Kaise Kare Is Man Ko Kabu

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kaise Kare Is Man Ko Kabu" (How to Control This Mind) by Amarmuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kaise Kare Is Man Ko Kabu (How to Control This Mind) Author: Amarmuni Publisher: Guru Amar Jain Prakashan Samiti

Overall Theme: The book, a compilation of discourses by Param Pujya Pravartak Shri Amarmuni Ji Maharaj, addresses the central spiritual and psychological challenge of controlling the restless mind. It emphasizes that the mind is the root of both bondage and liberation, and mastering it is the key to spiritual progress and true victory.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• The Mind as a Dual-Natured Entity:

  • The mind is described as a powerful, "wicked horse" that can either lead one towards destruction (through desires and passions) or towards liberation (when directed towards spiritual devotion and understanding).
  • It is also likened to a "chameleon" that takes on the color of whatever it is exposed to. If immersed in worldly desires, it leads to bondage; if immersed in spiritual worship, it leads to liberation.
  • The mind is the cause of both bondage and freedom, depending on whether it is attached to sensory pleasures or detached from them.

• The Mind as the Center of Sadhana (Spiritual Practice):

  • All spiritual practices are ultimately aimed at controlling the mind. If the mind is unstable, any amount of ritual or prayer is futile.
  • "Man ke jeete jeet hai, man ke haare haar" (Victory is in conquering the mind; defeat is in being defeated by it). He who conquers his mind conquers the world.
  • The mind is seen as the single key to unlocking the doors of good and closing the doors of evil.

• The Mind as a Medium:

  • The mind acts as a medium between the soul (Atma) and the senses (Indriyas). The soul is the master, the mind is the manager, and the senses are the servants. If the soul is vigilant, it can guide the mind away from harm and towards good.

• The Nature of the Mind:

  • The mind is compared to water, which has no inherent color or form but takes on the color and shape of whatever it is mixed with or contained in. It can be made good or bad.
  • It is also described as being incredibly fast, even faster than light and electricity, capable of traveling anywhere instantly. This is illustrated with the example of the mind being in a satsang while simultaneously being at the shop or in America.

• The Power of the Mind (and the Need for Control):

  • The text highlights that while the body ages, the mind does not. It is the uncontrolled desires and passions of the mind that keep us bound. Those who can "kill" their minds (i.e., control their desires and passions) achieve immortality, like great saints and spiritual leaders.
  • The mind is considered the "main switch," not the senses, for yielding to temptations. Weakness of mind, not external temptations like Menaka for Vishwamitra, is the cause of downfall.
  • The mind is identified as one of the ten restless things in the world, and perhaps the most restless.

• Methods for Controlling the Mind:

  • Abhyas (Practice) and Vairagya (Detachment): Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, the book emphasizes that the mind can be controlled through persistent practice and detachment from worldly desires.
  • Satsang and Swadhyay (Good Company and Self-Study): Engaging in spiritual discourses and reading sacred texts fosters detachment.
  • Firm Resolve (Sankalp Bal): A strong will and determination are crucial. The text urges readers to abandon cowardice and embrace courage.
  • Surrendering to the Guru: To become the "king" of the mind, one must first become a "slave" to a true Guru and surrender to their teachings.
  • Humility ("Man ko Nam Kar Dein"): Like a seed that destroys its own identity in the soil to grow, one must become humble and surrender to the Guru.
  • Spiritual Practice ("Sadhana"): Patience is key. Just as a gardener waters plants consistently before they bear fruit, consistent spiritual practice is necessary.
  • Inner Transformation vs. External Appearance: Simply changing one's attire (like becoming a monk) is not enough; one must change their habits and color their mind with devotion.
  • Conquering the Self is the Ultimate Victory: Military conquests are insignificant compared to the victory of conquering one's own mind and senses. Alexander the Great, who conquered the world, ultimately lost to himself. Mahatma Gandhi's success lay in conquering the minds of people.
  • Psychological Techniques:
    • Swas Preksha (Mindful Breathing): Focusing on the breath is presented as a highly effective method for calming the mind, controlling emotions like anger, and fostering concentration. It also offers physical and mental health benefits.
    • Self-Guidance: Giving oneself positive affirmations and suggestions during meditation can strengthen willpower and resolve.
    • Omkar Chanting: Chanting "Om" with closed ears (similar to Bhramari Pranayama) can also aid concentration.
    • Studying Sacred Texts: Regular study of scriptures provides knowledge, helps understand the impermanence of worldly pleasures, and inspires spiritual practice.

• The Role of the Guru:

  • Gurus can guide and show the path, but the actual journey and effort must be made by the disciple.
  • A Guru's grace is ineffective if the disciple's mind is not open or receptive, like a pot placed upside down.
  • The true essence of a Guru's teaching is often missed by disciples who only focus on literal interpretations or ignore the underlying principles (as shown in the example of the Sikh devotee).

• The Mind as a Tool, Soul as the Supreme Power:

  • The mind is a tool that can be used for good or bad. Ultimately, the soul is the supreme power. The mind gains its ability to "think" from the energy of the soul.
  • Just as stairs can lead up or down, the mind's direction depends on our choices. The soul's wisdom and discernment are crucial.

Overall Message: The book is a practical guide for spiritual seekers, emphasizing that the mind is the primary obstacle and the ultimate tool for spiritual liberation. It encourages consistent practice, detachment, reliance on a Guru's teachings, and the development of a strong will to conquer the mind and achieve true victory and inner peace. The language is kept simple and relatable, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to the common reader.