely a distraction.  

The Role of Imagination    
Imagination plays a significant role in shaping the mind’s perceptions and experiences. Sivananda warns that the mind often exaggerates, magnifies, and creates false images through the power of imagination. He gives the example of a soldier who, in the midst of battle, is unaware of physical injuries due to the overwhelming mental focus on the task at hand. This is the power of concentration, which allows the mind to transcend physical pain. Conversely, when the mind is distracted or idle, it can magnify small concerns and create undue anxiety or fear. Sivananda advises practitioners to control the imagination by focusing on the present moment and the task at hand. By training the mind through concentration and meditation, one can reduce the power of imagination and develop greater mental clarity.  

Conclusion: Mastery of the Mind  
Throughout this chapter, Swami Sivananda emphasizes that the key to spiritual progress is mastery over the mind. By understanding and controlling the various psychic states, such as instincts, impulses, emotions, sentiments, moods, whims, and imagination, one can cultivate a calm and steady mind. Through the practices of self-awareness, meditation, self-inquiry, and discrimination, an aspirant can gradually detach from the fluctuations of the mind and realize the true, unchanging nature of the Self, which is pure consciousness. The ultimate goal is to transcend the mind’s disturbances and attain inner peace, bliss, and self-realization.  

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