This simple guidance of the Buddha is invaluable:
Cease to do evil
Learn to do good
And follow the 8-fold Path to perfection.
The 8 -fold Path is outlined in Raja Yoga or Asthanga Yoga and is the classical basis for training in self control- in a nutshell!
It is not that we need more knowledge about the mind as much as finding how to construct a life- saving bridge from our minds to the knowledge deep in our hearts.
Stranded on the shores of knowledge of the intellect alone, we eventually find ourselves lonely and devoid of real life satisfaction and experience regardless of our accumulation of information.
Imagination is the fundamental tool for the individual when forming a self-image.
Unless one creates a self image the personality is apt to become pressured and influenced by what others think, and this may not be as you would wish.
Use your self image to become whatever or whoever you wish to be – to pattern your future, determine your habits and reactions and help you to succeed in your achievements.
Most spiritual teachers teach the value of balance and have indicated to us that any quality can be exaggerated to our detriment even those qualities we consider are virtues.
As reminders of the need for balance in your personal and private self discipline or Sadhana, the following offer a helpful guide for you when drawing up your own personality needs to avoid extremes……
Balanced – Not fanatical
Beautiful – Not vain
Courageous – Not rash
Devoted – Not enslaved
Flexible – Not weak
Helpful – Not intrusive
Humble – Not submissive
Impartial – Not indifferent
Independent – Not isolated
Keen intellect – Not cutting
Kind – Not condescending
Loyal – Not undeserving commitment
Passionate – Not aggressive
Patient – Not procrastinating
Perceptive - Not hypercritical
Persevering – Not stubbornly persistent
Sensitive – Not to personal hurt
Strong – Not domineering
Psychology or the understanding of human nature is perceived as the knowledge of the total nature of the individual. This is inclusive of –
personality that comprises physical body,(kaya) emotional nature,(kama) and mental nature (manas) and conceived as a collection of feelings, perceptions (anjna) and past impressions (samskara)
soul that is perceived as the consciousness of the immortal self with its profound wisdom accumulated through many incarnations of life experiences relevant to male births or as females
spirit or the supreme directing intelligence of the individual being that is likened to a spark of the Universal fire, or as a drop of the Universal ocean of life of the Cosmos.
Once these aspects are recognized and identified through our own insight and understanding of ourselves it is possible to see ourselves as an integrated human being and be able to comprehend much more about ourselves than the mere personality.
Self knowledge and self understanding are held as important throughout all cultures and hinted at as the commencement before embarking on a more expansive search to comprehend the nature of all things beyond.
Although it is natural to require some knowledge or perception of our origins as well as our life purpose and future, the first can be replaced with the faith that it was from God or the Divine Light that we came and to this we return, life after life. Each life we undergo experiences that the law of Karma deems necessary in our long spiritual evolution towards the ideal of human excellence and that mysterious concept, perfection.
We are likely to find life easier with acceptance of the natural law that stipulates that each individual grows through his own efforts. There is no known ‘instant’ achievement.
We can only add to any present knowledge of psychology by seeking to understand and embrace all ideas motivated by truth and directed towards truth.
There is much to learn.
