Mind

[egodust]

> ---------------------
> Forwarded message:
> From:   Chelluri_N_Rao_ at smtp.ncd.usace.army.mil
> To:     chelluri at aol.com
> Date: 96-10-01 15:48:22 EDT
>
>                           Om Namobhagavati
>      Namaste!
>      The discussion on LIFE prompted me to post my views on mind.
>
>      Mind is a very complex and intriguing entity in the entire
>      creation.  I would not be able to sit here and type my message
>      without it.  It takes years for the development of mind but takes
>      only few seconds to destroy.  Presence of mind makes it feasible
>      for the body to function.  These I believe are simple facts.
>
>      Mind has to police itself and receive and develop good thoughts.
>      Mind is the vehicle that takes you where you want to go.  Mind in
>      its place can make heaven out of hell or viceversa (Milton).
>      I do not understand why people preach destruction of the mind to
>      realize the self.  If the mind is destroyed, instead of self
>      realization, one will find himself in mental institution, thrown
>      in by one's near and dear.  Ofcourse one can argue that it is the
>      body not ME.
>
>      I believ all Mind's are pre-programmed, allowing a little
>      marginal freedom of choice, by the Divine Will.  Not even the
>      creator can change the program except minimize the adverse
>      effects.  Mind entitles unconditional love and devotion, not
>      abuse or destruction and I believe that happens only by the GRACE
>      OF SHAKTI.
>
>      REGARDS                                        NAGESWAR

The idea of the extinction or destruction of the Mind (manonasa) can
be found in many of the advaitic texts--in the testimony of sages, as
well as Upanishadic lore.  It's also found in other spiritual approaches;
most notably in the Buddhist concept of No-Mind (mu-shin).  What's
important to be aware of is that such terminology is used to radically
emphasize that the Mind has to be transcended insofar as our habit of
relying on [its] dictates directing our otherwise Unlimited Consciousness.

namaste.