‘Mind’ is a tool of Consciousness and depends for its existence on our experiences. Experiences are registered by Consciousness. Without Consciousness we have no experiences. Mind forms thoughts and without them, mind cannot exist. Therefore we can say that mind and thoughts are the same since one without the other cannot function. Mind can only be controlled by Akal Purkh’s Grace blessed on the individual who has progressed in spirituality by understanding and reflecting on the Sabd/Word, and has dispelled spiritual ignorance;
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਪਾਸਾਰਾ ॥ਗੁਰ ਸਾਖੀ ਮਿਟਿਆ ਅੰਧਿਆਰਾ ॥
Antar Jot Pargat Paasaaraa, Gur Saakhee Miti-aa AnDhi-aaraa.
Deep within the self is the Light of God. It radiates throughout the expanse of Akal Purkh’s creation. Through the Guru's Teachings, the darkness of spiritual ignorance is dispelled. -----Guru Amardas, Raag Majh, AGGS, Page, 126-10
Many thanks, ji
What I understand from your essay is that mind is and creates our sense of reality. It must be brought under control, but this happens only when we open ourselves to the Guru's teachings and His glance of Grace.
ਮ ੩ ॥
ma 3 ||
Third Mehl:
ਮਨੁ ਕੁੰਚਰੁ ਪੀਲਕੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਕੁੰਡਾ ਜਹ ਖਿੰਚੇ ਤਹ ਜਾਇ ॥
man kunchar peelak guroo giaan kunddaa jeh khinchae theh jaae ||
The mind is the elephant, the Guru is the elephant-driver, and knowledge is the whip. Wherever the Guru drives the mind, it goes.
ਨਾਨਕ ਹਸਤੀ ਕੁੰਡੇ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਉਝੜਿ ਪਾਇ ॥੨॥
naanak hasathee kunddae baaharaa fir fir oujharr paae ||2||
O Nanak, without the whip, the elephant wanders into the wilderness, again and again. ||2||
