A knife can be a very useful instrument yet it can also be very destructive. With a knife we can stab someone or we can cut up fruits and share them with others. So it is with the mind. The mind is not bad as such but we often misuse the mind and suffer in various ways as a result. As with a knife, we can choose to use the mind in a positive way or let an ill disciplined mind direct our actions in a negative sense – it is up to us! It may take a little practice to discipline the mind, but in the long term, the rewards are well worth the effort. Eventually, the mind can and will become an instrument of the aspiring heart and pure soul.

For this weeks exercise, Sri Chinmoy offers some simple techniques for utilising the mind in a positive way through the repetition of words as mantras. Sri Chinmoy often used the word Supreme as a representation of God or the highest divine reality.

You can meditate and tell your mind, “I shall not allow you to go in your own way. Now I want to think of God.” Repeat the name of God inwardly or aloud. The next moment say. “I want to have purity in my whole existence.” Then repeat ‘purity, purity, purity.’ At that time you are not allowing your mind to think of impurity or of some other person or thing. Don’t give your mind a chance to wander: simply utilise your mind for your own purpose. You have millions of things to accomplish in and through the mind. But the mind is so naughty and mischievous that if you don’t utilise it, it will utilise you. (Source)

The other way is this: when a thought comes that is not pure, good or divine, immediately repeat the word “Supreme” very fast. The Supreme is my Guru, your Guru, everybody’s Guru. All those who have accepted our path must know that the Supreme is the real Guru. So repeat “Supreme” very fast, and each time you use the word “Supreme,” please feel that you are creating a snake that will coil around the undivine thought and strangle it. If jealousy comes, say “Supreme” very fast, and you will see that around the jealous thought is a coil which will strangle the jealousy. Both ways are very effective. You can use whichever way satisfies you most.

Unless we daily and faithfully
Purify the mind,
We will be forced to live
Inside the thick jungle
Of ignorance-night.
– Sri Chinmoy