The mind is responsible for the feelings of pleasure and pain. Control of the mind is the highest Yoga

The mind is responsible for the feelings of pleasure and pain. Control of the mind is the highest Yoga

In the teachings of Swami Sivananda, a prominent figure in the world of yoga and spirituality, the concept of the mind being responsible for the feelings of pleasure and pain is a central theme. According to Sivananda, the mind is a powerful force that can either bring us joy and contentment or lead us into suffering and despair. It is through the control and mastery of the mind that one can achieve true happiness and liberation from the cycle of pleasure and pain.

Sivananda believed that the mind is the root cause of all our experiences, both positive and negative. It is the mind that interprets external stimuli and determines whether they bring us pleasure or pain. By learning to control the mind, we can learn to navigate through life's ups and downs with equanimity and grace.

The practice of yoga, according to Sivananda, is a powerful tool for gaining control over the mind. Through practices such as meditation, pranayama (breath control), and asanas (physical postures), one can train the mind to focus and concentrate, leading to a state of inner peace and tranquility. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness and awareness, one can begin to observe the fluctuations of the mind and detach from its constant chatter and distractions.

Sivananda believed that true mastery of the mind is the highest form of yoga. By gaining control over the mind, one can transcend the limitations of the ego and connect with the divine essence within. This state of union with the higher self is the ultimate goal of yoga, leading to a sense of oneness with all of creation and a deep sense of inner peace.