Conquering the Battle Within : Mind and Lust

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the incessant chatter of your mind and the relentless urges of lust? How do you currently cope with the distractions of your mind and the temptations of lust in your daily life? Have you ever explored spiritual teachings to help guide you towards mental clarity and emotional balance?

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world we live in, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant demands and distractions that bombard us on a daily basis. As we navigate through the complexities of life, we often find ourselves grappling with inner conflicts, battling our own desires and impulses. 

The mind is a powerful and complex aspect of our being, often likened to a monkey that is constantly restless and jumping from one thought to another. It is the seat of our emotions, desires, and intellect, shaping our perceptions and influencing our actions. Lust, in its essence, is a strong desire or craving for something, often of a physical nature. It can manifest in various forms, from a longing for material possessions to an insatiable appetite for sensory pleasures. This intense craving can lead individuals astray from their true purpose and cloud their judgment, hindering their spiritual growth and overall well-being.

The journey towards mastering the mind is not an easy one, as it requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to confront one's innermost fears and insecurities. By facing these challenges head-on and working through them with mindfulness and self-awareness, one can begin to unravel the complexities of their own minds and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Controlling the mind may pose challenges, but in Srimad Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna assures us that it is not an impossible task:

asaṁśayaṁ mahā-bāho

mano durnigrahaṁ calam

abhyāsena tu kaunteya

vairāgyeṇa ca gṛhyate

"O mighty-armed son of Kuntī, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment." ( BG 6.35 )

Srila Prabhupada mentions in the purport : "The difficulty of controlling the obstinate mind, as expressed by Arjuna, is accepted by the Personality of Godhead. But at the same time He suggests that by practice and detachment it is possible. What is that practice? In the present age no one can observe the strict rules and regulations of placing oneself in a sacred place, focusing the mind on the Super soul, restraining the senses and mind, observing celibacy, remaining alone, etc. By the practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, however, one engages in nine types of devotional service to the Lord." 

Various techniques and practices can help in taming the unruly nature of the mind. Such as hearing the transcendental activities of Krishna (the first process of nine types of devotional service to the Lord : 'shravanam') , mindfulness meditation on His beautiful form, chanting 'Hare Krishna' mahamantra, accepting foods offered to Him, avoid things that agitate mind and positive affirmations etc. Srimad Bhagavad Gita serves as a timeless guide for those seeking to enhance their mental well-being and find inner peace. By cultivating awareness and practicing mindfulness, one can observe their thoughts without being consumed by them, leading to a sense of calm and clarity.

 In order to counteract the negative impact of lust, it is very important to develop a deep understanding of ourselves and engage in self-reflection. By identifying the factors that stimulate feelings of lust, we can effectively tackle them from their core. According to the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises controlling lust from the outset by disciplining the senses and mind (verse 3.41). He further instructs conquering lust through steadying the mind with spiritual wisdom and fortitude (verse 3.43) :

evaṁ buddheḥ paraṁ buddhvā

saṁstabhyātmānam ātmanā

jahi śatruṁ mahā-bāho

kāma-rūpaṁ durāsadam

"Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, O mighty-armed Arjuna, one should steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence [Kṛṣṇa consciousness] and thus – by spiritual strength – conquer this insatiable enemy known as lust." (BG 3.43)

Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport : "...but by the strength of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one can control the material senses, the mind and the intelligence. One may not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden; but by gradually developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one can be situated in a transcendental position without being influenced by the material senses and the mind – by steady intelligence directed toward one’s pure identity."

In another purport he mentions, "In the human form of life, one can conquer the enemy, lust, by cultivation of Krishna consciousness under able guidance." (BG 3.38)

Another reference from 'Memories Anecdotes of a Modern Day Saint' - Volume 2 by Siddhanta Dasa: 

"Dina Bandhu: We were walking down the beach, and Dr. Judah said, "Prabhupada, what does one do about lust?" Prabhupada stopped and dug his cane in the sand. He said, "You have to become Krishna conscious, otherwise there is no solution to lust." Then he walked on. Again he repeated, "If you become Krishna conscious, then this question of lust is solved. You cannot solve it any other way." Prabhupada was saying that you can do so many things; you can cut down eating sweets, you can have defense mechanisms like saying that women are snakes and this and that, but only by becoming Krishna conscious can you overcome lust."

In essence, by aligning our actions with our higher purpose (Krishna consciousness) and embracing a mindset of detachment and equanimity, we can harness the power of our inner strength to control our mind and navigate life's challenges such as lust.

Embracing True Friendship

Friendship is a fundamental aspect of our lives, providing us with companionship, support and a sense of belonging. When it comes to the material world, friendships often encompass provisions, anticipations, and self-centered intentions. We seek friendships that fulfill our material desires, boost our egos, or offer some form of convenience. When our friendships are based on these conditions, they become transactional rather than genuine connections. The pursuit of material desires can blind us to the genuine qualities of our friends. We may overlook their kindness , loyalty and genuine care for us in favor of those who can provide us with material benefits. In doing so, we risk losing the true essence of friendship and the deep connections that can be formed when we look beyond the material world. It is possible to rise above these limited friendships and cultivate a more profound bond - turning towards Krishna. In our pursuit of happiness , we often look to friendships and relationships to fill the void within us. We seek validation, companionship and a sense of belonging. However, the material world offers only temporary solutions to our eternal quest for fulfillment. The more we rely on others to complete us, the more we become entangled in a never-ending cycle of expectations and disappointments. This propensity is thoughtfully explained by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in SB 4.28.53 purport : "The Supreme Lord is the supreme friend of everyone, no one can take advantage of the supreme friend's instructions while making his own plans to become happy and entangling himself in the modes of material nature." Despite our attempts in the material world to replace our innate bond with the Supreme Personality of Krishna through temporary relationships, we are unable to quench our eternal thirst for authentic friendship. By turning towards Krishna, we can find true fulfillment. Krishna is the ultimate source of happiness, and His friendship offers us a deep sense of contentment and inner peace. When we develop a personal relationship with Krishna, we tap into an infinite reservoir of love and joy that can never be exhausted. Krishna becomes our constant companion , guiding us through life's challenges and showering us with His causeless mercy. Cultivating spiritual friendships (association of devotees) can be a transformative experience. These friendships are grounded in a shared commitment to spiritual growth and a mutual desire to deepen our connection with the supreme Lord Krishna. When we surround ourselves with the devotees who also strive to turn towards Krishna, we create a supportive and nurturing environment for our spiritual journey. Under the guidance of a bonafied spiritual master, people can develop a deep and close bond with Krishna, cultivating a meaningful relationship. One can start by engaging in devotional practices such as chanting His holy names, studying scriptures that describe Lord Krishna's pastimes and teachings, and offering prayers from the heart .

Chanting and meditating on Krishna's holy names is a very powerful way to establish a direct connection with Him. The repetition of the 'Hare Krishna'  mahamantra, helps to purify the mind and soul, thus awaken the dormant love for Krishna within our hearts. This practice allows us to experience the blissful presence of Krishna and develop an intimate friendship with Him.

Service is a fundamental aspect of any friendship, and the same holds true in our relationship with Krishna. By engaging in selfless acts of devotional services, we not only express our love for Him but also experience a profound spiritual connection. Whether it is through offering prayers , deity worship or serving in His temples , every act of service brings us closer to Krishna and deepens our bond of friendship . 

These activities help us connect with Krishna on a deeper level and create a sense of intimacy and closeness. One of the most beautiful aspects of having Krishna as our best friend is that we can turn to Him for guidance and support in all aspects of our life. Lord Krishna is not an abstract concept, He is situated in our hearts, who cares deeply for each of the living entities. 

"aham ātmā guḍākeśa

sarva-bhūtāśaya-sthitaḥ

aham ādiś ca madhyaṁ ca

bhūtānām anta eva ca"  ( BG 10.20 )

[ Translation : I am the Supersoul, O Arjuna, seated in the hearts of all living entities. I am the beginning, the middle and the end of all beings.]

Throughout countless lifetimes, Krishna has been our protector, ensuring our safety and well-being even before we are born into this world. Even during our time in the womb of our mother, Krishna shields us.

In this material world, we often search for happiness in external relationships and material possessions, only to find that they are temporary and fleeting. But by accepting Krishna as our best friend, we discover a love and happiness that transcends the limitations of this material existence.

In conclusion, the eternal friendship with Krishna is a sublime relationship that surpasses all worldly bonds. It offers solace, guidance and protection, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By nurturing this divine connection through love, service and meditation, devotees can experience the eternal presence of Lord Krishna in their lives.

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Let Go, Let Krishna : The Art of Surrender

Surrendering to Krishna can provide a sense of connection and unity with something greater than yourself, reminding you that you are never alone in your struggles. By opening yourself up to the guidance and support of your ever well-wisher Krishna, you can tap into a source of spiritual wisdom and love that can help you navigate through even the darkest of times. This act of surrender can bring about a sense of spiritual growth and transformation, allowing you to emerge from challenging times with a renewed sense of purpose and faith in the journey ahead. Queen Kunti prayed to the Lord ( SB 1.8.25 ) :

vipadaḥ santu tāḥ śaśvat

tatra tatra jagad-guro

bhavato darśanaṁ yat syād

apunar bhava-darśanam

[Translation : I wish that all those calamities would happen again and again so that we could see You again and again, for seeing You means that we will no longer see repeated births and deaths.]

Challenging times, often seen as obstacles in life, but for devotees (just like queen Kunti) hold a special significance as they perceive them as blessings and mercy from the Lord. These difficult moments serve as opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and strengthening one's faith. Devotees understand that it is during these challenging times that Krishna's mercy and support are most evident, guiding them through the trials and tribulations of life. By embracing these challenges with unwavering faith and surrendering to the Lord's will, devotees find comfort in knowing that they are not alone and that the Lord's divine plan is unfolding in their lives. They understand that by surrendering to the Lord, they are releasing themselves from the burdens of material attachments and allowing themselves to be guided by their supreme master. This process of surrender requires patience, trust, and a deep sense of faith in Krishna's divine plans. A spiritual master is a living example who guides devotees in the process of surrendering to Krishna. Through His own embodiment of spiritual principles and practices, a bonafied spiritual master demonstrates what it means to surrender to the supreme personality of Godhead. By constant observing and following His divine footsteps, individuals can gain inspiration and motivation to deepen their own surrender and connection to the Lord. Prayer also serves as a constant reminder of the devotee's eternal connection to the Lord, fostering a sense of devotion and gratitude in their hearts. The practice of mantra meditation/ chanting plays a crucial role in the process of surrendering to Krishna. Devotees of the Lord come together to listen to spiritual discourses, engage in discussions, and share their experiences and insights hold a significant role in this process. And finally surrendering allows them to let go of material attachment and develop profound attachment to Krishna, the supreme friend!