In English
Thoughts of 'I and mine' result in bondage
Take another example. In whichever direction a camera is turned while its film is exposed, the resultant picture will be of the things in that direction. It; all depends on the turn of the lens. Similarly, the mind reflects the nature of things that we are attracted by. When some one blames us we get into fury and behave madly. When some one praises us we leap with joy and think well of the person who does so. In either case the reason is our emotional perturbation. We must understand the secrets of the mind and the ways in which it plays with us. We must learn to be unruffled and steady, whether we are praised or blamed. Another little example. When the mind is turned towards God or goodness, it becomes human. If it is turned towards evil thoughts and wicked egoism, it becomes demonic. When we turn the key to the right, it opens the lock; when we turn it to the left, it fastens it. The same key does the two opposite operations, according to the direction of turning. If mind is turned towards good thoughts, it establishes detachment. Turned towards thoughts of 'I' and 'mine' it causes attachment. Attachment means bondage; detachment, liberation. In Thelugu we have fifty letters and each letter has its special form, name and sound. The pronunciation of each letter has to be learnt from those who know it. Similarly we may have a heap of flowers and a length of thread, but some one has to string them into a garland. We may have a lamp with oil and a wick, but some one must light it to make it slow. We may have gems in plenty and all the gold that is necessary, but without a jeweller they cannot be turned into an ornament. Similarly man has in his body bones, muscles, blood, brain, etc., but there must be some power which can make them all work in concert. That is possible only for God to do.