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RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

What is Your State of Mind?

Is your mind your enemy or your ally?

The mind can be your greatest friend or your worst enemy. Yogis say there are five states of mind which we all experience — ranging from distraught to one-pointed and clear. There are yoga practices which can help you progress through the states of mind until the clear mind, the place of love, light, joy and wisdom, is reached. Learn how to go beyond the bondage of negative mental states and experience the fulfillment which comes when your mind is truly your ally.

All Yogas

Your Ideal Mind

Your mind is meant to be your ally and give inspiration and encouragement. If you have a mind that knows no peace or bliss, you do not yet have your ideal mind. Your mind can be your greatest asset, but can also be your greatest misery producer. Thousands of years ago, yogis identified these five states of mind and showed how to transcend them.

  • Distraught mind:  the mind is stuck in negative emotions such as worry, anger or fear and is often depressed, unhappy or suspicious
  • Stupefied mind:  seeks happiness and pleasure in the world while being numb to the subtleties of Spirit, bliss, joy and light
  • Restless mind:  sometimes filled with happy, positive emotions and sometimes overcome with unhappy, negative ones
  • One-pointed mind:  able to focus on a desired object without the intrusion of any other thoughts
  • Clear mind:  the mind is so subtle that it merges in the soul, the source of peace, bliss and ananda, ever-new joy
  • Yoga practice can help you progress through the states of mind until you live in the freedom of the soul

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