The driving spirit of mind-detoxification process is to root out all such thought-seeds that disorient our thought process. Remember, as the seed gets a congenial ground, it will breed out into a plant. If, however, the seed is fried, it loses its productive ability. Similarly, the thought seeds parked at deeper layers of mind are invoked and then resolved through fresh educative inputs, where after they won’t chase you anymore. It is, however, difficult to remain oblivious to the thoughts visiting your mind space again and again. To remain disengaged, give a self suggestion to the mind — say ‘neti-neti’. The word neti means ‘not this’. It’s a way to push away thoughts that are no longer relevant. It is important to note that mind-detoxification process does not call for developing concentration. In fact, distraction is a necessary part of the process. More you distract, faster the mind becomes unburdened.
A case in point is that of two medical graduates, who earned their medical degree from a foreign university. They had earlier failed to clear off qualifying examination to find entry into a medical college in India. But they were bent upon becoming a doctor. So, they paid capitation fee to join a medical school abroad. Having earned their medical degree, they had to clear a qualifying examination to earn license to serve as a doctor here in India. They made three attempts, but in vain. Now, the only choice left before them was to either to move to the country where from they had graduated or shift to other vocation for their living.
In a state of desperation, they came seeking guidance. Going through their history, I realised that having failed to join a medical school in India, they carried an anticipated sense of failure and insecurity. Consequently, they could not absorb what they read, or recall what had had learnt during examination. To get over their sense of insecurity, as a remedial measure, they were advised to pursue Mind-Detoxification process before they sat for studies every day. The intent was to drive away all distracting thoughts from their consciousness. Consequently, they could focus on their studies for much longer than before.
In the process, their sense of fear, insecurity, and frustration, too, was cleared out of their consciousness. So, they could absorb the study material better. No wonder, a month and half thereafter, they did not only qualify but scored high marks. The stage is now set to move on to the next course — Contextual Meditation.
Contextual Meditation: Contextual Meditation is primarily intended to redefine the thought process through self-reflection on fresh educative inputs and give it a meaningful turn. In fact, it is time tested tool to empower oneself better. The process is named as such because the seeker is supposed to focus attention either on some concept or iconic figure carrying valued educative import. The iconic figure has to be individual-specific depending on what particular virtue would be wanting, calling for its augmentation. It is pursued in self-reflective mode. Purposely so as to absorb and imbibe the specific virtue identified with the iconic figure through continued self-reflection. Over a period of time, as the concept gets absorbed in the inner realms of mind, it eventually begins to spontaneously reflect in one’s usual conduct.
Some of the iconic figures suggested may apparently look like religious symbols. The intent, however, is not to promote any religious belief. It rather serves a twofold purpose. First, it serves as a focal point for mind to dwell upon. Second, it helps induce particular value system through repeated self-reflection on the educative import that the symbol carries. Those averse to the idea could improvise a symbol suited to their belief or perception.
The fact that the imageries in use carry valuable educative import, in the Indian tradition, each one of them has been accorded the status of a deity to make it worth reverence. The purpose is to draw people’s attention to the inlaid import, bring it into one’s cognitive domain, reflect upon repeatedly, and absorb it in the inner realms of mind. Following which, it may spontaneously find reflection in one’s usual conduct. Remember, in prayer mode, you may progress faster as you get emotionally involved with the iconic figure, following which you pursue the process with a sense of love and belongingness.
The writer is an astrologer, vastu consultant and spiritual counsellor. Connect with him at Tel: 91-11-9818037273/9871037272 Email: bharatbhushanpadmadeo@gmail.com
