Thought Power

Chapter 1: Thought Power - It's Physics and It's Philosophy

The Medium Through Which Thoughts Travel

1. When a thought, whether good or evil, crosses the mind of a person, it gives rise to vibrations in the Manas or mental atmosphere, which travel far and wide in all directions.

2. You can move the world through thought-force. Thought has great power. It can be transmitted from one person to another. The powerful thoughts of great sages and Rishis of yore are still recorded in the 'Akasic records'.

3. Thought-currents take their origin from the bed of Sanskars (impressions) in the inner layers of the mind, where Vasanas or latent subtle desires are stored, and flow incessantly towards the objects both in waking state and in dreaming state.

Thoughts Are Living Things, Finer Forces and hold Tremendous Powers

1. Thoughts are living things. A thought is as much solid as a piece of stone. We may cease to be, but our thoughts can never die. Thought is a dynamic force. It is a force like gravitation, cohesion, or repulsion.

2. Thought is supplied to us by food. When food is pure, thoughts become pure. He who has pure thoughts speaks very powerfully and produces deep impression on others.

3. Thought has got tremendous power. Thought can heal diseases. Thoughts can transform people's mentality. Thought can do anything. It can work wonders.

Thought-waves, Transference, Vibrations and Diversity.

1. Great Yogis like Gyandev, Bhartrihari, and Patanjali used to send and receive messages to and from distant land through mind-telepathy (mental radio) or thought-transference.

2. Just as you take physical exercises in order to maintain physical health, you will have to maintain mental health by radiating the right thought.

3. Every thought that you send out is a vibration which never perishes. If your thoughts are holy they set vibration in every sympathetic mind. One should be in tune with the mental vibrations or thought-vibrations of another. Then only can one easily understand another.

4. Lustful thoughts, thoughts of hatred, jealousy, and selfishness produce distorted images in the mind and cause clouding of understanding, perversion of intellect, loss of memory, and confusion in the mind.

Conservation of Thought Energy and Cell-Theory

1. The mental energy which is dissipated and misdirected in various worthless worldly thoughts should be well directed in proper spiritual channels.

2. Do not store in your brain useless information. Learn to unmind the mind. Unlearn whatever has been of no use to you. Then only you can fill your mind with divine thoughts. You will gain new mental strength as the dissipated mental rays are collected now.

3. Every impulse, every thought, is conveyed to the cells. They are greatly influenced by the varying conditions or states of the mind. If there is confusion, depression, and other negative emotions or thoughts in the mind, they are telegraphically transmitted through the nerves to every cell in the body.

4. People who live irregular, indiscipline lives suffer from physical weakness and diseases. Their bodies generate disharmony, and they lack hope, confidence, peace, and joy. With low energy and a troubled mind, they feel unhappy, fearful, and anxious.

Primal Thought and the Rare Yogi

1. Thought is the greatest force on Earth. It is the most powerful weapon we possess. Constructive thought transforms, renews, and builds. The far-reaching possibilities of this force were most accurately developed to perfection by the Yogis and Rishis and put to the highest possible use.

2. Yogis who have controlled their thoughts are very rare in this world. Just as a sweet perfume continuously emanates from an incense stick, so does divine perfume and divine effulgence (magnetic, Brahmic aura) radiate from a Yogi who has controlled his thoughts and who is constantly dwelling on Brahman (the Infinite).

Thought—Its Weight, Size, Shape, Form, Name and Colour

1. Every thought has weight, shape, size, form, colour, quality, and power. A Yogi can see these qualities of thoughts directly with his inner Yogic eye. Thoughts are like object. Just as you can give an orange to a friend and take it back, so too can you give a powerful thought to someone and retrieve it.

Thought—Its Power, Workings and Uses

1. Powerful thinkers are able to sway those with weaker thoughts.

2. Thought alone constitutes the entirety of our experience—pain, aging, death, and sin, as well as the elements. Thought can bind an individual. He who has controlled his thoughts, is a veritable God on this earth. If the mind, the origin of all thoughts, were to vanish, the external world would dissolve too.

3. Sankalp (intention), passion, anger, bondage, and time are all products of the mind. Mind is the king of the Indriyas (senses). Bitterness and sweetness do not lie in the objects, but they are in the mind.

4. All objects in this world are unconnected; they are connected and associated together only by thought. It is the mind that gives colour, shape, qualities to the objects. Mind assumes the shape of any object it intensely thinks upon.

5. Each person creates a world of good and evil, pleasure and pain, through the power of imagination. These qualities do not lie in external objects—there is nothing inherently good or pleasant in the world. It is our imagination that makes them so.

6. Imagine you decide to make tea. That single thought instantly brings up related thoughts—sugar, milk, cup, table, chair, napkins, spoons, snacks, and more. This shows that the world is simply an expansion of thought. The expansion of thoughts of the mind towards the objects is bondage; and, the renunciation of thoughts is liberation. Extinction of thoughts, Vasanas and Sankalpas is Moksh (Libration).

7. You must be vigilant in nipping thoughts in the bud. The mind is full of tricks and plays. To control it easily, you must first understand its nature, patterns, and habits.

Projection of Thought & Timeless Reality

1. The primary goal of all Yogas is the purification and control of the mind. The mind serves as a record of impressions, continually expressing itself through impulses and thoughts. Essentially, the mind is defined by its actions. Thoughts drive us to act, and these actions, in turn, generate new impressions within the mind. Yoga strikes at the very root of this vicious circle. Yoga checks, controls and stops the root function of the mind.

2. When thoughts arise, they should be destroyed immediately; this will dry up the roots. However, this demands considerable patience and perseverance. But you will bathe in the ocean of bliss when all thoughts are extirpated. This state is indescribable. You will have to feel it yourself.

Chapter 2. Thought Power – Its Laws and Dynamics

Thought—The Architect of Destiny

1. Thought survives beyond death and is carried over to subsequent lives as a thought-tendency belonging to the Antakaran (Suble Body).

2. Every Karma produces twofold effect, one on the individual mind and the other on the world.

3. Every thought is a link in an unbroken chain of cause and effect, where each effect becomes a new cause, and each cause is derived from a preceding effect. Each link in this endless chain comprises three elements: desire, thought, and activity. A desire fuels a thought, and that thought manifests as action, weaving the intricate web of destiny.

4. Rishi Vasishth advises Ram to engage in Purusharth (self-exertion). Surrendering to fatalism fosters inertia and laziness. Instead, one should recognise the immense power of thought. By thinking rightly, you can create a magnificent destiny for yourself.

5. Prarabdha refers to the results of actions from past lives. Every action sown gives rise to a habit, which gradually shapes one's character. And character, in turn, determines destiny.

6. Man is the architect of his own destiny. Through the power of thought, you shape your future—and can reshape it at will. All faculties, energies, and powers lie within you. Unfold them to attain freedom and greatness.

Thoughts Chisel Your Countenance

1. Your facial expression mirrors your inner state, serving as a clear window into your thoughts and emotions. When the mind is restless, the body naturally reflects that inner turmoil.

2. The face is the index of the mind. Divine thoughts brighten the face, while negative thoughts cast shadows upon it. Sustained divine thinking gradually increases one’s aura or halo. Every thought, sentiment, and emotion leaves its strong imprint on the face.

3. The eyes reflect the state of the mind. They act as telegraphic instruments, transmitting messages of depression, cheerfulness, peace, power, and beauty. By learning to read another’s eyes, you can discern their prevailing thoughts and emotions. This skill, however, requires keen observation, intelligence, and training.

Negative Thoughts Poison

1. Negative thoughts, especially those born of worry and fear, act as destructive forces within us. They weaken the body, drain energy, and poison the very sources of life, disturbing harmony and depleting vitality. In contrast, positive thoughts of peace, joy, and courage have a healing influence, calming the mind and enhancing overall efficiency. One who understands the workings of the mind and has mastered it through practice is truly happy.

Similar Thoughts Attract Each Other

1. In the realm of thought, people with similar thoughts naturally gravitate toward one another. A doctor is drawn to a fellow doctor, and a philosopher is inclined toward another philosopher.

2. The thoughts you carry within will attract experiences and circumstances that correspond to them, no matter where you are. By recognising this power, you can choose the nature of the thoughts you entertain and, in turn, the influences you draw into your life.

3. A joyful thought in one person can awaken joy in others. Yet this works both ways: the company of a thief may incline a good person toward stealing, just as the presence of a drunkard may tempt a sober individual to drink.

Understand the Laws of Thought

1. As a man thinketh, so he becometh. Your beliefs shape your reality: if you think 'I am strong,' strength will manifest in your actions and demeanour. Conversely, thinking 'I am weak' reinforces that very weakness. Thoughts of wisdom elevate you to a sage-like state.

2. Your present is the result of your past thoughts and your future will be according to your present thoughts. If you think rightly, you will speak rightly and act rightly. Speech and action simply follow the thoughts. By Understanding the laws of Thought, you can mould or shape your character in any way you like. Cultivate thoughts of purity and goodness, and they will naturally manifest in your character.

3. Become an embodiment of goodness. Think well of all, and let your actions always reflect kindness. Serve, love, and give. Strive to make others happy, and live with the spirit of service. In doing so, you will find true happiness, along with favourable circumstances, opportunities, and environments.

4. A man of discrimination is always careful and vigilant about his thoughts. He is aware of what is taking place in his mental factory—what Vritti or Gun is prevailing at any given time. He never permits an evil thought to enter its gates; instead, he destroys it immediately. By recognising and eliminating negative thoughts before they take root, we nurture a virtuous mindset.

5. Such individuals practise Ahinsa (non-violence), Shauch (purity), and Brahmacharya (celibacy) in thought, word, and deed, along with the three forms of Tapas—verbal, physical, and mental. They speak only when necessary and never utter harsh words that may wound others’ feelings. With patience, compassion, and love, they leave a deep and favourable impression on the minds of everyone around them.

6. The character and circumstances of an individual are a direct result of their own thinking. Bad character can be transformed into good one, by good thoughts, and unfavourable circumstances can be changed into favourable circumstances by doing good actions.

7. The mind that is drawn to sense objects falls into bondage, and bondage inevitably brings pain. The mind is like a dacoit—slay this mind, and you will be happy and free forever. When the mind is cleansed of desires, the Atman reveals itself, bringing an experience of profound bliss.

8. To achieve clarity of thought, one must first cultivate a calm and undisturbed mind. Mind is manufactured out of food. Food does not mean merely what you eat, but what you gather through all your senses. Purity of thought is linked to purity of food and experiences. Engaging with sublime and divine thoughts sharpens perception and enhances your ability to think deeply.

9. Be mindful of your thoughts. Whatever you send out from your mind returns to you. Hatred toward another brings hatred back, while love toward others invites love in return.

10. The process of eliminating mental modifications is difficult and long. You should not give up the practice of destroying the thoughts in the middle when you come across some difficulties or stumbling blocks. Your first attempt should be to reduce your wants and desires. Begin by reducing your wants and desires; as these diminish, the flow of thoughts will naturally decrease. Gradually, all thoughts will be eradicated.

Aura of Saintly Thoughts

1. Pure thoughts generate an aura of peace and calm, positively influencing those nearby. For example, sitting near a sage can inspire serenity, whereas the presence of a selfish person may create unease, reflecting the different vibrations emitted by their thoughts.

2. A person with a highly developed mind radiates a powerful aura. This psychic halo extends beyond the individual, affecting anyone within its reach. The energy of such a mind can inspire and uplift others profoundly, without the need for words.

3. We are constantly surrounded by thought-forms, and our minds are deeply influenced by them. In truth, not even a quarter of our thoughts are our own; most are absorbed from the atmosphere, and many are of a harmful nature. Therefore, one should continuously repeat God’s name mentally, for it protects us from their negative influence.

4. Thoughts, whether good or evil, do not remain confined to the mind that creates them. Once formed, they generate vibrations in the mental atmosphere that radiate outward, influencing the minds of others regardless of distance. In this way, a thought can reach and affect people across the world, even from afar.

Chapter 3. Value and Uses of Thought Power

Serve Others by Thought-vibrations

1. A spiritually advanced individual can uplift the world through pure, powerful thought vibrations alone. Simply being in the presence of a saint can inspire others toward spiritual growth, demonstrating the power of indirect influence through thought.

2. By good and powerful suggestion, you can cure any disease. You will have to learn this science and practice it.

3. You can influence another person without spoken words. What is required is concentrated thought, directed by the will—this is telepathy.

   • Here is an exercise for practising it: think of your friend or cousin living in a distant place. Hold a clear image of his face in your mind. If you have his photograph, look at it and speak to it audibly. When you retire to bed, focus on this picture with deep concentration. In time, he may write to you with the message you desired. Try it yourself, without doubt, and you may be quite surprised.

4. The power of thought is immense. The strength of your body, the clarity of your mind, your success in life, and even the joy you bring to others through your presence—all depend on the nature and quality of your thoughts. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate your thoughts and develop the power of thinking.

5. A wrong thought binds, while a right thought liberates. Therefore, think rightly and attain freedom. Awaken the hidden powers within you by understanding and realising the strength of the mind. Believe in its potential. With interest, attention, will, faith, and concentration, the desired results will surely follow.

6. When you send out a loving and helpful thought to someone, it reaches them, awakens a similar feeling in their mind, and returns to you with even greater force. For a thought to truly uplift others, it must carry a clear and positive intention—only then does it possess the power to create lasting impact.

Prompt & Practice Thought-transference

1. Be cautious in the use of suggestions. Never give a wrong suggestion, for it can bring destructive results to yourself and to others.

2. Telepathy Exercise:

   1. Begin the practice of telepathy from a short distance, preferably at night. Arrange with your friend to assume a receptive attitude and concentrate at the appointed hour, say ten o’clock. Let him sit in Vajrasan or Padmasan with closed eyes in a dark room. At that time, focus intently on the thoughts you wish to send. Will strongly, and the thoughts will leave your mind and enter that of your friend.

   2. At first, there may be occasional mistakes. But with steady practice and growing mastery of the technique, you will gain accuracy in both sending and receiving messages.

   3. In time, you will be able to transmit messages to distant parts of the world. Thought-waves differ in intensity and force, so both sender and receiver must cultivate deep and sustained concentration. Only then will the messages be sent with power and received with clarity.

   4. To begin, practise telepathy from one room to another within the same house. This science is both pleasant and fascinating, but it requires patience and perseverance. Above all, the observance of Brahmacharya is essential.

The Power of Sadhana to Awaken Divine Thoughts

1. Through spiritual Sadhana, transform the subconscious mind and its thoughts, and you will become a new being. Remember, the body is a product of the mind and remains under its control. Thoughts of love, peace, contentment, purity, perfection, and Divinity will not only uplift you but also elevate those around you. Therefore, cultivate divine thoughts.

Chapter 4. The Functions of Thought Power

Thought Promote Health, Develop Personality & Changes Destiny

1. The pains that afflict the body are known as secondary diseases (Vyadhi), while the Vasanas or desires that trouble the mind are called primary or mental diseases (Adhi). When the mind is healthy, the body will naturally be healthy. If the mind is pure and your thoughts are pure, you will remain free from both primary and secondary diseases.

2. Those who gain even a little control over their thoughts and speech will develop a calm, serene, and radiant face, a sweet voice, and eyes that shine with brilliance and lustre. Every thought, emotion, and word creates powerful vibrations in every cell of the body.

3. Man shapes his own destiny through his thinking and acting (Thought → Action → Habit → Character → Destiny). He is the master of his destiny, and he has the power to change it—there is no doubt of this. Through right thinking and determined effort, man can truly become the master of his fate.

4. Some ignorant people say: ‘Karma does everything. It is all destiny. If I am destined by my Karma to be this or that, why should I make any effort? It is my destiny alone.’ This is fatalism, and it leads only to inertia, stagnation, and misery. Such a view is a complete misunderstanding of the laws of Karma. In truth, you have shaped your own destiny through your thoughts and actions.

5. You possess Svatantrata (free will) in action. A rogue is not destined to remain a rogue forever. Place him in the company of a saint, and he will soon change. His thinking and actions will take a new course.

6. Harness the power of thought. Through right thinking, right desire, and right action, you can become a sage or even a millionaire. With noble thoughts and deeds, you may rise to the stature of an Indra or a Brahma.

Thought Cause Physiological Disorders

1. Every change in thought creates a vibration in your mental body, which, when transmitted to the physical body, stimulates activity in the nervous matter of the brain. This activity within the nerve cells produces numerous electrical and chemical changes.

2. Intense passion, anger, prolonged jealousy, and corroding anxiety gradually damage the body’s cells and give rise to diseases of the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and stomach.

3. When the mind fixes itself on a particular thought and dwells upon it, a definite vibration is created. The more this vibration is repeated, the more it tends to establish itself as a habit, eventually becoming automatic. The body, in turn, follows the mind and reflects its changes.

Thought Power Creates Environments

1. Every person is born with their Sanskars. The mind is not a blank slate; it carries the impressions of thoughts and actions from previous births. Yet one can rise above their environment through diligent effort, patience, perseverance, truthfulness, honesty, integrity, sincerity of purpose, iron will, and strong determination (Purusharth).

2. Sometimes, if you are timid, God places you in circumstances that compel you to demonstrate courage, even at the risk of your life. Those who have risen to eminence have made the most of every opportunity. In this way, God shapes human minds by presenting them with challenges and opportunities.

3. In weakness lies strength, for it keeps you alert and ready to protect yourself. Do not complain about adverse environments; instead, create your own mental world and surroundings. One who strives to grow in challenging conditions will become exceptionally strong—resilient, steadfast, and unshakeable.

4. Man is not merely a creature of his environment or circumstances. Through his thoughts, good actions, character and right exertion, he can control and transform them. Intense (Tivra) Purusharth can even alter destiny.

Thoughts Form the Physical Body

1. The body with its organs is nothing but a manifestation of thought. When the mind contemplates the body, it becomes the body itself. If the physical body perishes, the mind can readily assume new forms according to its desires. For most people, thoughts are heavily influenced by the body because the mind is underdeveloped. Such individuals exist primarily in the Annamaya Kosh (the physical sheath). By cultivating the Vignanamay Kosh (the wisdom/knowledge sheath), one can learn to govern the Manomay Kosh (the mental sheath).

2. The mistaken belief that we are merely the body is the root of all suffering. This attachment, called Abhiman, leads to further identification with things connected to the body, such as family and possessions, giving rise to Mamata—a sense of 'mine.' Such identification and attachment create bondage, resulting in misery and pain.

Chapter 5. Development of Thought Power

Acquisition of Thought Power by Moral Purity

1. A man who speaks the truth and possesses moral purity wields powerful thoughts. One who has mastered anger through long practice attains tremendous mental strength. When a person with such concentrated thought speaks even a single word, it can leave a profound impression on the minds of others.

2. Purity brings wisdom, and it is of two types: internal (mental) and external (physical). While both are important, mental purity holds greater significance. Inner purity fosters cheerfulness, a focused mind, control over the senses, and prepares one for Self-realisation.

Thought Power by Concentration

1. In worldly-minded individuals, the rays of the mind are scattered, leading to a dissipation of mental energy in many directions. To achieve concentration, these scattered rays must be gathered through practice, and the mind should then be directed toward God.

2. To cultivate concentration, one must train attention and maintain a peaceful mind. Practices such as Brahmacharya, Pranayam (breath control), reducing desires and unnecessary activities, detachment, silence, seclusion, sense discipline, Japa (repetition of a mantra or divine name), controlling anger, and avoiding distractions like novels and cinema all support concentration. Conversely, excessive physical exertion, talking, eating, socialising, walking, and indulgence hinder it.

Thought Power by Organised Thinking & Will-Power

1. Eliminate random thinking and return to the topic at hand whenever the mind wanders. Practising concentration strengthens organised thinking, producing mental images that are clear, intense, and well-defined. In contrast, the mental images in ordinary minds are often vague and poorly formed.

2. Each sensual thought rejected, every temptation resisted, and every harsh word withheld strengthens will-power. Will is the dynamic force of the soul, and when awakened, it sets into motion the other faculties of the mind—judgment, memory, comprehension, reasoning, discrimination, reflection, and inference.

3. Will is the king of all mental powers. Impure desires, pursuit of pleasures, and indulgence weaken it, while reducing desires—especially sexual cravings—and mastering emotions like anger strengthen both thought and will. For one endowed with strong will-power, nothing on earth is impossible.

4. Overcoming a single habit, such as giving up coffee, helps curb sensory attachment and dissolve craving. The energy conserved transforms into willpower. Each craving conquered multiplies strength—mastering one builds will, mastering fifteen makes it fifteen times stronger—granting greater command over future desires.

5. Inner calm, cheerfulness, strength to face challenges, influence over others, a magnetic presence, radiant face, sparkling eyes, steady gaze, strong voice, confident gait, unyielding nature, and fearlessness—these are the signs of growing willpower.

Prescriptions and Sadhana for Clear and Deep Thinking

1. The thoughts of the common man are usually distorted—arising and fading quickly, leaving them vague and indefinite. Those who practice concentration and meditation develop strong thoughts and well-formed mental images.

2. Through right thinking, reasoning, introspection, and meditation, the restless waves of thought can be stilled. With silence of mind, confusion fades away. Do not let the mind bubble with countless impulses—let one thought arise, settle calmly, and only then allow another to enter.

3. For most people, thinking remains shallow and superficial. True deep thinking requires intense Sadhana (practice). It means hard, persistent, and clear reflection—going to the very root of problems, to the fundamentals of existence itself. This is the essence of Vedantic Sadhana.

4. The birth of a noble thought is a potent antidote to counteract an evil thought.

Develop Individuality: Resist Suggestions of Others

1. Do not be easily swayed by the suggestions of others. Preserve your individuality. Even if a strong suggestion does not influence you immediately, it will work subtly and take effect in time— no suggestion ever goes in vain.

2. Our character is shaped daily, often without our awareness, through association with others. We unconsciously imitate the actions of those we admire and absorb the suggestions of those we interact with regularly. These subtle influences act upon us constantly. A man of weak mind easily yields to the suggestions of one with a stronger mind.

Chapter 6: Thoughts — Their Varieties and Their Conquest

Get Over Gloomy Thoughts

1. Watch your thoughts with great care. The most effective way to overcome gloomy or negative thoughts is to focus on inspiring ideas and uplifting things. Remember: the positive always overcomes the negative—this is a powerful and universal law of nature.

2. Focus your thoughts on what elevates the mind. If harshness arises, cultivate mercy. If lust appears, reflect on the benefits of celibacy. If dishonesty surfaces, think of honesty and integrity. This is the Pratipaksha Bhavana method of Raj Yogis, and it is the simplest and most effective way to transform the mind. This method of displacing a negative feeling by consciously substituting it with its opposite, positive feeling, is simple and effective.

3. If infatuation or Moh (attachment) arises, cultivate discrimination and Atmic Vichara (self-reflection). If pride appears, practice humility. If hypocrisy surfaces, focus on frankness and its invaluable benefits. If jealousy emerges, think of nobility and magnanimity. If timidity arises, nurture courage—and so on. Continuous practice is essential. Choose your companions wisely, speak little, and let your speech be on matters of value.

Victory Over Intrusive Thoughts

1. At the beginning of your practice of thought-control, you will face great difficulty and must wage a battle with your own mind. Just as darkness cannot endure the sun, and a leopard cannot withstand a lion, so too these dark negative thoughts cannot withstand sublime divine thoughts. They will fade and perish on their own.

2. Worldly thoughts will greatly trouble you in the beginning of your new life of thought-culture. They will also arise when you first take up meditation and the spiritual path. But if you remain regular in cultivating spiritual thoughts and steady in meditation, these worldly thoughts will gradually fade away on their own.

3. Drive out all unnecessary and useless thoughts from your mind, for they are stumbling blocks to spiritual progress. Whenever you entertain such thoughts, you distance yourself from God. Nurture only thoughts that are helpful and uplifting. Do not let the mind slip back into its old grooves and habits. Remain ever watchful and vigilant. Do not allow waves of irritability, jealousy, anger, hatred, or lust to arise within. These dark waves and worldly thoughts are the true enemies of your spiritual life, peace, and wisdom.

4. If a pebble in your shoe torments you, you simply remove the shoe and shake it out. In the same way, once you clearly understand the nature of the mind, it becomes just as easy to expel an intruding and useless thought.

5. Sustain noble and divine thoughts through repetition of a Mantra or the Name of the Lord, contemplation on His form, the practice of Pranayam, singing His Bhajans, performing good actions, or reflecting on the misery that worldly thoughts bring.

Conquer Impure and Negative Thoughts

1. When you are deeply engaged in daily work, impure thoughts seldom arise. But the moment you pause, leaving the mind idle, such thoughts may creep in quietly. Therefore, remain vigilant, especially when the mind is at rest.

2. Thoughts gain power through repetition. Whether pure or impure, once a thought is entertained, it tends to return again and again. Just as birds of the same feather flock together, thoughts gather in the same way. An impure thought attracts more of its kind, while a noble thought draws other uplifting thoughts to support it. Therefore, nurture positive thoughts, and the negative ones will gradually fade away.

3. Fill your mind with divine thoughts through Japa, prayer, meditation, and the study of sacred scriptures. Remain indifferent to negative and undivine thoughts—they will pass away on their own. Do not struggle with them. Instead, pray to God for strength. Nourish your spirit by reading the lives of saints and immersing yourself in scriptures like the Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapuran and the Ramayan.

Overcome Habitual and Unimportant Thoughts

1. All habitual thoughts—about the body, clothing, food, and so on—must be overcome through Atma-Chintan, or reflection on the divine Self within one’s own heart. This is arduous work, requiring patient, continuous practice and inner spiritual strength. As the Srutis declare: ‘This Atman cannot be attained by the weak.’ The mind, mischievous and powerful, generates all pain and fear. Conquer this troublesome mind.

2. Do not struggle to push away unimportant or irrelevant thoughts. The harder you try, the stronger they become, and the more they return. Such effort drains your energy and willpower. Instead, remain indifferent and fill your mind with divine thoughts. Gradually, the unwanted thoughts will vanish on their own.

3. Thinking can be classified into four types: symbolic thinking, instinctive thinking, impulsive thinking, and habitual thinking. Thinking in words is symbolic thinking. Instincts are stronger than impulses. Thoughts about the body, food, drink, or bathing are examples of habitual thinking. Symbolic thinking can be controlled relatively easily, but instinctive and impulsive thinking are much harder to restrain.

4. Mental poise and calmness can be achieved by eradicating worry and anger, both of which are rooted in fear. Be careful and deliberate in your thoughts, and focus on courage, joy, bliss, peace, and cheerfulness. You may sit or lie in a comfortable chair, close your eyes, and withdraw your mind from external objects. Spend fifteen minutes in this relaxed, focused state.

5. In untrained minds, multiple thoughts often compete for attention simultaneously—household concerns, business matters, bodily needs, plans, hopes, and random memories or anticipations. A Yogi, however, cultivates a one-pointed mind, able to concentrate on a single thought for as long as desired. By observing your own mind, you may notice scattered and inconsistent thoughts drifting aimlessly. Achieving consistency in focusing on one subject to the exclusion of others is a significant step in thought-control. Persistence is essential; do not be discouraged.

Gather Inspirational Thoughts

1. The goal of life is to realise that you are neither the perishable body nor the ever-changing, finite mind, but the all-pure, ever-free Atman—your true nature, beyond the illusion of name or physical identity. Cultivate friendship with all of nature’s creation, and you will lead a rich and fulfilled life. To develop thought power, strengthen your personality, and achieve greatness, keep inspiring and illuminating books with you. Read them repeatedly until their wisdom becomes a part of your daily life.

Right Thoughts for Wrong Thoughts

1. Thought of Passion & Lust ---> Practice Brahmacharya to develop purity and realise Truth/God.

2. Thought of Hatred & Anger ---> Transform them through love, forgiveness, peace, patience, and non-violence.

3. Thought of Pride ---> Counter with humility.

4. Thought of Greed & possessiveness ---> Dispel through generosity and contentment.

5. Thought of Jealousy & meanness ---> Overcome by developing nobility and a greatness of heart.

6. There is a deep link between thought and breath, between mind and prana. When the mind is calm and concentrated, the breath naturally slows. When thoughts are restless or agitated, the breath quickens.

Mean Thoughts and Moral Development

1. Uncontrolled thoughts are the root of all evils. The mind becomes weak because it is constantly distracted by countless, ever-changing thoughts. The more thoughts are restrained, the more the mind becomes concentrated, and with concentration, it gains strength and power.

2. When evil thoughts trouble the mind, the best way to conquer them is through indifference. How do we ignore them? By forgetting them. And how do we forget? By refusing to indulge in them or brood over them. How can we prevent the mind from indulging in or brooding over evil thoughts? By turning it towards something uplifting—something sublime, inspiring, and deeply engaging. Ignore, forget, and replace with the inspiring—these three together form a powerful Sadhana for gaining mastery over negative thoughts.

Chapter 7: Positive Methods for Thought-Control

Thought-control by Practice of Concentration

1. Silence the restless thoughts and rising emotions. In the beginning, fix the mind on something concrete. You may concentrate on the image of a saint, or on the name and form of your Ishta Devata. Devotees focus on the heart, Raj Yogis on the Trikuti (the point between the eyebrows), and Vedantins on the Absolute. Concentration may also be directed to the tip of the nose, the navel, or the Muladhara (the centre at the base of the spine).

2. Concentration is practiced to still the modifications of the mind. When irrelevant thoughts arise, remain indifferent—they will pass away on their own. Do not attempt to drive them out by force, for that will only strengthen them. Instead, gently replace them with divine thoughts. In time, the irrelevant thoughts will fade away.

3. It is easier to concentrate the mind on external objects, as the mind naturally tends to flow outward. Place before you a picture of Sri Krishna, Rama, Narayana, Devi, or any chosen form. Gaze at it steadily without winking—first at the head, then the body, then the feet. Repeat this process again and again. Once the mind becomes calm, fix your attention on a single point. Then gently close your eyes and mentally visualise the picture. With practice, the image will become vivid and steady within. Hold it there for some time. This is concentration. Practice it daily with devotion and perseverance.

4. If you wish to increase the power of concentration, you must lessen worldly desires and reduce unnecessary activities. Set aside a few hours each day for silence. Only then will the mind learn to concentrate with ease and steadiness, without struggle.

Thought-control by a Positive Attitude

1. Train yourself to shut out harmful or undesirable thoughts and influences. Cultivate a firm, positive attitude of mind, and you will naturally guard yourself against them.

2. When doubts arise—“Is there really a God? Will I ever succeed in Self-realisation?”—they must be immediately dispelled with firm suggestions and affirmations such as: “Yes, it is true. I will succeed. There is no doubt about it.” Train your mind to reject words like “can’t,” “impossible,” or “difficult.” Nothing is beyond reach when determination is strong and resolution is firm. Such unwavering will ensures success in all endeavours, especially in conquering the mind.

Thought-control by Non-cooperation

1. Do not cooperate with the mind in its evil wanderings. The method is simple: if the mind says, “I must eat sweets today,” firmly reply, “No, I will not cooperate with you.” If the mind urges, “I must go to the cinema,” answer, “I will attend satsang instead.” This is the practice of non-cooperation with the mind. It is like swimming against the currents of desire. Gradually, the restless mind becomes thin, weak, and obedient—eventually becoming your servant. In this way, you gain true mastery over it.

2. The mind and senses naturally flow in two directions—attraction and repulsion. They are drawn to certain objects and turned away from others. But the disciplined person moves among sense-objects with a mind free from both attachment and aversion, guided by the Self. Such mastery brings true peace.

3. The disciplined man possesses a strong will, and therefore his mind and senses obey him. He accepts only what is necessary for the body’s maintenance, free from love or hatred. He avoids all that is forbidden by the Shastras.

Art of Thinning Out Thoughts

1. Just as you keep only the good fruits from a basket and discard the bad ones, so too should you retain noble thoughts in the mind and reject the evil ones.

2. When the tail of a lizard is cut, it continues to flutter for a while, sustained by the little residual Prana left in it. After a minute or two, all motion ceases. In the same way, once thoughts have been thinned out and weakened, a few may still stir restlessly like the lizard’s tail. But they are powerless. They carry no vitality and can do no real harm.

3. Just as a drowning man clutches at anything to save himself, so too do these lifeless thoughts struggle to regain their former strength and vitality. If you continue your daily practice of meditation and Japa, they will fade away on their own, like a lamp without ghee.

4. Lust, passion, egoism, jealousy, pride, and hatred are deeply rooted. Just as cutting the branches of a tree only causes them to grow again, so too do suppressed or weakened thoughts tend to resurface. They must be completely uprooted through strenuous effort, guided by discernment (Vivek-Buddhi), Japa, meditation, and persistent spiritual practice.

Arrest the Recurrence of Evil Thoughts

1. Suppose evil thoughts linger in your mind for twelve hours and recur every third day. If, through daily practice of Japa and meditation, you can reduce this to ten hours and once a week, it is a definite improvement. With continued practice, both their duration and frequency will gradually diminish further.

2. Eventually, these thoughts will disappear altogether. Compare your present state of mind with that of last year or the year before, and you will see your progress. In the beginning, this progress is often very slow, but it is steady.

Nip the Bad Thought in Its Bud

1. At first, a wrong thought enters the mind. Then you entertain it with a strong imagination, taking pleasure in dwelling on it. By giving consent to its presence, the thought gradually strengthens and, if not resisted, takes a firm hold in your mind.

2. Just as you close your door when a dog tries to enter, so must you shut your mind to prevent evil thoughts from entering and leaving their mark on your brain. Wipe out lust, greed, and egoism, and entertain only pure, holy thoughts. This is a difficult and uphill task that requires persistent practice. With time, you will succeed. Destroying even a single bad thought strengthens your ability to annihilate others and develops willpower. Gradually, inner spiritual strength will manifest within you.

Spiritual Practice for Elimination of Evil Thoughts

1. Your mind may sometimes shudder when evil thoughts arise—this is a sign of spiritual progress. You are growing spiritually. Feeling tormented by your past wrong actions is also a sign of inner upheaval. You will no longer repeat them. Whenever a wrong thought urges you to act out of habit, your mind may tremble and your body quiver, showing the rising power of self-control.

2. Continue your meditation and Japa with full vigour and earnestness. All memories of evil actions, all evil thoughts, and all temptations of the mind will gradually fade away. You will be established in perfect purity and peace. Positive always overcomes negative—this is the law of nature. Evil thoughts cannot withstand the force of good thoughts. Courage overcomes fear, patience overcomes anger, love overcomes hatred, and purity overcomes lust.

Best Remedies for Evil Thoughts

1. Lustful thinking is the beginning of adultery; even a lustful glance is adultery. Mental actions are the true actions. Remember this: God judges a man by his motives, while worldly people judge him by outward deeds. Focus on the motive, and you will not be mistaken.

2. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Always engage in some constructive work, avoid loose talk and gossip, and fill the mind with sublime thoughts, such as those found in the Gita, the Upanishads, and other sacred texts.

3. The mind is a mischievous imp, like a restless monkey. It must be disciplined daily to gradually come under your control. Only through practical training can you encourage good thoughts and sustain them.

Thoughts and the Snake-analogy

1. Just as fruit is born from a seed, so too are deeds born from thoughts. Harbour good thoughts and repel evil ones. By cultivating good thoughts through Satsang, study of sacred texts, Japa, and prayer, evil thoughts will gradually die by themselves.

2. When you crush a snake’s head with a stick, it lies motionless and seems dead — yet suddenly it may raise its head and escape. Similarly, thoughts you once suppressed can regain strength and reappear. They must therefore be destroyed totally beyond resurrection.

World-conquest by Thought-conquest

1. Control your thoughts, or Sankalpas, and avoid imagination or day-dreaming. The extinction of Sankalpas alone leads to Moksha. The experience of worldly illusion arises from imagination and vanishes completely when imagination is fully stopped.

2. Victory over thoughts is truly a victory over all limitations, weakness, ignorance, and even death. The inner war with the mind is far more formidable than any outer battle with guns. Conquering your thoughts is harder than conquering the world by force. Master your thoughts, and you will master the world.

Form a Divine Channel for Thought-force

1. Thoughts naturally flow toward external, worldly objects. The mind finds it easy to dwell on them, as this is its Svabhava (habit). In contrast, thinking of God is extremely difficult—it is an uphill task for a worldly (Sansaric) mind immersed in Vyavahara.

2. Still, through strenuous effort and Tyag (sacrifice), the mind must be trained to turn toward God, even against its natural inclination, if you wish to free yourself from the cycle of birth and death. There is no other way to escape worldly miseries and tribulations.

Watch and Spiritualise Your Thoughts

1. Fear, strong dislike, buried hatred, prejudice, intolerance, anger, and lust disturb the functioning of the subconscious mind. The subtle impressions, tendencies, desires, and passions buried deep in the subconscious profoundly influence your conscious life. Purify and strengthen it by cultivating virtues. The lower impulses belong to the physical body and the mental plane.

2. When the mind ceases to function due to the absence of Vasanas (mental impressions and subtle desires), the state of Manonash, or annihilation of the mind, arises.

Chapter 8: The Patterns of Thought-Culture

Discrimination and Inner Mental Culture

1. Whenever desires arise in your mind, do not seek to fulfil them. Reject them through discrimination, right enquiry, and dispassion. Through constant practice, you will attain tranquillity of mind and inner strength.

2. In the practice of Sama, the five Gyan-Indriyas, or organs of knowledge—ear, skin, eye, tongue, and nose—are brought under control. Sama is the serenity of mind that arises from the constant eradication of Vasanas, or desires.

3. Fully realise for yourself the grave and destructive consequences of evil thoughts. This awareness will put you on guard when such thoughts arise. The moment they appear, exert yourself to divert the mind toward divine thoughts, prayer, or Japa. You will gain immense spiritual strength and peace.

4. The mind must be filled with Sattva (purity) and trained to dwell constantly on Truth or God. For rapid progress on the spiritual path, watch every thought. A vacant mind is restless and easily misled—it becomes the devil’s workshop.

5. If you wish to attain Self-realisation, imagination and idle speculation must cease. All habits originate in the subconscious mind, which wields more power than ordinary conscious life. Through the practice of Yog, you can influence, control, and transform these subconscious depths.

Yogic Thought-culture & Method of Substitution

1. The eradication of vices and the cultivation of virtues form the first step on the ladder of Yog. The next step is disciplining your nature and developing a steady, pure character through right habits and regular daily observances. Upon this firm foundation of virtuous character, the further structure of Yog is built.

2. If you dwell repeatedly on an impure thought, it gains strength and momentum. You must drive it away immediately. If this proves difficult, substitute it with counter-thoughts of God.

3. By repeating God’s Name thousands of times daily, good thoughts gain strength. If evil thoughts enter your mind, do not try to drive them away by force of will—you will only exhaust yourself. The more you struggle, the more quickly and powerfully these thoughts return. Instead, remain indifferent and quiet; they will pass away on their own. Alternatively, substitute them with positive counter-thoughts (the Pratipaksha Bhavana method), or repeatedly focus on the picture of God and the Mantra, or pray sincerely.

The Importance of Thought-culture

1. Thought-culture is a vital subject, yet very few understand its art or science. Most people are victims of random thinking. All sorts of loose, chaotic thoughts enter and leave the mental factory without order. There is neither rhythm nor reasoning, no concord, no discipline—only utter chaos and confusion. Ideas remain unclear, and the mind cannot focus on a single subject even for two minutes in an orderly, systematic manner.

2. In the beginning of thought-culture, an internal struggle arises between pure and impure thoughts. Impure thoughts repeatedly try to enter the mental factory. But remember, positive always overcomes negative. Ultimately, pure thoughts will prevail. Sattva is a greater power than Rajas and Tamas.

3. The prime requisite for happiness is mastery over one’s thoughts. Thought is the bridge that connects the human with the Divine. Good thoughts are the first perfection, and thought itself is real wealth. Drive away all unnecessary, useless, and obnoxious thoughts from your mind. Useless thoughts impede your spiritual growth, while obnoxious thoughts become stumbling blocks on the path of spiritual advancement. When you entertain such thoughts, you distance yourself from God.

4. Entertain only thoughts that are noble and useful, for they are stepping-stones to spiritual growth and progress. Do not let the mind slip back into its old grooves, habits, and ways. Be ever watchful, steady, and alert.

5. Bring peace and solace to others. Do not cause even the slightest pain or unhappiness to anyone. Then you become a blessed soul on earth—a mighty power who can help many, heal thousands, and uplift countless lives with spirituality and light.

Avoid Thoughts of Another Man’s Defects

1. The mind naturally takes the shape of whatever it intensely contemplates. If you dwell on the faults or vices of another, your own mind absorbs those very defects, at least for the time being.

2. One who understands this psychological law will avoid criticising or finding fault in others. Instead, he will focus on seeing the good in them and offering praise. Such a practice strengthens Yog and deepens spiritual growth.

Last Thought Determines Next Birth

1. The last thought of a man shapes his future destiny and determines his next birth. As Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita (8:6): ‘Whatever state of being one remembers at the time of death, that state he will attain without fail.

2. The final thought of a man reflects the deepest attachment of his life. For the licentious man, it will be of his woman; for the greedy money-lender, it will be of his wealth; and for the mother bound by intense love for her only son, it will be of her child. Thus, whatever the heart clings to most strongly becomes the guiding thought at the moment of departure.

3. King Bharat, out of compassion, once cared for a young deer. Over time, his heart became deeply attached to it. At the moment of his death, his final thought was of the deer, and as a result, he was reborn as one. Yet, because he was an advanced soul, he retained the memory of his past life.

4. The last thought of a person will be the thought of God only if that person has disciplined his mind all throughout his life and has tried to fix it on the Lord through constant practice. It cannot come by a practice in a day or two, in a week or a month. It is a life-long endeavour and struggle.

5. Even those who directed hatred and negative emotions toward Lord Krishna—such as Kans through fear, and Sisupal through hatred—were ultimately purified and attained Him. Thus, whatever the nature of one’s focus, when it is fixed on the Lord, it leads to liberation.

6. Lord Krishna says in the Gita, “Whoever constantly thinks of Me intensely and with one-pointed mind, to such steadfast Yogis, I am easily attainable; and having thus reached Me and merged in Me, he is not born again in the fleeting world of woe and misery. O Arjun! While all the worlds created by Brahma are limited by time and have their moment of dissolution on reaching Me, there is no rebirth; therefore at all times, meditate on Me, with mind and intellect fixed on Me. Doubtless, you will attain Me” (Chapter: VIII-14, 15, 16).

The Background of Sattvic Thought

1. The vast majority of people seek something concrete to hold on to, which is why cultivating Sattvic thoughts is essential. The mind takes the form of whatever it dwells upon intensely. Therefore, train the mind with care and nourish it with pure, Sattvic impressions for true assimilation and growth.

2. You must cultivate a Sattvic foundation of thought to reach the ultimate goal of liberation. Live and work in the world, but whenever the mind is free, turn it toward the background of thought—be it Sagun, through mantra or japa, or Nirguna, through meditation on OM or the formless—according to your temperament and capacity for Sadhana. With constant practice, the mind develops the habit, and in time it will naturally flow toward this higher background without effort.

3. It is indeed a pity that the vast majority of people live without an ideal, without a guiding programme of life, and without a Sattvic background of thought. Such a person is bound to stumble and fail. The worldly-minded remain entangled in sexual cravings, hatred, attachment, anger, and jealousy. The only true remedy for this intoxication of worldliness, this delusion and charm of Maya, is constant Satsang—the uplifting company of Sadhus and Sannyasins. Their holy presence alone can purify the mind and turn it toward the Divine.

4. Old habits of loose and wandering thought must be steadily replaced by the cultivation of noble and uplifting thoughts. This is not an easy task—you will have to struggle, for old habits will rise up again and again to assert themselves. Until you are firmly established in the discipline of pure thinking, you must repeatedly fill your mind with Sattvic impressions: divine reflections, the wisdom of the Gita, the inspiring lives of Lord Krishna and Lord Ram, and the teachings of the Upanishads. In this way, new Sanskars will be created. Gradually, the mind will acquire purity and concentration will arise naturally, without strain.

5. When the senses are withdrawn and the mind becomes still, a higher stage dawns—a state beyond all contact with sense-objects. This is the state of bliss, of pure consciousness, where the fire of awareness burns away the Sanskaras that bind one to birth and death. Know that attachment is death. You cling to body, wife, children, property, home, and place—thinking they give you pleasure. Yet wherever there is attachment, there arise anger, fear, and restless Vasanas. If you truly seek God-realization, you must sever these ties of attachment. The very first step is detachment from the body itself, with which you are so deeply identified.

The Pure Consciousness and Freedom of Thoughts

1. Through constant and intense practice of Yog and Sadhana, you can become waveless, thought-free. Ordinary people can hardly grasp this point. When you are waveless you actually permeate and pervade every atom of the universe, purify and elevate the whole world.

2. When a desire arises, the ordinary person welcomes it and seeks to fulfil it, but the aspirant immediately renounces it through the power of discrimination (Vivek-Buddhi). The wise regard even the smallest spark of desire as a great danger, and therefore they do not allow any kind of desire to take root in the mind. You can attain Gyan (right knowledge) only if you are free from sensuous desires and immoral mental states. Then only will Divine Light descend.

3. Thinking is the very beginning of creation. It means externalisation and objectification. Through thinking arises differentiation, qualities, and multiplicity. It is thinking that causes identification with the body, giving rise to the notions of ‘I’ and ‘mine.’ Stop this thinking through Vairagya (detachment/dispassion) and Abhyas (constant practise) , and merge yourself in the Pure Consciousness. Where there is no thinking (Jivanmukti).

Chapter 9: From Thoughts to Thought-Transcendence

Thoughts and Life

1. Man thinks of sensual objects and becomes attached to them. From attachment arises desire; from desire comes anger when it is obstructed; from anger springs delusion; from delusion comes loss of memory; from loss of memory, the destruction of reason; and with reason destroyed, man falls into ruin. If you seek everlasting peace, do not dwell on objects of the senses, but turn your thought ever to the immortal, blissful Atman.

2. Desires themselves are harmless. They gain strength only through the power of thought. When man contemplates the objects of the senses, he imagines they will bring him immense pleasure. This imagination fuels and excites desire. Thus, imagination works hand in hand with desire, invigorating and giving it life.

Character, Actions, Peace, and Strength

1. Man is not a creature of circumstances. His thoughts are the architects of his circumstances. A man of character builds a life out of circumstances. He steadily perseveres and plods. He does not look back. He marches forward bravely. He is not afraid of obstacles. He never frets and fumes. He never gets discouraged or disappointed. He is full of vigor, energy, vim, and vitality. He is ever zealous and enthusiastic.

2. Thoughts are the bricks with which character is built. Character is not born; it is formed. Build your character, and you can shape your life. Character must stand behind and back up everything, it opens a sure and easy way to wealth, honour, success and happiness. A man of good character enjoys life herein and hereafter. Strong character is formed by strong and noble thinking.

3. Actions of the mind are considered the true Karmas (deeds). Mental actions hold greater importance than bodily actions. Thoughts and actions are interconnected.

4. The fewer desires you have, the fewer your thoughts will be. Become absolutely desireless. The wheel of mind will stop entirely. If you reduce your wants and work to eliminate desires one by one, the frequency and length of your thoughts will diminish. Fewer the thoughts, greater the peace, mental strength and concentration.

Sacred Thoughts, Energy and Thoughts That Bind

1. As you think, so you become. Thought makes one either a saint or a sinner. By shaping thought, you shape your being: "Think that you are Divine, and Divine you become." Sacred thoughts generate and sustain other divine thoughts. Every useless thought is a waste of energy and an obstacle to spiritual growth. Every thought must have a purpose.

2. The mind initially creates attachment to the body and sensory objects, binding a person to these attachments. This attachment is driven by Rajas (activity, passion). Sattva (purity) brings non-attachment and fosters discrimination and renunciation in the mind. It is the Rajasic mind that generates the concepts of "I" and "mine" and creates divisions based on body, caste, creed, color, and social order.

From Pure Thoughts to Transcendental Experience and Raj Yog Techniques

1. Thoughts are of two kinds: pure thoughts and impure thoughts. Desire to do virtuous actions, Japa, meditation, study of religious books, etc., is pure thought. A desire to go to cinema or to seek sex-relations, is impure thought. Impure thoughts should be destroyed by the increase of pure thoughts. Thoughts gain strength by repetition of sensual enjoyments. Sensual enjoyments leave subtle impressions on the mind.

2. The natural state of the mind is Sattva (purity and harmony), but it is influenced by Rajas (passion and activity) and Tamas (ignorance and inertia). These qualities are temporarily superimposed upon Sattva and can be removed through Sadhana (spiritual discipline), which includes Tapasya (austerities), Japa, Pratyahar (sense control) selfless service and worship. Once you develop the Daivi Sampada or divine qualities, Rajas and Tamas will perish on their own.

3. Substitute pure thoughts for impure thoughts. This is the method of Raj Yog. However, to reach the highest state of spiritual realisation, one must transcend even pure thoughts and reach a state of thoughtlessness, where the mind rests in its true nature (Swarup). Only in this state can the ultimate reality, Brahman, be revealed as clearly as seeing a fruit in the palm of your hand.

Vedantic Technique for Thought-Transcendence

1. When disturbing thoughts and emotions overwhelm you, adopt an attitude of indifference (Udasin). Turn inward and reflect: Who am I? Why has this Vritti (mental modification) arisen? Remind yourself: I am not the mind. I am Satchidananda—existence, consciousness, and bliss. As the unattached witness (Sakshi), no thought or emotion can touch your true Self. This is the heart of Vedantic Sadhana—steady self-inquiry and persistent practice. Through this Vichar (self-reflection), the storm of thoughts and emotions gradually dissolves into silence.

Chapter 10: The Metaphysics of Thought Power

Thought Power and Practical Idealism

1. Man often descends from bad to worse on the scale of life. He fails to fully engage in meaningful actions, while negativity brews in his mind because his life is not aligned with the right energy. A wise person, however, stands unshaken, like an island untouched by floods. His positive thoughts radiate outward, like the fragrance of flowers that spreads far and wide. A holy thought, even if unspoken, holds immense power. It endures obstacles and emerges stronger, unshaken by the challenges of the world.

2. Whatever you harbour deep within your heart will manifest in your life. Nothing occurs by mere chance. Therefore, you must strive to refine your thinking. Your present experiences and the state of your life are the result of thoughts, feelings, and actions accumulated over countless past lives. Similarly, the thoughts you nurture today will shape your future self. This pattern of thought cannot be broken easily; it requires sustained effort and consistent practice over time. Believe in the power of self-reliance and personal effort, for they are essential in shaping your destiny.

3. You are influenced by things only to the extent that your thoughts give them power. No external environment can affect you unless your inner mind aligns with it. Do not allow your mind to be burdened by material or coarse thoughts. Recognise that life has three aspects: physical, mental, and spiritual. Most people remain overly attached to the physical, but you must rise above bodily sensations and cravings. The fleeting pleasures of time and place—the illusions that once captivated you—ultimately leave only disappointment.

4. Your mind is omnipotent, capable of achieving anything. Thoughts carry creative power, and your reality is shaped by the ideas you hold. No external force determines your fate; it is your own thoughts and efforts that shape your life. Every blessing or hardship you experience is a direct result of your thinking and actions.

5. Whatever you desire can be realised, sooner or later, depending on the intensity and effort behind it. Whatever a pure mind firmly believes will eventually come to pass. Develop a pure mind, and whatever objects or worlds you desire will be within your reach. Cultivate strong determination, for no one can withstand the power of a resolute mind. Thoughts gain power in proportion to their intensity, depth, and warmth, becoming potent when cherished repeatedly. Constantly thinking, desiring, or imagining the same idea greatly contributes to its eventual materialisation.

6. Your body is your objectified thought. When your thoughts change, the body will also change. Thought is a force that can change, transform, or at least modify, almost anything in the human system.

7. When you worry about worldly experiences, a disturbing mental turbulence arises in your mind. This mental disturbance disrupts the smooth and regular flow of vital currents. When these currents flow improperly, the Nadis become disorganised—some receiving excess energy, others too little. As a result, the entire system falls out of balance. In this way, mental disharmony is the root cause of physical ailments, which can be cured only by addressing the underlying cause. If you want to live long and lead a sensible and healthy life cherish good thoughts.

8. Purify your thoughts through noble actions and by associating with the wise. When your thoughts are purified, the vital currents begin to flow properly, cleansing the entire system. Every good thought stimulates the heart, enhances digestion, and supports the normal functioning of all glands.

9. Contentment is another name for harmony of the mind. When your thoughts do not wander toward external objects and you feel self-satisfied, you experience a unique state of joy. If you are happy within, everything around you appears good and pleasing. When thoughts of purity radiate from you, the Eternal Law begins to support your life.

Some Thought-seeds

1. True knowledge is spiritual consciousness—it is the awareness of one’s real nature. Knowledge involves right discernment, correct evaluation, wisdom, and a perfect understanding of oneself and others. Right thought leads to right action and, ultimately, to a right life.

2. Beauty is essentially spiritual. True beauty resides in the heart; it is reflected in one’s character. Love is self-denial and selflessness. It is unbounded goodwill, mercy, compassion, and tolerance toward all beings.

3. The body is temporary, but the spirit within is eternal. It is part of the cosmic Spirit, appearing individual due to karma. When the body dies, only karma accompanies the soul, guiding it toward either liberation or rebirth. Therefore, one should live with love, kindness, forgiveness, and detachment—avoiding harm to others and refraining from creating new karma while resolving the old.

4. With a little contentment, discrimination, devotion to God, and self-surrender to His will—combined with detachment, non-expectation from others, and unshakable faith in one’s spiritual principles and code of conduct—life becomes easier, more meaningful, and truly happier.

5. When facing difficulties, one should first examine the cause. True trouble arises from ignoring it. If the cause is addressed, difficulties diminish, becoming merely accidental. The world is a great school, offering ample opportunities for people to refine and mould themselves into better individuals. Trials and hardships should strengthen character, rather than create complexes or limitations.

6. The Guru’s grace is always with the disciple—unreserved and unconditional. Its benefit, however, depends on the disciple’s self-discipline, faith, and purity, determining whether it is embraced or overlooked. The Guru dwells in the hearts of all disciples; some are aware of this, while others are not. The living presence of the Guru within is the disciple’s greatest treasure.

Chapter 11: Thought Power for God-Realisation

Life—An Interplay of Thoughts

1. The thoughts you hold will manifest in your life. If you are courageous, cheerful, compassionate, tolerant, and kind, these qualities will reflect in your daily life. Guard your good thoughts as an alert watchman guards a treasure.

Thought Results in Spiritual Experience

1. When the mind intensely contemplates something, it assumes the shape of that object. If you constantly meditate on Lord Krishna, you will become one with Him—just as molten gold takes the shape of the crucible into which it is poured. Therefore, the mind must be properly trained and nourished with pure, sattvic impressions for true assimilation.

2. The thoughts that dominate your mind during the day continue to influence it in dreams. With purity and concentration, you can shape the mind to assume any Bhav (feeling or emotion) you choose. If you dwell on mercy, your whole being becomes saturated with mercy. If you dwell on peace, your entire being becomes pervaded with peace.

3. Always observe your Bhavana—the feelings that arise in your mind. Keep your Bhavana sattvic, and continually cultivate Brahma-Bhavana—the attitude of seeing divinity in everything. The thoughts you create in your mind and the images you form in daily life shape who you are and who you become. If you constantly think of Lord Krishna, you will ultimately become one with Him.

4. Your mind must be emptied of all worldly thoughts and filled only with thoughts of God. Avoid unnecessary words and distractions, and remain centred on what truly matters—the remembrance of God.

Divine Thoughts for Freedom from Diseases

1. Entertaining divine thoughts is one of the most powerful remedies for maintaining health and overcoming disease. The vibrations produced through Kirtan (devotional singing), Japa (repetition of God’s name or mantra), and regular meditation can electrify, rejuvenate, and energise the body’s cells, tissues, and nerves.

2. Regular study of the Bhagvad Gita—even a chapter or two with meaning—guides the mind toward right path. Spend time in the company of saints and the wise. When the mind is engaged in spiritual pursuits and flows in divine grooves, it generates peaceful and harmonious vibrations. This not only fosters excellent mental health but also protects against physical ailments.

Thought-culture by Knowledge & Devotion

1. Do not identify yourself with thoughts. Maintain an indifferent attitude toward them, and they will gradually fade on their own. Mentally affirm: “I am the thoughtless Atman. I have nothing to do with these false mental images and passing thoughts. Let them come and go—I remain unconcerned.”

2. Detach yourself from thoughts, Vasanas (latent desires), and the mind—the thinking principle itself. Identify with the innermost Self and remain as the silent witness (Sakshi).

3. Another method is the devotional path, known as Bhakti Yog. Fix your mind on the form of a chosen deity—Lord Hari, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, or even your Guru. Continuously invoke this divine image until all other thoughts dissolve. This approach is especially effective for those who walk the path of devotion.

Practice of Yog & State of Thoughtlessness

1. Life is a journey—from impurity to purity, from hatred to universal love, from death to immortality, from imperfection to perfection, from slavery to freedom, from diversity to unity, from ignorance to eternal wisdom, from pain to eternal bliss, and from weakness to infinite strength.

2. Through the practice of Yog you can overcome all difficulties and eradicate every weakness. Yog has the power to transmute pain into bliss, death into immortality, sorrow into joy, failure into success, and sickness into perfect health. By its practice, you will naturally draw all beings toward you—even the gods will respond to your call. Therefore, master and direct the power of thought, and remain steadfast in the practice of Yog.

3. Generally, there is little genuine spiritual awakening in people; most are merely curious about acquiring psychic or Yogic powers. One remains far from God as long as any hidden desire for Siddhis (supernatural powers) persists. Transform your worldly nature first. When you become completely desireless, thoughtless, and free from mental fluctuations (Vrittis), the Kundalini will naturally ascend through the power of purity. Guidance and answers will then come spontaneously from within.

4. A Yogi who has mastered the power of thought radiates a magnetic and captivating presence. Those who come into contact with such a Yogi experience joy, peace, and inner strength. His mere presence uplifts minds, and his words inspire and elevate the consciousness of others.

Chapter 12: Thought Power For A New Civilisation

Pure Thoughts—Their Impact on the World

1. Evil thoughts are harmful not only to the individual but also to the world. They pollute the collective field of thought, affecting others. Moreover, such thoughts are often the root cause of many diseases, as illness originates from the impurity of the mind. In contrast, those who cultivate good, sublime, and divine thoughts bring immense benefits to themselves and to the world. Their positive energy radiates joy, hope, peace, and solace, reaching even those who are far away.

2. Karma is action and also the law of cause and effect. Unlike animals or plants, humans create karma because they can think and discern right from wrong. Thoughts are powerful and shape life, so they must be used wisely to benefit others; if misused, they bring harmful consequences.

Thought Power for an Ideal Life, Service and Spiritual Progress

1. Different people have different mental and physical capacities, as well as varying intellectual strengths. Therefore, each person should choose an ideal suited to their temperament and abilities, and pursue it with great enthusiasm. All your energy, nerve-force, and willpower should be devoted to the realisation of that ideal. Blessed is the person who elevates their thoughts, upholds an ideal, and struggles earnestly to live by it, for they will soon attain God-consciousness.

2. Many today follow the Epicurean philosophy of “Eat, drink, and be merry”—a materialistic, pleasure-seeking lifestyle embraced by countless people. However, this path, associated with the Asuras (demons) and Rakshasas (evil spirits), ultimately leads only to misery and sorrow. A human birth is rare and precious, yet many fail to realise this truth.

3. Just as energy is wasted in idle talk and gossip, mental energy is squandered when we entertain useless thoughts. Therefore, do not waste energy even on a single negative thought. Every iota of mental energy should be preserved. To grow spiritually, it is essential to eliminate unnecessary thoughts, as they hinder progress and pull you further from God. Guard the mind carefully against its natural tendency to revert to old patterns and habits.

4. Like attracts like—evil thoughts draw in other evil thoughts, while good thoughts attract positive and uplifting ones. Thoughts are dynamic forces, and we must be mindful of the energy we project into the world.

How to build a new civilisation?

1. Promote research in spirituality, religion, and all that is good in life. Support philosophers and saints—the true benefactors of mankind. Encourage their study of religion and research into ancient spiritual literature. Suppress all works that pollute the minds of the young, and fill their hearts and minds with wholesome thoughts, ideas, and ideals.

2. Thought makes man, and man makes civilisation. A powerful force of thought underlies every great event in life and in the history of the world. Behind all discoveries, inventions, religions, and philosophies lies thought. Thought is expressed in words and realised through deeds. Hence the saying: “As you think, so you become.”