Mind the Mind (September 2025 Newsletter)

Photo Credit: Tai Pimputkar

Our consciousness determines who we are and what we do. But what is consciousness? It could be described as those emotions that are sent to the mind/brain by how the body responds to its environment. Without realizing it, many of us follow what the mind finds appealing. It is consciousness that wills which unknown next step we take on our journey. It sometimes has little to do with the reason/rationality, buddhi (intellect), or the mind, manas/mana. The two words are commonly used interchangeably but there is a difference. Manas is the mind which is emotional and wants to always follow what is pleasing to oneself. An example of this would be when the manas says “I don’t feel like it” or “I’d love to” while the buddhi says “I have to do this”. When one’s practices and beliefs are based on the manas, the practice is known as Bhakti Yoga. In other practices, reason plays a strong role and is known as Jnana Yoga.

While focusing on Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga in this brief article, one must not forget the other major practices. Karma Yoga, the practice and focus or service, and Bhakti Yoga or devotional practice.

No practice is better or worse than another. Whatever appeals to the practitioner is the right one for them, so long as it is consistent, and practiced with purity and focus. It can be religious, agnostic or atheistic.

At the end of any practice you choose, remember to shake off your hands and feet, massage neck and shoulders, slap your face, and pull on your ears, it’ll make you feel like new again.

Namasté,

sipra