Mind over Matter

मनो मधुकरो मेघो मद्यपो मत्कुणो मरुत्।
मा मदो मर्कटो मत्स्यो मकारा दश चञ्चलाः॥

Mana (mind) is one of the 10 things that are chanchal (always on the move) and start with the letter ‘ma’.
मनस् – mind
मधुकर – bee
मेघ – cloud
मद्यप – drunkard
मत्कुण – bug
मरुत् – wind
मा – the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi
मद – passion, intoxication
मर्कट – monkey
मत्स्य – fish

Mind is defined as the one that helps in avabodhan (knowing), in gaining dnyan (knowledge) and has the capacity to do chintan (thinking). Amarkosh also states that mind has the power to do activities and the soul acts as a catalyst that stimulates and initiates activities.

The two important qualities of mana are anutva (minuteness) and ekatva (oneness). Hence it is always better to do one task at a time, rather than doing 10 different things at a time.

The combination of mind alongwith the 10 indriyas, atma and sharir (body) forms Ayu (life). It is therefore important to be cautious of what nourishes your mind and body.

It is very important to understand that the mind controls sense organs and directs them to perform actions. If the mind is not trained well, the results could be catastrophic.

The mind can get affected due to raja and tama or if there is reduction in sattva of a person, and get diseased. This may happen with improper diet and lifestyle. The aim here is to increase sattva quality and balance the other two.

The best way to get your mind on track is by:

1. Regulating indulgence of Dhee (Intellect)
2. Inculcating Dhairya (Courage)
3. Realising self worth (Atmadi vidnyanam)

Best way to keep the mind alert and healthy, is to follow Dincharya (daily regimen), Rutucharya (seasonal regimen), Aachaar rasayan and Sadvrutta (rules for general behaviour) to see a difference in your physical and mental faculties.

Other methods to take care of the mind, include Pranayam (breathing exercises), reading books and scriptures and a good amount of rest. It is important to unwind, in order to recharge and revitalise.