In Africa there is a cult wherein each household keeps a small wooden statue with red stripes on it. They call it the wise man, the source of wisdom. That is the buddhi.
As seen in the previous column, Harness the mental energy, there is manas (the emotional mind) which is the dreamer, buddhi (intellect) which sharpens the dream and ahamkara (ego) which disrupts the process. One side is ahamkara which is spoilt and the other is buddhi which is judgmental and watches every move.
Ways to sharpen the buddhi
The buddhi needs to be sharpened in order to work on the chitta (mind-field or consciousness). Buddhi has the ability to guide, to work with passion, focus and obsession and to say what is correct and incorrect for you.
The science of yoga has understood that there are two ways to sharpen the buddhi.
One aspect is to grow the ability of observation and another is to grow the intuitive ability.
The role of observation
Working with appliances – at home and at work – we are losing the ability to work with hands. Technology has enabled most services at the click of a button thus diminishing the power of working with hands. The logical or inquisitive mind which has the ability to further become the creative mind is slowly being blunted.
The first step to sharpen the buddhi is to work with the hands. The whole art of working with hands is to do with observation. Buddhi can be sharpened if enough time is spent in observing things.
When working with hands, the neurons are alert and involved as the movements of the hands is being dictated and controlled by the brain. Thus the mind is continuously observing.
Modern science has also researched what a well-known German philosopher, Immaneul Kant, remarked quite precisely two centuries ago: “the hand is the window on to the mind.” Science has sought to show how the motions and the hand’s different ways of gripping and sense of touch affect the way we think.
Complete involvement
Take the example of gardening. The process of digging, sowing the seed, watching it grow into a plant and watering it every day is a beautiful phenomenon. When all the senses are absorbed in an activity, you will begin to feel something new has grown within you. The idea is to involve in such activities and develop the observation skills.
Next week I will explain in detail the intuitive ability and give an interesting technique to sharpen it.
Tip of the week: Make time to pursue a skill that involves craftsmanship or requires complete involvement such as painting or playing a musical instrument or gardening.
Practice of the week
Setu Bandhasana
Gomukhasana
Next week: Harness the mental energy - Part 3
— This is an interactive series, in which we bring you practical tips on daily living, inspired by the vision of yoga. Write in to tabloid@gulfnews.com with your questions and doubts regarding enhancing your lifestyle through yoga. For more information, call 800-YOGA (9642) or log on to artisticyoga.com
