Importance Of controlling the Mind

(Sri Swamiji's speech during the Manasa Sarovara Yatra)

Achieving concentration of mind is indeed an arduous task. Though it may seem that the mind gets easily fixed to materialistic pleasures, strangely, it gets bored there also and will start wandering from one place to another in pursuit of grazing in a pasture. It is always attracted to the green patch of grass which is at a distance. It stops grazing here and tries to reach the 'greener pasture'. This goes on till the evening and many times it returns home, still hungry.

When one tries to fix one's mind on noble thoughts and on God, the mind tries to go in the opposite direction. This problem has been there in all countries and at all times.

In trying to find a solution to this problem, many religions came in to being. All religions preach that man's attitude and behavior should be selfless and sublime. Why? According to Psychological sciences ups and downs in life, desires and depressions will take a heavy toll of the mind and renders it weak and incapable of concentrating. Those who cheat and deceive will never be able to enjoy peace of mind. This is a well established theory and not a religious preaching. keeping this fact in mind, all the religions have categorically reiterated the importance of leading a life pure in thought, actions and words. This is the theme of all religions.