About the Book

The control of the mind is not a problem peculiar to religious aspirants; people in all walks of life need to control their minds if they are to succeed in their vocation. No fundamental work for the uplift of the individual or the community can ever be done without mind- control.

This book, which sets forth the teachings of Vedanta and Yoga on the nature of the mind and ways of controlling it, is meant for all.

Preface

The control of the mind is a theme of universal interest. It personally concerns every spiritual seeker belonging to any religion. Religion in its applied aspect has to grapple with this problem. No fundamental work for the uplift of the individual or the community can ever be done without mind-control. Hence its compelling claim on our attention.

Among those who seek to control their minds there are different kinds of people: atheists, believers, agnostics, and those who are indifferent to religion. Ways of controlling the mind are open to all these kinds of people, though the true believer in God may be at an advantage in that genuine love of God can to a considerable degree simplify his problems with the mind. This book, however, is written for all. A detached inquirer will keep his mind open to all the methods of controlling the mind.

Vedanta and Yoga have much to teach about the nature of the mind and the ways of controlling it. In his treatment the author has largely depended on such information and enlightenment as the authentic scriptures and teachers of Vedanta and Yoga provide.

The Mind and Its Control was first serialized in the ‘Essays on Applied Religion’ column in the October, November and December 1970 issues of Prabuddha Bharata.1t attracted the attention of some readers, one of whom generously offered to contribute towards the cost of its production as a book for wider circulation. Our thanks are due to that friend.

In this publication the text of the original article has been revised; certain points have been further elucidated; and some points have been added. A summary and glossary have been provided.

It is hoped that this small book, which addresses itself to one of the central problems of life, may be of service.

Contents