About the Mind (Citta)

From Yoga

We can divide the mind as our:

• ability to think (manas)
• intelligence to make choices (buddhi)
• sense of ourselves (ahamkara).

Even though we have the ability to think we do not have control over what kind of thoughts (images/sensations) are manifested. So our ability to think/visualize has more to do with invitation. We can invite certain thoughts and try to block other thoughts.

In this aspect the action of the mind is similar to learning a new language. The more you bring your attention to new words the more you will remember and eventually the knowledge will become completely natural.

From here everything becomes a little clearer. We become aware of the vast building resources of our mind's universe and now we come to the idea of making choices.

There is not a single moment where we don't have to choose between infinite possibilities. Our lives are based on those choices. Hence the connotation of the word intelligence with the word skillfulness. Intelligent also means conscious. Through the process of witnessing the choices we make we become more skillful and more intelligent. In turn we start making choices that are more loving towards ourselves and others.

Here we come to the sense of I-ness (ahamkara) where we believe that it is us who are making choices. The I-ness is the most dangerous part of the mind, because it creates labels that describe us. Identifying ourselves with certain thoughts puts limitations on our choices, which are in fact always an infinite pool of possibilities.

The only way to counteract the I-ness is by sharpening our skills of observation. Observing our universe (the physical universe as well as the universe of our mind) with care and attention allows us to see choices that we did not see before. It allows us to understand our suffering and joy and it allows a much finer navigation of our lives.

By seeing other possibilities our mind truly wakes up and becomes our faithful ally.