Chale Man Ke Par

"Chale Man Ke Paar" (Let's Go Beyond the Mind) by Mahopadhyay Shri Chandraprabh Sagar, published by Shri Jityasha Shree Foundation, Calcutta in 1993, is a profound exploration of the human mind and the spiritual journey beyond it. The book, a collection of thirty essays, delves deeply into the nature of the mind, its fluctuations, and the path to liberation through meditation and self-awareness.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of the Mind: The book begins by describing the mind as restless and elusive, comparing it to a runaway horse or a sieve that lets precious moments of life drain away without purpose. It emphasizes that the mind is a creation of physical and mental processes, not an inherent, independent entity.
• Moving Beyond the Mind: The core message of the book is to transcend the limitations of the mind. This is achieved through "going beyond the mind," a journey that requires understanding the mind's workings, its attachments, and its constant pursuit of external stimuli and gratifications.
• The Power of Meditation: Meditation is presented as the primary tool for gaining mastery over the mind. It's not just about sitting in a specific posture but about bringing the scattered energy of the mind to a single point, leading to a state of liberation. The author details various aspects of meditation, including breath control, concentration, and the awareness of thoughts without attachment.
• Understanding Inner States: The text explores the distinction between the mind (man) and the inner consciousness or "chitta." While the mind deals with external experiences and future projections, the chitta holds past impressions and memories. Deepening concentration in meditation helps reveal these inner states, which can lead to insights into past lives or future possibilities.
• The Path to Liberation: The book outlines a comprehensive path towards spiritual realization, involving the purification of the mind (man) and the consciousness (chitta). This includes understanding the interplay of senses, the role of thoughts and desires, and the significance of willpower and detachment.
• Discernment and Self-Awareness: A crucial aspect of the journey is developing the ability to discriminate between the real and the unreal, the self and the non-self. This involves observing thoughts and emotions without judgment and recognizing the true nature of the self, which is beyond the transient states of the mind.
• The Role of Desire and Attachment: The text highlights how desires and attachments to external objects, people, and even ideas keep the mind bound. By understanding their nature and practicing detachment, one can move towards inner freedom.
• The Significance of Present Moment: The book stresses the importance of living in the present moment, as the past is gone and the future is yet to come. By focusing on the "now," one can overcome the distractions of the mind and tap into the source of true peace and energy.
• Inner Transformation: The essays emphasize that true spiritual progress comes from inner transformation, not just external rituals or practices. This inner journey involves self-inquiry, self-realization, and the cultivation of virtues like equanimity, peace, and self-control.
• The "Diamond Sutras": The author's insights are described as "diamond sutras" rather than "golden sutras," implying that while they might seem unconventional, they hold the profound truth and brilliance of diamonds, meant for those who can truly appreciate them.

Structure and Style:

The book is structured as a collection of essays, each exploring a different facet of the mind and its transcendence. The author's style is described as profound, drawing from a deep understanding of meditation and spiritual practices, and integrating insights from various spiritual traditions, including Patanjali, Buddha, Mahavira, Sri Aurobindo, and Osho. The language is rich and metaphorical, encouraging readers to delve into their inner world.

Overall Message:

"Chale Man Ke Paar" is a guide for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of their own mind and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual liberation. It offers a practical and insightful roadmap to attain peace, clarity, and ultimate freedom by moving beyond the limitations of the conditioned mind. The book encourages readers to see their inner world as a vast ocean to be explored and to find the true self residing beyond the mental sea.