WAVES

Waves and vibrations are the products of Energy.  Half the potent energy is lost before it manifests in some form or the other. The dynamic aspect of Energy is seen in all that is, that exist, and that shall be. The Potent aspect is called brahmn. It (the brahmn) is dynamic but silent initially; the manifest forms of brahman appear in subtle-most, subtlest, subtle, and gross forms. We see only the gross forms, but fail to visualize the subtlest forms such as the waves and vibrations and the energy behind these. The core of all the gross substances is, however, the brahmn.

   The subtlest form of manifest brahman is the akasha, the manas (Mind), the 'cit' (Consciousness), jnyan (Knowledge) and the prana (Vital Force), thought-forces (chittavrutti), desire (sankalpa), etc ; all these are different forms of Energy, the dynamic aspect of brahmn. Each one of these is a powerful 'Force', Sakti. The epics or the puranas eulogize these as Gods with different names. Indra is said to be the Chief of all Gods, Devendra, the deity of Mind (mano-devata).

   Mind travels faster than Light. In fact, manas, the Mind, is the fastest, the most powerful force, that manifests from akasha (Space), next only to Life-Force, Prana. It can shift instantly from point to point, however farther apart, with no loss of time. A thousand thoughts may gush through mind and disappear soon. The turbulence, the force with which thoughts occur and disseminate is astounding! Man is the product of this turbulent Mind. No person can sit peacefully without silencing this Mind!

   The ancient sages have thus come to a conclusion that, there is no point in going against the powerful Mind; at best one can just sit quiet and watch its behavior. This is called 'Meditation'. There are a number of techniques in Meditation, almost Sixty Thousands of them! Some of these are as simple as looking at the sky and watching a bird fly, or watch the blooming flower, and some are almost impossible to practice by ordinary persons. For example, Gayatri japa with pranayama or chakra-dhyana are advocated for serious students of yoga. The retention period (kumbhaka) of vital airs within the lungs increases progressively with japa. Longer one can hold breath within, longer is his longevity. When a person gets control over the Mind through breathing, he becomes a yogi capable of controlling everything! 

  According to Yogic Thought, Mind is of five states: 1. kshiptah manah; 2. mudha; 3. vikshipta; 4. ekagrata; 5. niruddha.

  The kshiptah manas is fragmented, scattered and distracted. It is restless and as such, jumps from one to another, thoughts, objects, interests , or whatever!

  A mudha manah is dull, forgetful, and lethargic.

  The vikshipta manah is sometimes cool, gathering, occasionally steady, and at other times distracted. It is a herculean task to bring the vicarious and vibrant mind to a steady state and focus it on the desired objective. 

  The ekagrata or focused mind is possible only for a disciplined person, trained in yoga, meditation. Success and happiness is assured to one who can focus mind with full awareness, conscious awareness.

   The so called niruddha state is a fully controlled state of mind.

 Restlessness and tossing is the great obstruction to concentration. Thoughts flood in and hundreds of alternates gush in, undisciplined and there can be no progress unless the mind is silenced, stilled. the thought waves have to be streamlined, and even the assorted thoughts are to be cleansed and sorted out. Emotion also plays a dominant role here due to ignorance, avidya of the jiva.

  Mental energy should not be dissipated through vague thoughts, words, fears, emotions, daydreams, and imaginations. It is advisable to give some attractive propositions to the mind and get it engaged in it, such as chants of Lord's name. The techniques suggested for this purpose are: concentration on anything pleasing, focus the eyes on the tip of the nose, or between the eye-brows, or on blank space, heart-chakra (anahata) and mantra-japa.

  Finally, immense joy ensues with a strong cool pure mind. Meditation makes mind strong and brings patience, cheerfulness, and right inquiry and wisdom.

Swamy Shivananda of Shivananda Ashrama of Hrishikesh gives a detailed account on Mind.