FYI--expressing feelings= How does Amma use the terms MIND, THOUGHTS, EGO

[Guest guest]

Ammachi, "Aikya Param" <aikya wrote:

> ...Our group has some confusion about "I" and "ego."

> ...

> Aikya

> >>>

 

How does Mother use the terms MIND, THOUGHTS, EGO ?

 

Dear Aikya,

 

I feel what you said applies somewhat in interacting with people not

familiar with spiritual principles and especially with

mental/emotional challenges. But, for seekers of God, here is what

our Mother says very clearly.

 

"Once the ego is removed, you are no more a person. You become

consciousness. You become formless. The ego is the material which

gives name and form. Once the ego is destroyed, name and form are

gone. You may give a name to the saint and you may attribute a form

to him, but he is neither. He becomes like the wind. He becomes

space." - Ammachi, Awaken Children, Vol.5, p40 (0375)

 

>From Awaken Children Vol VII, pg 8( footnote)

 

"The mind has four functions or aspects. They are:

Mind = the doubting faculty( my add: conscious thoughts )

Chitta = storehouse of memories( my add: the subconscious )

Buddhi = determining faculty( my add: intellect/logic/reason )

Ahamkara = ego – the feeling of "I" and mine

It is the same mind, but named differently according to its

function."

 

IT IS THE SAME MIND, BUT NAMED DIFFERENTLY ACCORDING TO ITS FUNCTION.

 

So, basically, Amma uses the words mind, thoughts, ego somewhat

interchangeably; for instance in the quote above("Once the ego is

removed… ") you can replace "ego" with "mind" or "thoughts" and

still the essence of what Mother is saying is the same.

 

Dear Aikya,

In my 36 years on spiritual path( 11 years with Mother ), one of the

biggest things that Amma cleared up for me was this:

 

Love is my true nature and (mind/thoughts/ego) is the obstacle which

needs to be removed. No doubts about it; very clearly explained in

Awaken Children Vol VII Chap's 2, 4 and page 25.

 

Mind/thoughts/ego is in the head.

Love is in the heart.

 

The question may arise. If mind/ego/thoughts is "madness, insanity,

a big lie, maya, illusion, negative energy, the past, foreign

element, unreal, etc, etc" as Amma explains then how do we explain

using the mind/thoughts for positive communication, inspirational

prayers, devotional singing, compassionate functioning in our daily

moment to moment lives?

 

The answer Amma gives is very clear :

"The mind and the ego( also thoughts ) have no power of their own;

the source of all their power is derived from the Atman, our real

existence."~Vol VII, pg 8

 

How does all this fit together?

Amma says that there is a Gap or Space between two thoughts. This

space between thoughts is the Atman, our real existence, our true

nature( LOVE ), God, the Inner Stillness, Inner Amma, the No-thing-

ness, no-mind, etc, etc.

 

The space between two thoughts which cannot be named precisely has

thousands of names. The space between two thoughts is the state

of "no-thoughts", "no-mind."

 

>From this SPACE between every two thoughts flows Love, Light, Life

expressing itself sometimes as beautiful inspirational thoughts(

prayer, poems, songs, compassionate words, compassionate deeds ) or

spontaneous actions requiring no thoughts.

 

So, basically, the wider the Gap or Space between thoughts the more

positive will be the thoughts which by themselves have no power of

compassion, love, gratitude, etc.

Observe you own mind/thoughts and you will see that Amma speaks the

truth.

 

To rephrase some of Mother's quotes:

 

THOUGHTS IN AND OF THEMSELVES HAVE NO POWER OF THEIR OWN; THEY

DERIVE ALL POSITIVE, COMPASSIONATE, LOVING QUALITIES FROM

THE "EMPTY" SPACE BETWEEN THOUGHTS; REMEMBERING THAT EGO IS A THIEF,

WE SHOULD NOT IDENTIFY WITH THE BEAUTY OF THOUGHTS/SPEECH; IT'S OK

TO ENJOY; BUT, REMEMBERING THE SOURCE, ALWAYS RETURN TO THE

TRANQUILITY OF INNER SILENCE.

 

Amma says that we are not the thoughts( even beautiful thoughts )

but the Supreme-Self.

 

Another question may arise. If the Space becomes infinite and

mind/thoughts/ego are eliminated, how does one( egoless ) function

in daily life interacting with other egos?

 

I remember two answers from Mother: One is that a simple innocent

ego is created which functions as a servant of the Self. Another

answer was that a "shell" of an ego is left, again, to function as a

servant of Self.

 

The problem is that in a state of Ignorance, the insane Ego is the

master because we identify with (mind, thoughts, ego, body) instead

of the Self.

 

So, we start spiritual practices in order to widen the spaces

between thoughts. This gives the appearance of more positive

thoughts healthier ego, etc but we should always remember where all

the good stuff is coming from because THE EGOIC MIND IS A THIEF.

 

It is also possible that our spiritual practices will unleash the

subconscious stuff to surface to the conscious level for

purification which may give the appearance of more negative thoughts

for a while. During this time we need to persevere and seek refuge

in Mother's Love and our satsang.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Amma Bless,

amarnath

[Guest guest]

Namah Shivayah Amarnath,

 

Thank you for posting these references. I especially like the reference to the "space

between two thoughts." It is so poetic and perfect a description. It is so easy to recognize

if you consciously try to to see/"feel" it. And to WORK with it is really intense. Between

those two thoughts is the essence of who we are....indeed! Without that space, I think art,

poetry, music and Love would be rendered obsolete. There is a wellspring of wonderful

things that rests in that space. I believe Amma takes us to that space when she embraces

us. That is why time disappears. That is why we disappear into her arms. I think true

freedom must feel like that space, only then it is not a space but a permanent state. I

aspire to that.

 

Jai Mamama!

 

Ananthasree

 

 

Ammachi, "amarnath" <anatol_zinc wrote:

>

> Ammachi, "Aikya Param" <aikya@> wrote:

> > ...Our group has some confusion about "I" and "ego."

> > ...

> > Aikya

> > >>>

>

> How does Mother use the terms MIND, THOUGHTS, EGO ?

>

> Dear Aikya,

>

> I feel what you said applies somewhat in interacting with people not

> familiar with spiritual principles and especially with

> mental/emotional challenges. But, for seekers of God, here is what

> our Mother says very clearly.

>

> "Once the ego is removed, you are no more a person. You become

> consciousness. You become formless. The ego is the material which

> gives name and form. Once the ego is destroyed, name and form are

> gone. You may give a name to the saint and you may attribute a form

> to him, but he is neither. He becomes like the wind. He becomes

> space." - Ammachi, Awaken Children, Vol.5, p40 (0375)

>

> From Awaken Children Vol VII, pg 8( footnote)

>

> "The mind has four functions or aspects. They are:

> Mind = the doubting faculty( my add: conscious thoughts )

> Chitta = storehouse of memories( my add: the subconscious )

> Buddhi = determining faculty( my add: intellect/logic/reason )

> Ahamkara = ego – the feeling of "I" and mine

> It is the same mind, but named differently according to its

> function."

>

> IT IS THE SAME MIND, BUT NAMED DIFFERENTLY ACCORDING TO ITS FUNCTION.

>

> So, basically, Amma uses the words mind, thoughts, ego somewhat

> interchangeably; for instance in the quote above("Once the ego is

> removed… ") you can replace "ego" with "mind" or "thoughts" and

> still the essence of what Mother is saying is the same.

>

> Dear Aikya,

> In my 36 years on spiritual path( 11 years with Mother ), one of the

> biggest things that Amma cleared up for me was this:

>

> Love is my true nature and (mind/thoughts/ego) is the obstacle which

> needs to be removed. No doubts about it; very clearly explained in

> Awaken Children Vol VII Chap's 2, 4 and page 25.

>

> Mind/thoughts/ego is in the head.

> Love is in the heart.

>

> The question may arise. If mind/ego/thoughts is "madness, insanity,

> a big lie, maya, illusion, negative energy, the past, foreign

> element, unreal, etc, etc" as Amma explains then how do we explain

> using the mind/thoughts for positive communication, inspirational

> prayers, devotional singing, compassionate functioning in our daily

> moment to moment lives?

>

> The answer Amma gives is very clear :

> "The mind and the ego( also thoughts ) have no power of their own;

> the source of all their power is derived from the Atman, our real

> existence."~Vol VII, pg 8

>

> How does all this fit together?

> Amma says that there is a Gap or Space between two thoughts. This

> space between thoughts is the Atman, our real existence, our true

> nature( LOVE ), God, the Inner Stillness, Inner Amma, the No-thing-

> ness, no-mind, etc, etc.

>

> The space between two thoughts which cannot be named precisely has

> thousands of names. The space between two thoughts is the state

> of "no-thoughts", "no-mind."

>

> From this SPACE between every two thoughts flows Love, Light, Life

> expressing itself sometimes as beautiful inspirational thoughts(

> prayer, poems, songs, compassionate words, compassionate deeds ) or

> spontaneous actions requiring no thoughts.

>

> So, basically, the wider the Gap or Space between thoughts the more

> positive will be the thoughts which by themselves have no power of

> compassion, love, gratitude, etc.

> Observe you own mind/thoughts and you will see that Amma speaks the

> truth.

>

> To rephrase some of Mother's quotes:

>

> THOUGHTS IN AND OF THEMSELVES HAVE NO POWER OF THEIR OWN; THEY

> DERIVE ALL POSITIVE, COMPASSIONATE, LOVING QUALITIES FROM

> THE "EMPTY" SPACE BETWEEN THOUGHTS; REMEMBERING THAT EGO IS A THIEF,

> WE SHOULD NOT IDENTIFY WITH THE BEAUTY OF THOUGHTS/SPEECH; IT'S OK

> TO ENJOY; BUT, REMEMBERING THE SOURCE, ALWAYS RETURN TO THE

> TRANQUILITY OF INNER SILENCE.

>

> Amma says that we are not the thoughts( even beautiful thoughts )

> but the Supreme-Self.

>

> Another question may arise. If the Space becomes infinite and

> mind/thoughts/ego are eliminated, how does one( egoless ) function

> in daily life interacting with other egos?

>

> I remember two answers from Mother: One is that a simple innocent

> ego is created which functions as a servant of the Self. Another

> answer was that a "shell" of an ego is left, again, to function as a

> servant of Self.

>

> The problem is that in a state of Ignorance, the insane Ego is the

> master because we identify with (mind, thoughts, ego, body) instead

> of the Self.

>

> So, we start spiritual practices in order to widen the spaces

> between thoughts. This gives the appearance of more positive

> thoughts healthier ego, etc but we should always remember where all

> the good stuff is coming from because THE EGOIC MIND IS A THIEF.

>

> It is also possible that our spiritual practices will unleash the

> subconscious stuff to surface to the conscious level for

> purification which may give the appearance of more negative thoughts

> for a while. During this time we need to persevere and seek refuge

> in Mother's Love and our satsang.

>

> Hope this helps.

>

> Amma Bless,

> amarnath

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Amarnath,

 

This was a wonderful summary, distilling the most

essential teachings.

 

Thank you,

S

 

 

 

>

> It is also possible that our spiritual practices

> will unleash the

> subconscious stuff to surface to the conscious level

> for

> purification which may give the appearance of more

> negative thoughts

> for a while. During this time we need to persevere

> and seek refuge

> in Mother's Love and our satsang.

>

> Hope this helps.

>

> Amma Bless,

> amarnath

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jai Ma!!!!!

 

amarnath <anatol_zinc > wrote: Ammachi (AT) (DOT) .com, "Aikya Param" <aikya wrote:

> ...Our group has some confusion about "I" and "ego."

> ...

> Aikya

> >>>

 

How does Mother use the terms MIND, THOUGHTS, EGO ?

 

Dear Aikya,

 

I feel what you said applies somewhat in interacting with people not

familiar with spiritual principles and especially with

mental/emotional challenges. But, for seekers of God, here is what

our Mother says very clearly.

 

"Once the ego is removed, you are no more a person. You become

consciousness. You become formless. The ego is the material which

gives name and form. Once the ego is destroyed, name and form are

gone. You may give a name to the saint and you may attribute a form

to him, but he is neither. He becomes like the wind. He becomes

space." - Ammachi, Awaken Children, Vol.5, p40 (0375)

 

>From Awaken Children Vol VII, pg 8( footnote)

 

"The mind has four functions or aspects. They are:

Mind = the doubting faculty( my add: conscious thoughts )

Chitta = storehouse of memories( my add: the subconscious )

Buddhi = determining faculty( my add: intellect/logic/reason )

Ahamkara = ego – the feeling of "I" and mine

It is the same mind, but named differently according to its

function."

 

IT IS THE SAME MIND, BUT NAMED DIFFERENTLY ACCORDING TO ITS FUNCTION.

 

So, basically, Amma uses the words mind, thoughts, ego somewhat

interchangeably; for instance in the quote above("Once the ego is

removed… ") you can replace "ego" with "mind" or "thoughts" and

still the essence of what Mother is saying is the same.

 

Dear Aikya,

In my 36 years on spiritual path( 11 years with Mother ), one of the

biggest things that Amma cleared up for me was this:

 

Love is my true nature and (mind/thoughts/ego) is the obstacle which

needs to be removed. No doubts about it; very clearly explained in

Awaken Children Vol VII Chap's 2, 4 and page 25.

 

Mind/thoughts/ego is in the head.

Love is in the heart.

 

The question may arise. If mind/ego/thoughts is "madness, insanity,

a big lie, maya, illusion, negative energy, the past, foreign

element, unreal, etc, etc" as Amma explains then how do we explain

using the mind/thoughts for positive communication, inspirational

prayers, devotional singing, compassionate functioning in our daily

moment to moment lives?

 

The answer Amma gives is very clear :

"The mind and the ego( also thoughts ) have no power of their own;

the source of all their power is derived from the Atman, our real

existence."~Vol VII, pg 8

 

How does all this fit together?

Amma says that there is a Gap or Space between two thoughts. This

space between thoughts is the Atman, our real existence, our true

nature( LOVE ), God, the Inner Stillness, Inner Amma, the No-thing-

ness, no-mind, etc, etc.

 

The space between two thoughts which cannot be named precisely has

thousands of names. The space between two thoughts is the state

of "no-thoughts", "no-mind."

 

>From this SPACE between every two thoughts flows Love, Light, Life

expressing itself sometimes as beautiful inspirational thoughts(

prayer, poems, songs, compassionate words, compassionate deeds ) or

spontaneous actions requiring no thoughts.

 

So, basically, the wider the Gap or Space between thoughts the more

positive will be the thoughts which by themselves have no power of

compassion, love, gratitude, etc.

Observe you own mind/thoughts and you will see that Amma speaks the

truth.

 

To rephrase some of Mother's quotes:

 

THOUGHTS IN AND OF THEMSELVES HAVE NO POWER OF THEIR OWN; THEY

DERIVE ALL POSITIVE, COMPASSIONATE, LOVING QUALITIES FROM

THE "EMPTY" SPACE BETWEEN THOUGHTS; REMEMBERING THAT EGO IS A THIEF,

WE SHOULD NOT IDENTIFY WITH THE BEAUTY OF THOUGHTS/SPEECH; IT'S OK

TO ENJOY; BUT, REMEMBERING THE SOURCE, ALWAYS RETURN TO THE

TRANQUILITY OF INNER SILENCE.

 

Amma says that we are not the thoughts( even beautiful thoughts )

but the Supreme-Self.

 

Another question may arise. If the Space becomes infinite and

mind/thoughts/ego are eliminated, how does one( egoless ) function

in daily life interacting with other egos?

 

I remember two answers from Mother: One is that a simple innocent

ego is created which functions as a servant of the Self. Another

answer was that a "shell" of an ego is left, again, to function as a

servant of Self.

 

The problem is that in a state of Ignorance, the insane Ego is the

master because we identify with (mind, thoughts, ego, body) instead

of the Self.

 

So, we start spiritual practices in order to widen the spaces

between thoughts. This gives the appearance of more positive

thoughts healthier ego, etc but we should always remember where all

the good stuff is coming from because THE EGOIC MIND IS A THIEF.

 

It is also possible that our spiritual practices will unleash the

subconscious stuff to surface to the conscious level for

purification which may give the appearance of more negative thoughts

for a while. During this time we need to persevere and seek refuge

in Mother's Love and our satsang.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Amma Bless,

amarnath

[Guest guest]

All spiritual seekers are beings with emotional challenges. Amma's

quote seems to me to be referring to enlightened beings not to

spiritual seekers. And She's the only one I know. (Of course there

have been others.) IMHO, the rest of us are all in the same boat---

still attached to our egos. Until the point of enlightnment any of us

can go back to "square one" at any point.

 

-Amalia-