Blog Series: Mind & Consciousness, Part 2
Introduction:
The interplay between the mind, thoughts, and consciousness has been a topic of fascination and inquiry across various philosophical, spiritual, and scientific disciplines. Each element plays a crucial role in shaping human experience, influencing how we perceive the world and interact with it. Understanding the relationships among the mind, thoughts, and consciousness can provide deeper insights into our own nature and potentially lead to greater well-being and self-awareness. This blog delves into each of these aspects, exploring their definitions, interactions, and implications for personal growth and understanding.
It draws upon insights from the book “I AM Ashish to I AM” and the video “Nature of the Mind — a Conversation with Sri Ashish,” two pivotal works that delve deep into these concepts from a spiritual and philosophical perspective. Here, we re-examine these elements to uncover a deeper truth about human existence and the path to Self-realization.
Click below to watch the complete video:
Understanding the Mind and its Functions
The mind is often depicted as the center of cognitive activity, including thinking, perception, and emotional responses. In “Nature of the Mind,” Sri Ashish describes the mind as a tool that interprets and processes sensory information from the world, creating a subjective reality shaped by personal experiences and societal influences. The mind is not just a passive recipient but an active creator of our perceived reality.
· Dynamic Interplay: The mind continuously generates thoughts based on external and internal stimuli. These thoughts can reinforce or alter our perception of reality, illustrating the mind’s dynamic and creative nature.
· Mind as an Obstacle: In “I AM Ashish to I AM,” the mind is also seen as a barrier to realizing one’s true Self. It is often filled with incessant thoughts that can cloud our true nature and sense of inner peace.
I AM Ashish to “I AM”
The Nature of Thoughts
Thoughts are transient entities that arise and fall within the mind’s vast landscape. They can be triggered by external events or emerge from deep-seated memories and conditioning. In “I AM Ashish to I AM,” thoughts are portrayed as both a reflection of our inner state and a distraction from our deeper truths.
While thoughts are inherently transient, their effects can be long-lasting, influencing emotions and behaviors. The practice of observing thoughts, as discussed in the teachings of Sri Ashish, is a method to reduce attachment and identification with these fleeting mental formations.
Consciousness: The Overarching Awareness
Consciousness is described as the ultimate state of awareness, transcending both the mind and
its thoughts. It is the witness to all mental activities without being affected by them. It is the awareness that observes both the mind’s activity and the thoughts it generates. This distinction is crucial in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, which often define true consciousness or “pure consciousness” as an awareness that is independent of the transient activities of the mind and thoughts.
In “Nature of the Mind,” consciousness is portrayed as the backdrop against which all mental phenomena occur. Unlike the mind and thoughts, which are subject to change and dissolution, consciousness remains constant and unchanging.
Both works emphasize that the realization of one’s true self arises from recognizing consciousness as one’s fundamental nature, beyond the ephemeral play of thoughts and emotions.
Practical Pathways to Higher Consciousness
Both “I AM Ashish to I AM” and “Nature of the Mind” provide practical guidance on transcending the limitations imposed by the mind and thoughts to realize higher states of consciousness.
· Self-Inquiry: Philosophical or spiritual inquiry into the nature of the self, the mind, and thoughts can lead to profound insights about the nature of consciousness and reality. Techniques like the “Who am I?” inquiry in Advaita (Non-dualism) Vedanta directly challenge the identification with the mind and thoughts. This practice, emphasized in both works, involves questioning the origin and reality of thoughts, helping to dissolve their apparent solidity and uncovering the silence beneath the mental noise.
· Surrender and Letting Go: Emphasized in “I AM Ashish to I AM,” surrender involves letting go of the egoic mind’s control and embracing the flow of life, aligning with the deeper universal consciousness.
· Practicing Silence (meditation) and Non-attachment: These practices help in observing the mind and thoughts without attachment, fostering a state of detached awareness that is essential for spiritual growth. The practice of meditative silence trains the individual to observe their thoughts and mind non-judgmentally while being centered at the core (the deep silence within — the true nature of all existence). This builds the capacity to remain aware without being overly reactive or attached to specific mental content.
Implications for Personal Growth and Well-being
Understanding and working with the mind, thoughts, and consciousness has profound implications for personal development and well-being. By becoming more aware of how our thoughts shape our perceptions and behaviors, we can make more informed choices about how to react to our experiences. Furthermore, by cultivating a higher state of consciousness, individuals can experience a greater sense of peace, stability, and connectedness with the world.
Conclusion
The exploration of mind, thoughts, and consciousness is not just an academic exercise but a deeply personal journey that can impact every aspect of one’s life. By understanding the intricate relations between these elements, we can unlock new ways to approach challenges, enhance our well-being, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the universe. Whether through meditation, philosophical inquiry, or psychological practices, engaging with these fundamental aspects of human experience promises a richer, more aware state of being.
When viewed through the lenses of “I AM Ashish to I AM” and “Nature of the Mind” it offers a transformative understanding that can lead to profound personal growth and enlightenment. By understanding the transient nature of thoughts and the illusory aspect of the mind, and by cultivating a deeper connection with the ever-present consciousness, we can move closer to realizing our true self — unchanging, eternal, and inherently peaceful. This journey not only enriches our personal lives but also enhances our interactions with the world, bringing more clarity, compassion, and wisdom into every aspect of our existence.