Lay’s Potato Chips and the Philosophy of Mind
Lay’s Potato Chips and the Philosophy of Mind
Something to consider when coming across one of these trucks….
You’re driving down the road, and you see one of those Lay’s Potato Chip delivery trucks. On the side of the truck it says, “…you can’t eat just one.”
Do you reflect more deeply, or just move on to the next piece of external stimuli?
Upon further reflection, we find that the ol’ advertising department of Frito-Lay is correct. But, their chosen slogan speaks less about the greatness of their chip, and more about the tendency of the human mind, and the public psyche.
As practitioners of yoga, we should understand the deeper meaning and overall philosophy, as it is very practical for day to day life.
The human mind has 50 propensities or tendencies – known as vrttis in Sanskrit. Some of these tendencies elevate the mind such as love, compassion, empathy, and spiritual longing; and, some tendencies degrade the mind such as greed, hatred, jealousy, and envy.
Now here comes the key trick: Whichever tendency of mind you encourage, that tendency will grow. It will multiply.
If you give way to greed, then that propensity of greed gains a greater control over the mind. And one will become even more greedy.
Similarly, if you encourage feelings of hope, then that propensity takes deeper root in the mind. And one will feel more hopeful and optimistic.
So what does this mean? It means that every time you indulge in something that you do not want to be part of, you are not finishing your attachment towards it, rather you are sinking yourself deeper in that undesired direction. So when you coax yourself by saying, “I’ll just do this one last time”, don’t believe it.
On the plus side, each and every thought, word, and deed is a distinct opportunity to become more established in wholesome, sentient and refined practices. Every practitioner and every aspirant should be vigilant to always goad the mind in a positive direction. By this way you will leave behind old, undesirable tendencies, and strengthen your connection toward new, sentient ideals. This is something everyone can do on a daily basis.
This is relevant in our food choices, habits, exercise patterns, work ethic, personal relations, and so much more – every aspect of our existence.
So this process of mindfully encouraging psychic propensities is one of the great challenges on the path of yoga, as well as one of the great tenets for achieving victory. This simple formula is key for manifesting a new perspective and practice of life.
Thus pay heed – what is written on the side of the Lay’s potato chip truck is correct. As a practitioner, though, it is your job to apply it in the right direction. Which propensities are you going to encourage?
Very encouraging blog; just what I needed! Thank you
Utz with Ripples 😉
Glad you found it helpful and meaningful Michelle!!
As for you Catrina, well let’s just say you are one unique chip!!
Satyam
Satyam, sometimes it seems you are a mind – reader…just the words and gentle reminder I needed to hear…
I think you must have given me the idea in the first place…
This is something that I feel I’ve been struggling with for so, so long now. Self discipline, self nurturing and making “higher” choices. I feel it is all “coming to a head” with the close of 2012 (a very, very challenging year) and a self-reflective Jan ’13 (so far). I find I’m taking stock and *trying* to be honest about my life, what & who is serving me and what needs to go (particulary so my greatest self can come through and be of service to my children, loved ones and community). In other words, time to put down the chip. Better yet, time to stop buying them. Any help/ guidance for making these changes with compassion, grace and ease would be greatly appreciated.
~ Sat Nam ~
Beth
Hi Beth,
Thank you for your thoughtful sharing…
By your expression, it seems clear that one of the key ingredients needed for refining one’s life and making positive changes you already have: Interest.
Without the interest or desire it is wholly impossible. With the interest and desire it is surely attainable. So I think it safe to say you are on the path.
For the yogis, the path is blissful yet embedded with struggle. So then how to transform this interest and struggle into greater practical manifestation. Well that is always one of the great challenges.
Here are some things that might help:
1. Proceed in a step-wise fashion. Do not try to go for it ALL at once. Rather work in increments and try to hold yourself to them.
2. Satsaunga (good company). Hang out with people who already embody practices you wish to inculcate, or are interested in following those same practices.
3. Fortify yourself with logic and reason for why those things are good, then the mind will be prepared and more inclined to be a living model.
4. Be vigilant yet patient. Remember making any new life practice is not easy yet at the same time we are not here forever so making the change sooner is better!
Final thoughts – life exists as a continuum. We should always strive to refine. Make good choices consistently so they become our habits; and practice those habits with great steadfastness and those habits will become our nature. That is true success.
Start small – aim big. Each and every day you move ahead with your desired change – the easier it gets and the stronger you become.
Watching for your victory!
Best wishes,
Satyam
It’s the old adage — you are what you think. My mother was always talking to me about this from the time I was a child. You wouldn’t think I’d need to be reminded, but I do, constantly! It’s getting increasingly harder for me to avoid negative people and thoughts when we are so bombarded with them on a daily basis. Would love to rid our society of the tendencies to degrade it. Perhaps I’m wishing to be omnipotent.
@renyoga Wonderful blog! Inspiring!
(via Twitter)