In simple and understandable words, the mind can be explained as follows: when the soul dives toward worldly entanglements, it is called the mind; and when the mind rises high and takes flight toward the spiritual sphere, it is elevated and recognized as the soul.
In common language, the mind is that energy through which a person experiences worldly vices and weaknesses, joys and sorrows, desires and aspirations. This invisible yet powerful force is the most subtle part of a human being. It is also regarded as the image of the Almighty God. This is its highest state, yet it fails to realize its own importance.
In Gurbani, there is a detailed description of the nature of the mind, its qualities, shortcomings, and activities. Gurbani teaches that the mind is a part of the Divine Light; however, being fascinated by worldly glamour and illusion, it has become incapable of recognizing its true self. Because of its restlessness, some describe it as volatile, unstable, and quicksilver-like. Others call it impatient, wandering, irregular, and unsteady, while some say that the mind is “stained by the darkness of worldly impurities.” For all these reasons, it has drifted far away from its original purpose and goodness.
ਮਨਿ ਮੈਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਮੈਲਾ ਤਨਿ ਧੋਤੈ ਮਨੁ ਹਛਾ ਨ ਹੋਇ॥
ਇਹ ਜਗਤੁ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਬੂਝੈ ਕੋਇ॥
ਅੰਗ-558
With the mind impure, all actions become impure;
merely cleansing the body does not purify the mind.
The world has gone astray in illusion;
rare is the person who realizes this.
Pg. 558
In order to follow its true and pure path, the mind must first abandon its five evil companions, for a pure and refined substance can only be kept in a clean and refined vessel.
ਪੰਚ ਬਿਕਾਰ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਬਸੇ ਰਾਚੇ ਮਾਇਆ ਸੰਗਿ॥
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਰਮਲਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ॥
ਅੰਗ-297
In the mind of one engrossed in Maya,
the five evils reside.
Says Nanak: immersed in the Lord’s Love,
one becomes pure in the company of the holy.
Pg. 297
The mind, in cooperation with the senses, makes a person swim in the ocean of vices, where new temptations are acquired and enjoyed every day. Thus, the mind continues wandering endlessly in search of worldly pleasures. Observing this restless nature of the mind, Gurbani declares that conquering the mind is equal to conquering the entire world.
ਆਈ ਪੰਥੀ ਸਗਲ ਜਮਾਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥
ਅੰਗ-6
Let all mankind be thy sect;
by conquering thyself, thou shalt conquer the world.
Pg. 6
It is absolutely essential to control the mind if one wishes to attain union with God. The mind can be brought under control through the praise and remembrance of God, or through the grace of the Guru. Without controlling the mind, no success can be achieved in the spiritual realm, for an imperfect, restless, polluted, and temptation-driven mind cannot comprehend the Perfect Lord, nor can it truly devote itself to divine worship.
ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਬੋਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ॥
ਮਨ ਮਾਰੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਈ॥
ਅੰਗ-329
Everyone speaks under the impulse of the mind;
without conquering the ego-mind, devotion is not possible.
Pg. 329
Saroop Singh Alag
