When the physical organs are fully in our control, the body functions properly and we can do many varied tasks. Who is it that controls the body? If the body is ‘mine’, who am I? I am the soul, the sentient entity that is the seat of consciousness, the living spark that lends life to the body. The soul is the non-physical being that houses the mind and the intellect, through which it thinks, feels, and makes decisions.
Just as the hands and the feet are physical organs, the mind, intellect and ‘sanskars’ or tendencies are our subtle faculties. It is through these that the soul controls the body. Our actions begin with a thought, ‘I have to read this…’. The thought is followed by a decision from the intellect, ‘Read it now…’. Then we act upon the thought.
Control over our actions, therefore, begins with control over our subtle faculties. If the mind is disturbed, the actions can be erratic. We can check how much control we have over the subtle faculties by noticing if we can focus the mind on whatever we choose, whenever, wherever and for however long we want?
Control over the mind, intellect and sanskars is called self-¬sovereignty. It is these subtle powers that make the body function regularly – if the mind is calm, for example, the heartbeat is regular.
Most people complain that they can control their mind most of the time, but not always. Something or the other happens and their thoughts and feelings go haywire, they say. This is a marker of the power of the soul. We may be strong, but not always.
If someone knows how to rule over their mind, they can conduct themselves appropriately and easily get along with others. In return they receive cooperation from all. In other words, someone who is able to handle the subtle powers of the self can also handle others.
Why is it sometimes not so easy to get along with others? When we see a variety of behaviours and attitudes, our love and regard for others fluctuates. If someone does not behave the way we like, our feelings for them change. However, if there is respect for the individuality and speciality of each soul, we accept everyone as they are, with empathy and understanding.
When we do not like something about a person, we can remind ourselves that they are a part of the human family, and see them as a brother soul. Regard for them will automatically emerge from within the soul. Having such feelings for others brings us their good wishes and co¬operation. This is the spiritual way of interacting with others.
Sometimes some people think of stepping away from a place, a situation or a person they find troubling. They imagine they would be happier somewhere else. If we make it a habit to avoid challenges in this way, we will not be stable anywhere, because the mind and intellect do not develop the capacity to deal with difficulties. It is a sign of weakness. The key is to stay positive, hopeful, and big-hearted. The positive vibrations that we then radiate, help to create favourable situations.
B.K. Geeta is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.