Introspection is the watching of one’s thoughts and emotions, so as to be able to understand the source of all distractions and mental turmoil. It is the art of self-analysis where one thinks about one’s own thoughts and discriminates between good or beneficial thoughts and bad or harmful thoughts. In case of physical ailments one visits a doctor who after conducting tests, if necessary, diagnoses the problems and prescribes cure. But in case of mental afflictions like anger, jealousy, stress, depression, lack of concentration one can at best seek guidance from psychologist or psychiatrist but ultimately it is one’s own efforts that can cause the cure. In this regard, introspection is the most effective tool available to one. This, when practiced regularly also helps to ward off the mental afflictions before they happen.
In
introspection one watches the mind without any distraction or disturbance and
gets to know the flow of thoughts. The
process is similar to meditation with this following difference. While in meditation one tries to concentrate
on the object of meditation taming the wandering mind, in introspection one
watches the procession of thoughts in the mind without judging them or
regulating them. The following
disciplines when observed lead to successful introspection:
1) As in Meditation retire to a quiet corner wherein one
can practice Self-introspection, undisturbed for ten to fifteen minutes.
2) Sit still and relaxed all-through, watching one’s
thoughts.
3) Watch the thoughts as if one is watching the clouds
in the sky or waves in the ocean from sea-shore, without reacting as reaction
will lead to brooding on thoughts instead of watching.
4) Look upon one's thoughts as separate from oneself.
5) Practice it sincerely and regularly at a fixed time every day in the morning and evening.
When one knows the tendencies and inclinations of
one’s mind through regular practice of Self-introspection, then one can guide it in proper channel through
satsangh, prayer and chanting. Introspection
also strengthens one to face life’s tragedies as challenges to be met with confidence
without collapsing under its impact that may lead to depression and short-cuts
like alcoholism and drug abuse to overcome them.
When one realizes that one need to shake off the sorrow and move on in
life, then one is able to use the tragedy as an opportunity to strengthen
oneself. The ability to find the source
of suffering and seek possible solutions comes by introspection.
Thoughts make up the mind. Introspection gives one the ability to determine the inner working of one’s mind. The mind generally acts as an agent of one’s lower Self- the aspect of the personality that nurtures negative emotions. The only way to control an undisciplined and harmful mind and make it function as an ally of higher Self that inspires one to inculcate pure emotions and good habits is through the practice of introspection regularly. When a person is well-established in the practice of introspection, he will be able to see the type of thoughts that parade in his mind and take proper steps to cultivate and nourish a healthy mind.
Performing
an action involves a three-step process of impulse-thought-action. The propelling forces behind the impulses are
one’s desires and previous experiences. At the time the impulse arises it is in
the form of bubble in the surface of mind.
At this stage it is easy to control and overpower the impulse. If it is
not checked at the bubble stage, it soon turns into a wave that grips the mind
and blinds the person, when it is very difficult to control. The practice of
introspection helps to arrest the thought at bubble stage and prevent it from
going into a wave. Both good and bad
tendencies exist in everyone and these are based on the impressions of one’s
past actions and on the stimuli emanating from the environment. One must be aware of them through the regular
practice of introspection.
When a person is well-established in the practice of Self-introspection, he can then detect the source of suffering and act ruthlessly to replace it with good
thoughts and ideas. By doing so, he will grow steadily in peace and happiness.
In the practice of Self-introspection and follow-up action for betterment one
must keep in mind Swami Vivekananda’s advice – “Arise, awake and stop not till
the goal is reached”. Swami Amartyananda himself
gives as bottom line in his article the following formula – “Introspect daily,
detect diligently, negate ruthlessly, substitute wisely, grow steadily and be
happy’.
(Based on the article “Introspect to Improve” by Swami
Amartyananda)
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