Darkness At Noon-Part VIII

Continued From Part VII

What next?

Right resolve and the time found for firm steps to enquire about the nature of the mind will automatically have its momentum. One would look for the way to plug the inflow of thoughts, which adds up to the already heavily loaded world of thoughts. This question has in it, a potential to put one on the trail of enquiry about the mind.

Tapping potential of the body and mind

Perhaps one would do well to remember that one"s physical, mental stamina and guts are far more than what one has persuaded oneself to believe. If one has gone through a 'Treadmill Test" for ascertaining one"s lung power and the related strength of the heart, the operator keeps urging one to move forward until fear stops further effort. If you respond even partially you are bound to discover that there is a vast difference between what you thought your capacity was and the actual position.

If one has watched any Sports channel on the T.V. in some close finishes of reputed horse-racing events the response of a pedigree horse to the jockey"s encouraging pats and the proper use of the reigns would instill extra energy in the horse and enable it to surge ahead of the other horses to the final post. When its potential is properly raised, it results in the horse itself discovering its own inherent capacity.

Users of computers and Internet are aware that there is a wide gap between the information that could be tapped and what their knowledge and capacity permits them to do.

Is there a hidden potential of the mind?

Yes. Certainly yes. Neurologists keep informing and researchers in genetics stress that the elixir of the mental power depends on the mind"s range, depth of interest, and its attention span. If that is taken care of, the mind can remain youthful not withstanding the changes in the body.

Ramana keeps reminding us that one is sitting on a treasure-trove – a full potential of an uncluttered mind. All that needs to be done according to him is to understand, reduce and remove the obstacles that separate one from this treasure. In this search for the treasure Ramana is the path-finder, guide and companion so that one"s steadfast, properly directed effort is not wasted on, “the arid desert sands of purposeless thoughts". One is merely hanging on to these purposeless thoughts for want of knowledge of the way to make a bon-fire of them.

To be continued

About the author

A.R.Natarajan

Sri A.R.Natarajan has had the opportunity of a long association of over 50 years with the Ramanashram. He was the editor of "Mountain Path" for two years. He was the secretary of Ramana Kendra, New Delhi for ten years. He founded the Ramana Maharshi centre for learning, a non profit institution. He has authored more than thirty six books and eleven pocket books on the life and teachings of Bhagavan Ramana.