Mind & Intelligence -3
मना श्रेष्ठ धारिष्ट जीवी धरावे । मना बोलणे नीच सोशीत जावे ॥ स्वये सर्वदा नम्र वाचे वदावे । मना सर्व लोकांसि रे नीववावे ॥ ७ ॥
Oh, my Mind! in your heart great courage hold, Oh, my Mind! and insults do endure; Humble words always utter, Oh, my Mind! to everyone, refreshing joy do of
This verse from Manache Shlok by Samarth Ramdas encourages the mind to cultivate patience, humility, and the ability to spread joy through actions and speech. Let’s break it down further:
1. “Oh, my Mind! in your heart great courage hold”
This line urges us to be brave in facing life’s challenges, especially the inner battles with pride, anger, or ego. Courage here isn’t just about physical strength but the inner strength to maintain a calm and composed demeanour in all situations.
A sadhak (spiritual aspirant) often encounters difficulties in harmonizing Parmarth (spiritual pursuit) with Prapancha (worldly responsibilities). Balancing these dual paths can be daunting, and fear often threatens to undermine their resolve. In such moments, unwavering faith in the Sadguru becomes the guiding force, instilling the courage to persevere and move forward without giving up.
2. “Oh, my Mind! and insults do endure”
Tolerance and forbearance are emphasized here. Insults or harsh words are inevitable, but reacting with anger or bitterness only adds to suffering. By enduring insults with patience, one rises above negativity and retains peace of mind.
3. “Humble words always utter, Oh, my Mind!”
This verse highlights the transformative power of kind and humble speech. Words can heal or harm, build or destroy, and speaking with humility fosters goodwill, harmony, and mutual respect. True humility in speech reflects inner strength, wisdom, and self-awareness.
The tongue, often likened to a double-edged sword, holds the power to shape destinies. The epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata remind us of this truth—Lord Rama’s exile and the catastrophic war at Kurukshetra were consequences of thoughtless or ego-driven words exchanged by key characters.
A true sadhak understands this potency and exercises utmost care in their speech, ensuring that their words are always imbued with truth, kindness, and compassion..
4. “To everyone refreshing joy do offer”
This line captures the essence of a life rooted in positivity and service. By spreading joy through our actions, words, and thoughts, we create an atmosphere of harmony and upliftment. Joy shared selflessly returns manifold, enriching both the giver and the receiver.
A true sadhak embodies this principle, carrying themselves with such grace and compassion that their presence brings love, comfort, and confidence wherever they go. All beings, human or otherwise, feel trust, fearlessness, and reassurance in their company. The sadhak becomes a living source of joy, inspiring peace and unity in the world around them.
Reflection in Practice
Courage: Facing criticism or difficulties with resilience.
Forbearance: Practicing non-reactivity to provocations or insults.
Humility: Speaking gently, avoiding harsh or ego-driven words.
Joy: Making an effort to be a source of happiness for those around us.
By integrating these principles, Samarth Ramdas teaches that the mind becomes a true friend and guide, leading us toward a life of virtue and inner peace.
देहे त्यागिता कीर्ति मागे उरावी । मना सज्जना हेचि क्रीया धरावी ॥ मना चंदनाचे परी त्वां झिजावे । परी अंतरी सज्जना नीववावे ॥ ८ ॥
Let fame prevail after one’s death, Thus alone lead your life, oh! my gentle and upright Mind! Like the sandalwood, endure selflessly, that more fragrance emanates, And yet, oh Mind! offer joy to the hearts of other gentle souls ॥ 8 ॥
This verse from Manache Shlok emphasizes the importance of living a meaningful and selfless life, focusing on actions that leave a lasting positive impact even after one’s passing. Here’s a deeper exploration:
“Let fame prevail after one’s death, Thus alone lead your life, oh! My gentle and upright Mind!”
This line inspires us to live a life that leaves a lasting legacy—not through material accomplishments, but through virtuous deeds, noble character, and contributions to the well-being of others. A life lived with integrity and moral uprightness earns respect and remembrance, touching hearts long after one is gone.
The enduring reverence for Shree Dnyaneshwar Mauli, whose wisdom and love continue to inspire over 800 years later, or the throngs of devotees who experience the grace of Bhagavan Nityananda at Ganeshpuri, exemplifies this truth. A sadhak’s life, imbued with selfless love and care for all beings, becomes an eternal source of inspiration, guiding generations on the path of liberation and universal harmony.
“Like the sandalwood, endure selflessly, that more fragrance emanates”
Sandalwood serves as a profound metaphor for selflessness, as it continues to release its fragrance even as it is cut or ground by others. This line encourages us to endure hardships gracefully, without resentment or complaints, and to transform challenges into opportunities for spreading positivity and kindness.
Shree Ramdas Swami often likened a virtuous individual to sandalwood, which, when ground, produces a cooling paste that soothes and heals. Similarly, a sadhak, despite facing undue hardships or obstacles, remains steadfast and tolerant. Their forbearance and equanimity inspire others to overcome their own intolerance, cultivating an environment of support and harmony. A sadhak’s endurance becomes a source of transformation, urging others to embody compassion and selflessness.
“And yet, oh Mind! offer joy to the hearts of other gentle souls”
This line emphasizes the enduring importance of being a beacon of joy and support to others. By uplifting and inspiring those around us, we create ripples of goodness, fostering harmony and mutual well-being.
It also highlights the significance of connecting with like-minded, virtuous individuals whose presence nurtures mutual growth and shared joy. In the company of a saint, devotees naturally experience profound comfort, inspiration, and happiness. Similarly, by embodying kindness and selflessness, we too can become a source of solace and encouragement, enriching the lives of others with our compassion and care.
Practical Takeaways
Focus on Legacy: Live in a way that contributes positively to society and leaves behind memories of virtue, love, and service.
Practice Selflessness: Like the sandalwood, be a source of positivity and benefit to others, even in the face of personal challenges.
Endurance and tolerance.
Spread Joy: Cultivate relationships with gentle and virtuous individuals, sharing kindness and happiness.
This shloka is a call to lead a life of selflessness, resilience, and benevolence, ensuring that our presence in the world brings fragrance and joy, just like sandalwood. It serves as a reminder that true success lies in how we touch the lives of others, not in material gains or fleeting accolades.
नको रे मना द्रव्य ते पूढिलांचे । अति स्वार्थबुद्धी न रे पाप सांचे ॥ घडे भोगणे पाप ते कर्म खोटे । न होता मनासारिखे दुःख मोठे ॥ ९ ॥
Hanker not, oh Mind!, after others’ wealth. Demerits only you will store up with selfishness. Untruthful are the acts that lead one to suffer the wages of sin. Great grief befalls one who sees the mind’s desires unfulfilled ॥ 9 ॥
This verse from Manache Shlok delves into the pitfalls of greed, dishonesty, and unbridled desires, offering timeless wisdom for a virtuous life. Let’s analyze it step by step:
“Hanker not, oh Mind!, after others’ wealth.”
This line warns against the destructive tendencies of greed and covetousness, which cloud judgment and lead to unethical actions. Desiring what belongs to others disrupts inner peace and accumulates negative karma, pulling one further away from spiritual growth.
It teaches the virtue of contentment and the importance of cultivating self-reliance. Wealth earned through righteous means carries far greater fulfilment than that acquired through envy or unjust actions. For a sadhak, this principle extends further—rejecting anything offered freely without reciprocation. If someone provides a service, the sadhak should repay in kind, ensuring fairness and upholding the dignity of all interactions. This practice reinforces humility, self-discipline, and a deeper connection to dharma.
“Demerits only you will store up with selfishness.”
Selfishness contracts the heart and steers us away from the path of virtue. Actions driven solely by personal gain, especially at the expense of others, accumulate paap (negative karma) and hinder spiritual progress.
This line serves as a reminder that selfish motives harm not only others but also ourselves by obstructing our inner growth and connection to higher truths. A true sadhak embodies selflessness, remaining loving and giving in all circumstances. They prioritize the welfare of others, placing collective good above personal desires, thus paving the way for harmony, spiritual elevation, and a deeper connection to the divine.
“Untruthful are the acts that lead one to suffer the wages of sin.”
“Great grief befalls one who sees the mind’s desires unfulfilled.”
Unchecked desires inevitably lead to disappointment and suffering when they remain unmet. The insatiable nature of desire creates a cycle where fulfilling one craving often gives rise to another, perpetuating dissatisfaction and restlessness.
This line emphasizes the importance of cultivating vairagya (detachment) to break free from this cycle. It reminds us that true and lasting happiness does not arise from fulfilling endless desires but from transcending them. By turning inward and seeking contentment within, one can experience peace that is independent of external circumstances.
Practical Takeaways
Cultivate Contentment: Be satisfied with what you have and focus on earning wealth ethically.
Avoid Selfishness: Act with compassion and selflessness to build a life of virtue and positivity.
Embrace Truthfulness: Let honesty and integrity guide all your actions, regardless of external pressures.
Control Desires: Recognize the fleeting nature of material cravings and find joy in simplicity and spiritual pursuits.
This shlok serves as a powerful reminder to avoid the snares of greed, dishonesty, and excessive desire. It encourages a life of righteousness and self-restraint, ensuring inner peace and spiritual growth.
