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9. Mastering the mind



Ātmavinigrahaḥ

Mind is a colorful kaleidoscope 

Fanciful thoughts play jump rope

Never constant and rarely still 

Mastering mind is a tactical skill


It is subject to sudden starts and turns

Many capricious notions always returns

It is naturally playful and whimsical 

It can be critical and analytical 


One can even catch the wind  

All I can say is oh mind, never mind!

 Four kinds of thoughts are momentaneous 

Impulsive, mechanical, deliberate and spontaneous


These are the varieties that are distinctive

Impulsive, are unexamined and instinctive 

Mechanical, are from prior conditioning

Deliberate, are after careful repositioning


Spontaneity, is indeed the ultimate mystery

After self knowledge, it is a complete mastery 

Relative mastery is achieved by careful examination

Accept and dismiss thoughts after deliberate mentation


Examining all impulses is wise

Discipline the thoughts as they arise

Perform the actions with a choice

Apply the mind correctly to rejoice


Alertness and awareness are the main ingredients

Not getting distracted is the cooking process

The mastery of the mind is the final cupcake

That can be enjoyed while you are awake 

Inspiration - The Value of Values book- Swami Dayananda Saraswati 

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