MIND MYSTERIES & CONTROL - 11. THOUGHT WAVES - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries & Control

THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 11. THOUGHT WAVES - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries & Control - HQ Full Book.

In Chapter 11 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, titled Thought Waves, Sri Swami Sivananda delves into the nature, function, and transformative potential of thought waves in the human mind. This chapter is crucial for anyone interested in understanding the role of mental activity in spiritual evolution and the attainment of inner peace.

Nature and Function of Thought Waves
Thought waves, according to Sivananda, are the mental modifications or movements within the mind, originating from the subconscious. These waves, like whirlpools in a river, represent the shifting currents of the mind. They arise from ignorance and are perpetuated by the distractions and attachments of worldly life. In a state of ignorance, the mind churns with these waves, obscuring one's perception of the true nature of reality. Sivananda asserts that the destruction of ignorance through knowledge is the key to dissolving these thought waves. As the mind gains wisdom, it becomes less reactive to the incessant waves of thought, allowing it to merge into Brahman—the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. This process of absorption, akin to water evaporating and being absorbed by a heated pan, illustrates the return of individual consciousness to its source. 

The Role of Thought Waves in Spiritual Evolution
Thought waves play a pivotal role in the evolution of human consciousness. Sivananda explains that their function is not merely to cloud or obscure reality but to guide an individual toward spiritual awakening. These waves are both a symptom and a catalyst of one's journey toward liberation (Moksha). The process begins with the removal of the "veil of ignorance" that covers one's understanding of objects and their true nature. When ignorance is dispelled, a clearer, more profound perception of the world emerges. In the spiritual context, the evolution through thought waves involves the opening of the Kundalini energy, which is symbolized by the awakening of the third eye chakra. As the aspirant moves through this transformation, the energy ascends toward the crown chakra, where it connects with the infinite consciousness of Brahman. Sivananda sees this as one of the paths to ultimate liberation, where the individual self merges with the universal self. 

Subconscious Mind and Mental Modifications
The subconscious mind is central to the formation of thought waves. Sivananda refers to the subconscious as "mind stuff" or mental substance, from which all thoughts emerge. Thought waves are modifications of this mental substance. The analogy he provides is that of waves arising from the ocean's surface, akin to mental waves arising from the subconscious. Just as the sun’s rays emanate outward, mental waves also emanate from the "mind-sun," which is the core of human consciousness. These thought waves are not arbitrary; they carry purpose. They are meant to lead the mind toward higher states of awareness. Through concentration and spiritual practice, one can merge these waves back into the eternal peace of Brahman, just as the sun’s rays return to the horizon at sunset. This symbolizes the return of individual consciousness to its infinite source. 

Thought Waves and the Destruction of Ignorance
One of the primary functions of thought waves is to destroy the veil of ignorance. Ignorance is the root cause of all mental bondage, and when the veil is removed, true perception can take place. Sivananda compares this process to walking through a crowd: you may not notice everyone in front of you because the veil of ignorance obscures your ability to perceive them fully. Once ignorance is destroyed, perception becomes clearer, and one sees things as they truly are. The destruction of ignorance is a...