Mind power versus Heart power
For some the term mind-power indicates intelligence, strength or control. Where as heart-power could suggest compassion, beauty and love. From a spiritual perspective what are there differences, is one greater than the other, or can they both function for our benefit?
Let us try to differentiate the two - firstly we need to understand that there are several levels of mind, according to Sri Aurobindo who found that the mind or our mental being is not simple and uniform, but consists itself of various strata and subdivisions. These different levels of mind being the - intuitive mind, super mind, over mind, physical mind, psychic mind, vital mind, higher mind, spiritual mind, inner mind, thinking mind, dynamic mind and the mind of light.
Sri Chinmoy the meditation teacher identifies the physical mind as a finite reality and the limiting part of our nature. He sees it as a powerful force that for the most part operates unchecked directing our judgements, assessments and decisions. Within these functions lie the negativities and limitations of fear, division, depression, ego, temptation, jealousy, stress and frustration. There is however an opportunity for the physical mind's limited nature to be transformed by the higher vibrations of the spiritual heart through the regular practice of meditation, prayer, selfless service and self-transcendence.
The spiritual heart's reality is a uniting awareness that humanity is essentially one family. This realisation brings greater determination, enthusiasm and hope to its members as they strive to bring increasing contentment, happiness, peace and fulfilment into their own lives and to the needy members of their global communities. Through these virtues they rise above the negative realities of their physical mind.
The power of the spiritual heart comes from its own peaceful deepest reality, the infinite soul. The soul is our pure natural state of consciousness unaffected by any of the limitations of the physical mind. That part that unites us with all creation, a universal energy some call God; the uniting force of oneness, compassion, joy and unconditional love.
So once the Light of the soul has illumined the unlit and limited physical mind it then becomes an essential part of our awakened self. Then the pure awareness of the mind's power of inspiration and heart's power of aspiration can work together harmoniously, strengthening our resolve with love, enthusiasm and dedication.
- Sri Chinmoy says, " We can think of the mind as eyes and the heart as hands. With eyes we see; with hands we work. If we shape something beautiful, then heart-power fulfils its purpose. When our eyes can see all beauty and all purity, then mind-power reaches the zenith of perfection. Heart-power fulfils its role by becoming one with the ultimate Reality. Mind-power fulfils its role by seeing purity-beauty all around".
The transformation of the physical mind is a slow and continuing process, one that shows beneficial results each time we meditate. Through regular practice we rest for longer and longer periods in the silent radiance of our spiritual heart. Whose transforming nature illumines the separativity and restrictive nature of the mind, opening it to the higher planes of unity, love and compassion of the spiritual heart.
1. - Extract from Sri Chinmoy Library - http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/earth-heaven-journey/4.html
Biography - Sahayak Plowman by nature is a positive and happy person. He attributes this to the growing experiences gained through his own meditation practice with the guidance given by his meditation teacher, Sri Chinmoy. He is a writer on spiritual topics, also the compiler of a published book of poetry, Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden and web master for Sri Chinmoy Books.com