How to Purify the Mind

As one iron shapes another iron, the pure mind of a person which makes efforts in the virtuous path should correct and mold his impure mind. Mind is unfailingly rendered pure through true, virtuous and pure actions and constant association with the wise. Speaking the truth and practice of pure compassion are very great purifiers of mind. All lofty aspirations, all-embracing tendencies and pity will go a long way in increasing the Sattvic nature of the mind. The higher Mind is developed.

Sacrifice, gift, compassion, gaining true knowledge and speaking the truth: these five are purifying. The sixth is penance well-practiced. The last one is highly purifying.

Charity, Japa, Abstinence, Meditation, Fasting, Serving the saints are also tend to purify the mind. There will be, doubtless, unalloyed bliss in the mind thus purified. A Mantra purifies the mind. Mere repetition of a Mantra, parrot-like, has very little effect. It has some benefit. It must be repeated with feeling. Then it produces wonderful effects. The Mantra, unless inspired with the powerful will-force of ones own mind, cannot produce much effect.

Study of philosophical works, right thinking, exercise of good and noble emotions, prayers and beneficent endeavors and, above all, regular and strenuous meditation are the means to improve the mind. These will bring about the rapid evolution of the mind. When the mind is purified, a hole is formed in the center through which purity, light and knowledge flow from Brahman.

It takes a long time to effect purity of mind. Severe austerity is needed. As a result of purification of the mind, it becomes more sensitive, gets easily disturbed by a sound or shock and feels any pressure acutely. An aspirant must be sensitive and yet have the body and nerves completely under his control. The greater the sensitiveness becomes, the more difficult is the task; there are many noises which pass unheeded by an ordinary person, but which are torture to one who is very sensitive. You must do your best to get over this over sensitiveness.

Initiation of Pure Mind Leads to Quiescence

Purification is the first part of Yoga. When purification is over, the natural tendency of the mind is to go towards liberation, Moksha. If only a disciple whose mind is cleansed of all its impurities, is initiated into the sacred mysteries by a Guru, then his mind will get complete quiescence. He will enter into a Nirvana state.

Reference

Mind – Its Mysteries and Control by Sri Swami Sivananda