Managing the mind involves guiding it with intelligence. The mind generates ideas and desires, while intelligence evaluates and decides which to pursue. Above both is the soul, the ultimate observer of the mind-body complex. Often, ignorance of our spiritual nature leads us to let the mind dictate our lives or dulls our intelligence, resulting in poor decision-making. You do this by understanding the difference between the two. Essentially, the mind conjures up ideas and desires, and the intelligence analyzes and decides whether to accept or reject these concepts. Above the intelligence, however, is the soul—the ultimate controller of the body/mind complex, the “witness,” if you will. Unfortunately, due to ignorance of our higher spiritual nature, as a “witness” to these psychological affairs, we either allow the whimsical mind to dictate the direction of our lives or we fail to keep our intelligence alert and thus lose all sense of discrimination.
While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion, bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool. (Bhagavad-Gita 2.63-63)
Karma, the reactions to our actions, plays a crucial role in shaping our potential. Like the biblical saying, “As you sow, so shall you reap,” karma ensures balance in the universe. Our actions, whether good or bad, eventually return to us, influencing our life circumstances, including our physical body and environment. Simply put, karma means work, or rather, the reactions to the work you have performed. The bible states: As you sow, so shall you reap. The universe functions on a delicate balance of give and take, striving for equilibrium. This principle applies to karma, where actions lead to corresponding reactions. By understanding this balance, you can align your actions with positive outcomes, ensuring that the energy you put into the world returns to you favorably. Everything in the universe is seeking balance, or the most natural state of being. It is the same with our karma. As a universal law, karma is always seeking a fair balance of good and evil. If you act in such a way to cause suffering to another, in time, that same suffering will reflect back to you. Not necessarily in this life, but eventually it will catch you. Much the same as an old parking ticket may follow you from state to state until you pay it off.
Although our potential is unlimited, it is affected by the state of our mind and the nature of our karma, which subsequently determines the type of physical body we get, the place we will be born, and the people we will come into contact with.
Today’s decisions are the building blocks of your future. Your current situation is a result of past choices and actions. By taking responsibility for your present, you can shape a better future. The Bhagavad-Gita reminds us that our choices influence the senses and experiences we encounter, emphasizing the importance of mindful decision-making.. What you are today is an accumulation of all the decisions and actions you have made in the past. You are entirely responsible for your present situation.
The Bhagavad-Gita warns us:
The living entity, thus taking another gross body, obtains a certain type of ear, eye, tongue, nose and sense of touch, which are grouped about the mind. He thus enjoys a particular set of sense objects. (15.9)
“No, it is not my fault,” you cry. But yes it is, for karma follows us throughout our spiritual evolution and not just in this one lifetime. What is happening today may just as likely be a result of something we did in a past life. The good news is that you do not have to be locked into a karmic downward spiral. Once you grasp the lessons from your karma, you can break free from repetitive cycles. This understanding allows you to transcend past actions and create new patterns that lead to growth and fulfillment. Embracing this change empowers you to shape your destiny consciously.
As the soul and witness of your life, you hold the power to initiate positive change. This transformation must start immediately, as life is a series of present moments. The past is gone, and the future is uncertain, but the present is where you can harness the cosmic power within you to live the life you desire. Change has to begin now. Not tomorrow, but now! You have to focus all your attention on what is happening around you now, because life really is just a string of “now” moments. The past is gone forever and only remains as fragmented pictures in our mind. And the “future” is always in a state of elusiveness—you can never touch it. All that really matters is now. Just as the micro is equal to the macro, or the ocean drop equal to the quality of the entire ocean, the full power of the cosmic creation is within you. Draw on that source power and start living life the way you want to NOW.
Source: The 5 Noble Truths – by Paul Rodney Turner.
FAQ
Q: What is the relationship between the mind and intelligence?
A: The mind generates ideas and desires, while intelligence evaluates and decides which to pursue. The soul, as the ultimate observer, guides these processes.
Q: How does karma influence our lives?
A: Karma, the reactions to our actions, shapes our life circumstances, including our physical body and environment, by ensuring balance in the universe.
Q: Why is it important to make conscious decisions?
A: Conscious decisions are the building blocks of your future. By taking responsibility for your present choices, you can shape a better future.
Q: How can I initiate positive change in my life?
A: As the soul and witness of your life, you have the power to initiate change by focusing on the present moment and harnessing the cosmic power within you.
Q: What does the universe’s balance of give and take mean?
A: The universe functions on a balance of give and take, where actions lead to corresponding reactions, ensuring equilibrium in life.
Q: How can I break free from negative karmic cycles?
A: By understanding and learning from your karmic lessons, you can break free from repetitive cycles and create new patterns for growth.
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