The intellect, if not used rightly, can destroy you. Any thought can arise in the mind, but the intellect has the discretionary power to decide whether one should act on it or not. This is known as “Karya akarya Vivek”. Gayatri Mantra, if recited regularly and diligently can empower the intellect to be on the right track. Arjuna was confused only once, but we are perpetually confused. When you realise that the Lord is the charioteer, stop backseat driving. You then surrender your intellect to the Lord. Any thought that brings the mind closer to the self, is, “Shiv sankalp.” Our intellect has to venture out in the material world for work, but we must come back. A 60-year-old grandmother was asked to walk two miles every day. We don’t know where she is now. We must return to home sweet home, the auspicious thought of “sachidananda”. Vedanta is a scientifically designed treatise on the art of right thinking.
First learn, then use that knowledge to your advantage, according to the situation. “Paristhiti Gyan”. Go only to the suitable person who is capable of guiding you. That is very important. Most people go to the wrong guides for solutions. Some go to a swami to ask if he can tell them where their stolen goods are. What is wrong or right for you, is not decided in the parliament.
Every physical and mental act has to have a result. “Drisht or Adrishta”, means one that can be seen and the other that is recorded in nature according to motive and intention, by “Chitragupt” (the hidden camera). Chitragupt is the secret photographer of Natural Law. There is no need to run after random knowledge like: “which sadhana shall I do swamiji so that the stock market rises?”
Prarthna Saran, President, Chinmaya Mission Delhi
