Inner World of Yoga – Day 25

We see how the structure and operation of our samskaras and vasanas constitute our default mechanism to favor for example, alcohol or food, lies or truth, sluggishness or frantic activity, materialism or altruism, laziness or discipline, irresponsibility or responsibility, habits, outlook on life etc., and perpetuate the karmic cycle of action and reaction. As long as they are unconsciously at work in the mind, our karmic debt grows, as they continue to produce cravings, obsessions, and lack of fulfillment, and our behavior continues to be ruled by the three mind responses that are “escape” mechanisms, not action based in truth.

The wider view tells us our vasanas set the stage for the lessons we need to learn. Bear in mind the lesson is not about the actual choice of beer over food which is superficial although it can impact us significantly in body/mind.  The real underlying lesson is how we become depleted by the unbalanced process of using our energy in an impure or negative manner instead of an ethical or positive manner. But because our unconscious vasanas/samskaras are integral components underlying our personal operating system and our personality, they continue to fuel our patterns and habits. Do you see how this is truly a condition of the body~mind~spirit that creates a corresponding state of consciousness?

Although tackling your mind issues may sound too difficult or even impossible, I assure you that in my own personal experience tackling them is not only possible, but more rewarding than you can possibly imagine until you’ve done it. I have had individuals actually admit to me that they are not ready to explore the “self” and “give up or lose themselves,” meaning in their minds, their “personalities.” I found this confusing, since their personalities caused them so much pain, but I recognized the fear involved in confronting oneself head on.