The Mind's Paradox: Prison and Path

The Sanskrit phrase "मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः"

"The mind alone is the cause of both bondage and liberation for humans.

This saying is from the Upanishads which are part of the sacred literature of Hinduism that concentrate on philosophical questions. This aspect specifically underscores the role of the mind in the formation of experiences as well as one’s fate in life. Thus, it implies that what we think, want and cling to or attach one’s self to befalls the realm of bondage (Bandha) or liberates (moksha).

The brain is a double-sided sword

On the one hand, it is possible to mention that it is one of the greatest sources of inspiration, pleasure and comprehension.

On the other hand, the mind can turn into a prison by itself and one which is created by the individual. This is particularly catastrophic.

When we bind ourselves to our thoughts, feelings or attitudes, they become mental prisons to prevent us from attaining happiness. It happens when we are caught in the web of fear, anger, and self-annoyance, and can never achieve harmony and satisfaction.

 Bondage (Bandha)
This state, where the action is being conditioned and limited by thoughts, emotions, and desires is Bondage (Bandha) It is the state of suffering and struggling for fulfilment from the outside world.

 Liberation (Moksha)
On the other hand, there is the state of being unconditioned and unlimited. It is the state of consciousness, the state of no mind as well as the state of transcendental bliss. This is Liberation (Moksha)

The mind is an instrument that can chosen to be used for one’s liberation or shackles. Still and all, the usage of the minds we possess is a decision we have to make.

Remember mind is a terrific force to reckon with. It can build our own heaven and hell or in simple terms, it can build our own paradise or inferno.

Understanding Mind's Nature

Mind is very flexible. It can be trained & changed & developed by practices and techniques like meditation, mindfulness and introspection.
For that one has to penetrate into the mind and see its true nature, which is liberating. 

This is not a form of repression where you shut down your thoughts and feelings, rather it’s a state in which you observe thoughts and feelings without being compelled to act on them. It compels responsibility on the aspect of thinking and doing within the society.

In fact, there exists a close relationship between the world within us and the external world  This exactly suggests the fact that most of the things that happen to us and around us are reflections of the state of our mind. 

According to Buddhism, when our minds are mired in passion or aversion or any other negative state, we contact a situation that releases those feelings, just as oil and water mix together.
It is when we think positively, having a gentle and humble heart with no desire for the things of this world that we get to feel, to experience the feelings of being at peace, being happy and spiritual. This in turn brings us towards ‘moksha’ which means getting free from samsara or the cycle of birth death and rebirth.

If only the minds can be tamed then positive thinking combined with right actions can usher in pure consciousness and infinite bliss and freedom.

Nutshell

The Upanishads, Hinduism's sacred literature, emphasize the mind's role in shaping experiences and life's fate. The mind can be both a source of inspiration and a prison, with bondage indicating suffering and liberation characterized by consciousness and transcendental bliss. By taming the mind, one can experience pure consciousness and freedom.

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