A Podcast Featuring Sri Aurobindo Studies
Aug. 17, 2023

Gaining Mastery Over the Action of the Mechanical Mind

Gaining Mastery Over the Action of the Mechanical Mind
Gaining Mastery Over the Action of the Mechanical Mind
Sri Aurobindo Studies
Gaining Mastery Over the Action of the Mechanical Mind

reference: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Our Many Selves: Practical Yogic Psychology, Chapter 2, Planes and Parts of the Being, pp. 49-50 This episode is also available as a blog post at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2023/08/15/gaining-mastery-over-the-action-of-the-mechanical-mind/


0:01 The mechanical. Mind encompasses some of the most basic. Most. Rudimentary activities of the mind. It lies below the faculties of higher logical reasoning and forms of foundation for the most simple and automatic mental processes. It is like the core computer language upon which all kinds of routines are later built and which functions behind the scenes. To keep the functionality of the computer in place, it is programmed through keys like repetition and the use of rhyming and rhythm so as to appeal to the most simple forms of mental process and creating a type of automatic memory and reaction capability. This.

0:49 Functionality of the mind can be programmed directly either through educational or propaganda processes. Or by an individual directly, once he understands the role of the mechanical mind and the methodology of programming. For spiritual seekers, the first step is to quiet this aspect of the mind. So that it is not. Controlling the internal dialogue suppression does not generally work in this regard, shifting of the attention to higher level functions and areas of focus. Can. Help to minimize the power of this base program. It is here also that the power of recitation of mantras can aid the seeker representing a replacement. Programming for the normal.

1:37 Repetition with one that carries with it both the sound body of a higher vibrational activity, which has its own subtle benefits and a significance which if dwelt upon by the seeker. Can shift the attention elsewhere automatically. Pure mechanical repetition of a mantra, prayer, or devotional song has a relatively low impact in that it simply switches the mechanical action to a different verbal set. Adding in the ability to dwell on the deeper significance means that those higher powers are invoked and invited to act. Thereby making the shift of the attention more effective. Sriorobindo writes Quote the mechanical mind is a sort of engine.

2:31 Whatever comes to it, it puts into the machine and goes on, turning it round and round no matter what it is. That is the nature of the mental. Physical to go on repeating without use the movement that has happened. It is what we call the mechanical mind. It is strong in childhood because the thinking mind is not developed and has besides a narrow range of interests. Afterwards it becomes an undercurrent in the mental activities. End Quote reference Sriorobindo and the mother. Our many. Selves Practical Yogic Psychology, Chapter 2. Planes and Parts of the Being pages 49 to.