Easily Transform Our Consciousness

A concise summary of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 3 Chapter 27

The soul is the product of spirit whereas the body is the product of matter. The mind is also a subtle material substance. When the soul is in the body, the soul experiences the world through the mind.

The mind makes the soul believe the world is for its enjoyment. Humans believe everything that exists is meant for their enjoyment. This is the reason for the exploitation of nature and exploitation of other humans who are either economically, physically or mentally inferior that we see in this world.

The wicked mind should be gradually relieved from the control of false perceptions created by the mind through the process of devotion to the Supreme Lord. Instead of being attached to everything around us as if those are for my own enjoyment, one should start to think that everything around me is for Lord’s enjoyment. This is the stage when one starts transcending from being selfish to selfless. This is a complete transformation. Serving people in need also becomes a part of this practice. One should serve the world as if it is a service to the Lord.

Some of these concepts are engrained culturally to us especially in India. Offering nice flowers to the Lord is our expression to the Lord to say that these beautiful flowers are not for my own enjoyment but for you. In the Western societies, people grow beautiful flowers but those flowers are not shared even with neighbors. Those flowers are grown to make their front yard look beautiful. In India, we are asked to serve cows because a cow is equally considered as our mother; cows provide milk for us and we express our gratitude in return. In the Western world, as soon as the cow stops giving milk, they will turn those cows into beef.

It is also said meditation techniques including chanting of the names of Lord, breathing techniques (Pranayama), Yoga poses (Asanas) etc. are various techniques combined together to control our mind. It is a common perception that there are different kinds of yoga such as Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga etc. We realize from Srimad Bhagavatam that these yogas are non-different but various techniques can be used together to work towards the same goal. Each technique provides some benefit to the body, however, when one adds devotion to these techniques then one’s soul starts preparing for its liberation. So, yoga is not complete without devotion.

A devotee should be satisfied with whatever he earns without great difficulty. He should not eat more than necessary. He should be thoughtful, peaceful , friendly and compassionate towards all living beings.

When one performs yoga, one will develop miraculous powers. These are distractions in the path of liberation. When a devotee gets attached to these miraculous powers, then the objective of liberation is lost. He gets interested in pleasing people by showcasing his miracles. He starts receiving their worship and he gets a chance to take birth again where he can receive more worship from people to satisfy his ego. Lord Hanuman is the expert in yoga techniques, devotion and the master of miracles. However, he is simple and utilizes his miraculous powers only in the service of his Lord. That is the quality a true yogi.