DIVINE GUIDELINES BANK FOR YOUTH ~ SPIRITUALITY ~ 2
| CATEGORY | SPIRITUALITY |
| SUB CATEGORY | SENSE-CONTROL |
| How to control impulsive thoughts? |
| It was because of his attachment to the body that Ravana was a prey, to all kinds of troubles. This was the message given by Ravana: “Oh people! Because I could not kill my bodily impulses I killed myself. I destroyed my entire breed. Hence, be warned from my fate.” Rama’s message was: “Citizens! Live like me and achieve a worthy end.” Divine Discourse 16 April 1997 |
| How should be one’s vision towards everything towards the external world? |
| After the completion of his Yaaga (sacrifice), Vishvamithra took Rama and Lakshmana to Mithila. Both of them saw the beautiful places in Mithila. They knew that they would have to witness the lifting of Shiva’s bow the next day and then return to Ayodhya. They wanted to go round, the great city of Janaka. Rama told Lakshmana that they were under the care of Vishvamithra and should not do anything with out the permission of the guru (sage). They approached the sage with their request. He told them, “You have incarnated on earth to protect all the world and put down the evil forces. Do go round the city of Mithila and sanctify all the people of the city.” Rama and Lakshmana set out to go round the city. As they were going, it seemed as if they were illuminating every place where they went. Everywhere the people looked at them without a wink. Children playing on the streets rushed towards them on seeing them and lovingly clasped their hands. “Uncles! Where from have you come? Please visit our homes,” cried all the children. Everyone was attracted by the brothers. Ladies going on the roads were keen to see the beautiful eyes of the two brothers. They scattered flowers in front of them hoping that Rama would look at them. But Rama never looked at women. He went on with his head bowed. This was one of the lessons taught by Rama. True devotion calls for control over the senses (the eyes, the cars, speech, etc.) Because Rama had control over senses, he could win the hand of Seetha (daughter of the Earth). If we wish to control the external world, we have to control our vision. One who has no control over his vision becomes a slave to the world. Such profound lessons can be gathered from the illustrious story of Rama. Divine Discourse 16 April 1997 |
| What are the three evils that the tongue commits? |
| It is the recognition of the sacredness of the qualities of all the senses in man that constitutes real humanness. At the very outset, one has to keep the tongue pure. This was referred to as Samyag vak (purity in speech). The tongue has to be sanctified by refraining from falsehood, slander and abusive speech. Divine Discourse 15 May1997 |
| Why purity in vision is important? |
| Samyag-Dharshanam (seeing only things that are holy). You must see only things which please your conscience. Seeing all worldly things is not proper seeing at all. Buddha laid emphasis on seeing good, thinking good, speaking good and doing good. Seeing all sorts of things is not good for anyone. The eyes should be used for seeing only what is pure, what is holy and what is edifying. Divine Discourse 15 May1997 |
| How to ensure peace in our mind? |
| You should restrict your talk to the barest minimum. When you talk too much, you may stray away from Truth. That is why the ancients practiced “less talk, more work.” Love is the most essential undercurrent of your talk and work. Speaking with love is Sathya and doing work with love is Dharma. It will give you Shanthi. Divine Discourse 18 July 1997 |
| Is it difficult to control the senses? |
| Students and devotees should realise that control of the senses is quite simple. What is necessary is not to encourage negative feelings when they arise, but to adopt positive attitudes. For instance, Buddha confronted the anger of a demon with his love and transformed him. Divine Discourse 7 Sep 1997 |
| What is the importance of sense organs? |
| The first thing man has to learn is the role of Indriyas (sense organs). The sense organs are termed Matras, meaning measuring instruments. For instance, the tongue measures the taste of what it eats. The eyes evaluates the form of what it sees. It will notice that a man with a fat face has a snub nose. The senses recognise the differences among various objects in terms of size, quality, etc. The senses have also another function to discharge. They indicate to man the limits to which sensory objects should be used or enjoyed. As the senses are God-given gifts, abuse of the senses by excesses will not only mean transgressing the divinely ordained limits, but will also lead to many harmful consequences. Hence everyone has to adhere to the appropriate limits prescribed for the use of the senses. For instance, take the case of nostrils. They are to be used for breathing purposes and for smelling objects and discarding foul-smelling objects. The respiratory process conveys a significant spiritual message when air is inhaled and exhaled. The message is contained in the mantra So-ham, which is also known as Hamsa gayathri. So Ham conveys the message of identity between God–“SO” and the individual Aham. This mantra contains the essence of Advaitha (non-dualism). What happens when the nose that is to be used for such sacred purposes is used for raking snuff? It is not merely abuse of the nose, but is the cause of various respiratory diseases. Most ailments are the result of misuse of the sense organs for improper purposes. Divine Discourse 6 Oct 1997 |
| What is the primary function of the tongue? |
| Jayadeva rebuked men for not using the God-given tongue for chanting the sweet and sacred name of the Lord. The tongue should be engaged only in speaking the truth, in speaking sweetly and in consuming what is pleasant and wholesome for the body. Man degrades himself by consuming intoxicating drinks and non-vegetarian food and by indulging in smoking. These noxious habits affect the brain also. Divine Discourse 6 Oct 1997 |
| How important is to use the sense organs in a correct manner? |
| Saint Surdhas lamented on the behaviour of people who would not listen to the hymns of praise of God with their God-given ears or gaze on the beauteous form of the Lord in their God given sight. Persons going on the road should concentrate on the road and not allow their eyes to stray on the wall posters and shop windows. It is necessary that everyone should recognise the proper role of the sense organs and use them properly. Divine Discourse 6 Oct 1997 |