Should the Horses Run Wild?
Should the Horses Run Wild?
Here is an analogy that explores the yogic way of living and the key to all-round success…
Yogis use all kinds of analogies to
describe the practice of yoga and
the human condition.
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One of which is the analogy of the
charioteer and team of horses.
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In this case, the charioteer is the mind,
and the horses represent the 10 motor
and sensory organs.
—
—
For a smooth journey, the charioteer
has to properly manage and rein in those horses.
Then one will stay on course and avoid
bumps and bruises along the way.
—
Similarly, the mind should be in
full control of those organs. Then
one’s human life will be neat and clean.
—
Failing that, the horses (organs) will run wild
and drag the mind (i.e. the individual)
into all kinds of situations that
hold undesirable outcomes.
—
Consider the proverbial neon flashing lights
alluring you in some way. Actually,
they are tempting your motor and sensory
organs, hoping those organs will overpower
the mind’s faculty of discrimination (vivek).
—
When one gives in once, then the mind loses
its control and in due course that mind
becomes a slave to that desire, and undergoes
all the unfavorable reactions.
—
Whereas when the mind is firmly in control then
one remains in a state of equipoise
and can make a just and rational decision.
That brings peace and harmony
in all spheres of life.
–
That is why the yogis say a
disciplined mind is the absolute
key to success in life:
physically, psychically, and spiritually.
—
Note: This analogy can be developed in a more layered manner,
but this is the overall message.
Thanks for “Should Horses Run Wild.” Needed that!
– D
Thank you for creating some thought around this subject!
You are both most welcome – glad you found it to be meaningful…