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 gradual process, requiring discipline and self-awareness. By concentrating on the nature of thought waves and their origins, one can begin to dismantle the layers of misconception that cloud the mind. Through this process, the aspirant gradually ascends to a state of self-realization, where true wisdom dawns. 

Object-Shaped vs. God-Shaped Thought Waves
Sivananda distinguishes between two types of thought waves: Object-Shaped Thought Waves and God-Shaped Thought Waves. Object-Shaped Thought Waves are those that arise when the mind dwells on material objects. These thoughts are often associated with desire, attachment, and restlessness. They bind the mind to the external world, creating distractions that pull the individual away from the pursuit of spiritual goals. On the other hand, God-Shaped Thought Waves are those that arise when the mind focuses on Brahman, the infinite, or the divine. These waves are associated with purity, tranquility, and spiritual growth. A spiritual aspirant is encouraged to cultivate God-Shaped Thought Waves, as they help to purify the mind and lead to higher states of consciousness. The struggle, however, is in the transition from object-based thoughts to divine thoughts. The mind often defaults to its familiar patterns of attachment, drawing the aspirant away from higher consciousness. Sivananda emphasizes that this struggle is an essential part of the spiritual path, and the aspirant must remain vigilant, always redirecting the mind toward the divine. 

The Five Kinds of Thought Waves
Sivananda categorizes thought waves into five distinct kinds, each corresponding to different levels of mental functioning. These are:

1. Lower Mind Thought Wave: These waves arise from the instinctive, worldly mind, which is bound by sensory desires and attachments.
2. Intellect Thought Wave: These waves belong to the intellectual mind, which discriminates and reasons.
3. Witness Thought Wave: This represents the ability to witness or observe the mental modifications without identifying with them.
4. Infinite-Self Thought Wave: This wave represents the realization of the infinite self, where the aspirant identifies with the ultimate reality.
5. One Unified Essence Thought Wave: This is the highest wave, representing the final realization of oneness with Brahman, the Supreme Consciousness.

The progression through these waves symbolizes the aspirant’s journey from mundane, instinctive thought to the realization of the Supreme Reality. Each wave represents a step closer to self-realization and liberation.

Inward-Focused vs. Outward-Focused Thought Waves
Sivananda further distinguishes between two types of mental focus: inward-focused and outward-focused thought waves. Outward-focused thought waves are driven by passion and restlessness, where the mind constantly seeks external objects for satisfaction. This outward tendency binds the mind to the material world, making it impossible for the individual to achieve spiritual growth. In contrast, inward-focused thought waves are those that arise when the mind turns its attention inward, focusing on the self and the divine. Sivananda stresses the importance of cultivating inward-focused waves through practices such as meditation, renunciation, and introspection. When the mind becomes absorbed in the self, it begins to experience peace and clarity, which are essential for spiritual practice. 

Destruction of Thought Waves and Mental Strength
The destruction of thought waves leads to immense mental strength. Sivananda explains that while thought waves are numerous, they can be dealt with one by one. Weak waves dissolve quickly, but strong waves require greater effort to overcome. When the waves are destroyed, the mind gains strength and clarity, leading to a state of silence and tranquility. This silence, according to Sivananda, is the true nature of the self. It is in this state of mental stillness that one experiences the divine, as the mind becomes fully attuned to Brahman. The mind no longer externalizes itself, and the individual experiences the bliss of union with the Supreme. 

In this profound chapter, Sri Swami Sivananda provides deep insights into the nature of thought waves and their role in the spiritual evolution of the mind. By understanding and controlling these waves, the aspirant can achieve liberation and unity with Brahman. Through discipline, introspection, and spiritual practice, the mind can transcend its limitations, revealing the ultimate truth and leading the seeker to eternal peace. The chapter emphasizes that mental purity, concentration, and self-awareness are essential tools in overcoming the distractions of the mind and realizing one's divine nature.  

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