THE MYSTERY AND MAGIC OF THE MIND
On clear, starry nights, I go outside and gaze at the sky. I am always amazed at the vastness of the universe: thousands of stars visible to the naked eye, millions upon millions beyond the limits of our vision, and a sky whose extent is unknown. Along with feelings of enthusiasm and excitement, I am filled with wonder and reverence because this fascinating, beautiful universe is, at the same time, a great unfathomable mystery.When I walk back home and settle down for my last meditation session of the day, I close my eyes and slowly bring my mental chatter under control. As I look deep into my mind I experience another universe, an inner universe extending into eternity. Like the outer universe, it is a mysterious and magical place. It has boundless energy and creativity, manifesting in the unique entity I think of myself.
To observe the outer universe, I step into an open field. To observe the inner universe, I step into a quiet place within myself. From that quiet place, I observe the busy and noisy activities of the mind. At times I am startled by its speed. The memories, imaginations, fantasies, and thoughts all compete among themselves to take center stage.
I think all the time. Even when I am sleeping, my mind is either dreaming or acting as a "security guard," waiting to wake me if necessary. Yet this very mind that I think with all the time remains a great mystery to me.
A teacher of mine used to say that there is a saint and a criminal within each person. For some, the mind is a sanctuary; for others, it is a dark and painful prison. Both are potential states of mind driven by many forces that are hard to understand. Forming our thoughts and molding our personalities, the mind dominates our lives.
Text by Bhante Y. Wimala
The mind as a whole is something that's truly unimaginable - not the word, because the word is not the thing, and the description is not the described, yet the mind cannot ever think on its own without the soul. Almost every instance, we let our minds set invisible boundaries, limiting our beings. A quiet/still mind is indeed golden, and it makes us see everything extraordinary - ordinary... and I find that so beautiful.
--
The song playing got me thinking about the above particular entry, posted back in mid-2006. Were you here? It's funny how sometimes a particular thing will trigger a thought, a thought to a story, a story to a person, a person to a memory... Seems like it always comes back full circle. Yet aren't we in the middle of it all?
How are you these days? I hope everyone is doing well. Recently I know a friend who lost his mother, and a friend who just had her first baby girl! Quite a few birthdays this June/July and a couple of death anniversaries, too. Life is full of ups and downs, along with many 'pop quizzes' here and there... sometimes I wonder how we comprehend! Just today Dr. Urspo talked about Happiness. In the pursuit of happiness, one will never 'get' there cuz it's already here! woohoo! Everything seems to be influenced by the people around us, our upbringing, our surrounding, our faith and beliefs... yet ultimately I believe it stems from our very own thoughts within our mind and soul... Every thing being interconnected.
Or maybe I should just ask Michael to write me a prescription!
--
Currently listening:
Nuno Malo - Star Crossing
Comments (8)
For some, the mind is sanctuary; for others, it is a dark and painful prison. I always wonder how much we should have control and how much we simply surrender.
A beautiful post.
Posted by Steven H | July 15, 2008 8:10 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 20:10
Thank you for this...
Posted by johnmichael | July 15, 2008 9:36 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 09:36
The mind is indeed wondrous, if we recognise it for what it is :) Some say that our 'thinking part' has become so confused that it actually thinks it's in charge of everything. We're reminded that the mind is actually the servant, not the master.
But who is the mind the servant to?
Why, to you of course!
The mind can be a great friend to us if we're able to stop identifying with it as much as we have done.
You just have to remember who you really are. ;)
Posted by Alkam | July 14, 2008 12:53 AM
Posted on July 14, 2008 00:53
"In the pursuit of happiness, one will never 'get' there cuz it's already here!"
Thanks, it's nice to be reminded of that!
Posted by sandy | July 12, 2008 6:09 PM
Posted on July 12, 2008 18:09
that was lovely thank you
I believe more and more in the interconnection of people and things.
Posted by Urspo | July 11, 2008 9:24 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 21:24
Love this passage and this entry. It is particularly potent to me because I am in the process of writing a personal essay for a program I am applying to and this is essentially the central theme.
As always I love reading your words and the words of others that you choose to share...so calm, so reassuring and so lovely. Thank you.
Posted by Doghigh | July 10, 2008 9:52 AM
Posted on July 10, 2008 09:52
i thought you'd pick up on orange appled
;0)
Posted by pod | July 9, 2008 1:57 AM
Posted on July 9, 2008 01:57
A beautiful and deep observation, Robert! As they say, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. I couldn't help but note the music by Nuno Malo that was playing as I read the post. Very relaxing and appropriate for this entry.
Posted by Steven | July 8, 2008 8:19 PM
Posted on July 8, 2008 20:19