33. AMANASKA-YOGA

D: One feels happy when one remains motionless and calm. Therefore, may one sit quietly for some time, even with the eyes open, to obtain mental peace?

A: Surely, it can be done provided it is not indolence. Sages like Yājñavalkya have spoken of a practice of this form called amanaska-yoga.

D: What is amanaska-yoga?

A: It is a state of mind wherein no thoughts appear. True amanaska is attained only when the mind is destroyed in samādhi and one becomes a jīvanmukta. Normally, we dwell on different objects. It appears that thoughts occur continuously. Careful observation, however, reveals that there are gaps between successive thoughts. The Ātman clearly shines in the gaps. People do not note this, as the interval between thoughts is very short. Bhagavatpāda writes in the Laghu-vākya-vṛtti:

In a garland made of pearls, the thread is hidden in the places where the pearls are present but in-between two pearls, the thread is seen. In the same way, the Ātman of the form of pure consciousness is not apparent when a thought is present but it is patent in the interval between the end of one thought and the rise of another. We can obtain great happiness if we calmly enlarge the gap between one thought and another.

D: Can this be practised even with the eyes open?

A: As I pointed out, the aim is to see that no thought arises in the mind. So, there is no harm in keeping the eyes open. It is sufficient if the mind does not wander towards external objects. While practising, one should remain calm and quite free from worries. No effort should be made to do or dwell on anything. If any thought arises in the mind, its continuance should be discouraged.

D: What indication is there to show that one is progressing in the path of amanaska-yoga?

A: The mental peace and happiness that one derives is an indication of progress.

D: Is it not difficult to see to it that no thought arises in the mind?

A: It is difficult to attain the zenith of thoughtlessness. But the mind can be kept peaceful to a considerable extent.

D: Do mundane people also have the power to still the mind?

A: Do not all people sleep?

D: Yes.

A: How?

D: I am at a loss to know the import of Acharyal’s question.

A: People lie down. After that, how do they go to sleep? They close their eyes and remain quiet. Soon, sleep envelops them. Is it not?

D: Yes.

A: We note that during deep sleep, people are thoroughly at peace. They have rendered their minds thoughtless. Of course, this is achieved involuntarily. Is it not so?

D: Yes.

A: Therefore, it can be said that all can still the mind. Mundane people still it during deep sleep without any effort and without being conscious of it. In the path of amanaska-yoga, one thoroughly silences the mind in the state of wakefulness.

D: Can amanaska-yoga be done in any place?

A: It may be practised anywhere but there should be facilities to sit comfortably. How can one practise it while running a race?

D: Are there any ill effects?

A: No.

D: What should one be careful about, when practicing amanaska-yoga?

A: (With a laugh) One should not go to sleep! Sleep should be averted by being alert.

D: How can one practise this yoga?

A: One sits quiet, without any worry and ignores the thoughts of the mind. Gradually, thoughts subside but one remains alert. Even if the eyes are open, one is undisturbed by thoughts. By this means, one can remain peaceful and happy and also advance in the spiritual path. Primary amanaska is, however, not just quietness of the mind. That is found only in a jīvanmukta seated in nirvikalpa-samādhi.

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D Incidents from Acharyal's Life

Acharyal has said, “People say that thoughts keep coming to their minds. They can hardly conceive of a situation where the mind is quiet. However, this surprises Me. As I see it, the mind should be quiet unless and until it is required to have a thought. Normally, the mind should be quiet and just rest on the Self, unless a thought is needed for any task. When the necessity ends, the mind should revert to the state of tranquillity. Even when a task is at hand, active thinking is generally not needed all the time. For instance, when reading a book, the mind ought to become quiet when a page is being turned.”

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Paramacharyal had engaged the scholar Sri V.S. Ramachandra Sastrigal to expound Tarka to our Guru. The studies were completed even before Paramacharyal cast off His mortal coil. After ascension of the sacred vyākhyāna-siṁhāsana, Acharyal did not treat Sri Ramachandra Sastrigal as just an āsthāna-vidvān. He communicated with Sri Sastrigal very frequently by means of letters written in His own hand. A perusal of the collection of letters written by Acharyal to Sri Ramachandra Sastrigal revealed that in some of His epistles, Acharyal had explicitly addressed Sri Sastrigal as His upādhyāya or teacher and had written to him with due regards acknowledging his great scholarliness. From a letter written by Sri Ramachandra Sastrigal to Acharyal during the course of Acharyal’s first South India tour, one learns how appreciative Sri Sastrigal was of Acharyal’s great endeavours for the upliftment of Sanātana-dharma. In fact, Sri Sastrigal had written that the events of Acharyal’s tour deserved to be engraved in gold. Sastrigal in his letters had often sought Acharyal’s advice on many matters, looking upon Him as his Guru. For His part, Acharyal had readily obliged by giving His suggestions. Acharyal had recommended the efficacy of amanaska-yoga to Sri Sastrigal.

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