Mysteries Of Mind

"The Mysteries of Mind" by Yuvacarya Mahapragna, translated by K.L. Goswami and published by Today & Tomorrow's Printers and Publishers in 1982, is a profound exploration of the human mind and consciousness from a Jain perspective, deeply rooted in the principles of Prekṣā Meditation. The book is structured into twelve lectures, each delving into different facets of mental training, energy development, and spiritual growth.

The core philosophy presented is that true happiness, health, and spiritual fulfillment stem from within, not from external pursuits. Mahapragna emphasizes that the mind, often our master, can be transformed into a servant through self-awareness, discipline, and specific meditative practices.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of Consciousness: The book posits that consciousness is not a singular entity but a journey from gross to subtle, starting with the physical body and breath, moving through the mind, vital energy (prāṇa), aura, and finally to the subtle realm of the soul (ātman). The path involves purifying and refining consciousness.
• Prekṣā Meditation: This forms the central practice discussed. It's described as a method of "perceptive meditation," focusing on direct observation and experience rather than mere intellectual understanding or argumentation. Key exercises include breath perception, body perception, and Kāyotsarga (abandonment of the body).
• Energy (Prāṇa) and its Flow: The book details how vital energy, particularly its upward flow, is crucial for spiritual development. Suppressed or downward-flowing energy, often linked to the sex center, is seen as a source of lower impulses and negative states (like Kṛṣṇa, Nīla, and Kāpota leśyās). Directing this energy upwards, through practices like specific yogic postures and breath control, is essential for spiritual ascent.
• Mental Training and Discipline: The text highlights the importance of controlling the mind's restlessness, attachments, and aversions. Principles like Bhāvakriyā (mindful action), self-discipline, renunciation (pratyākhyāna), and the cultivation of equanimity (Sāmāyika) are presented as vital for mental health and spiritual progress.
• Overcoming Duality and Tensions: A significant portion of the book addresses how to overcome the inherent dualities of life (pleasure/pain, gain/loss, etc.) and the mental tensions and emotional disturbances they cause. The practice of equanimity and mindful observation of thoughts and feelings without indulgence is key to achieving mental balance and relief.
• The Role of Knowledge and Discernment: Discernment (Viveka) is presented as the first step towards enlightenment, allowing one to distinguish between the real and the unreal, the beneficial and the harmful. This leads to self-discipline, freedom from passions, and ultimately, right vision (Samyak Darśana).
• The Unconscious and Karma: The text touches upon the influence of the unconscious mind and the concept of karma, suggesting that suppressed desires and past actions stored in the subtle body (karma śarīra) shape our present experiences. Understanding and purifying these subtle influences are central to spiritual growth.
• Transformation of Personality: The ultimate goal is the transformation of personality, moving from a reactive, externally focused existence to a conscious, internally centered one. This involves purifying the mind, developing spiritual strength, and ultimately realizing the true self.
• Friendliness and Universality: A consistent theme is the cultivation of friendliness towards all beings, stemming from the recognition of a shared spiritual essence. This expansive attitude is seen as a consequence of true self-knowledge and spiritual development.
• The Search for Truth: The book encourages a personal, scientific-like investigation into truth, emphasizing that direct experience (Pratyakṣa) is paramount, superseding mere logical reasoning or scriptural authority. The human body itself is presented as the ultimate laboratory for this self-exploration.

The lectures systematically guide the reader through understanding the mind's complexities, harnessing internal energy, overcoming limitations, and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment, all within the framework of Jain philosophy and the practical application of Prekṣā Meditation.