Developing the qualities of the head – Willpower

The first quality of the mind that needs to be developed is willpower, which represents a focused mind, not a dissipated mind. Willpower is the first requirement on the yogic journey. Willpower does not mean assertiveness, but a quality of mind which achieves what it desires. This is the straight flight of the arrow. In this state of mind there are no dissipations; the mental energies are brought together and focused. If you decide that every day you will wake up at a particular time, the mind will wake up sharp at that time. If you decide that from today you will leave one bad habit, from that moment onwards that bad habit has no place in your life, there is no thinking about it and no craving for it later on.

Many people attempt to get rid of their addiction to smoking, alcohol or drugs. Although there is a desire to leave the habit, the hankering continues and there is a struggle between the habit and their aspirations. Often in your life the mind and thoughts keep going back to what has been left behind and you desire it again; this is lack of willpower. Willpower represents a focused mind, a mind which is energized. That is the first attainment of mind management.

 

From the book “Yoga Sadhana Panorama, Vol.6”, pg. 41-42, Sw. Niranjanananda Saraswati

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Developing the qualities of the head - Willpower

Developing the qualities of the head - Willpower

The first quality of the mind that needs to be developed is willpower, which represents a focused mind, not a dissipated mind. Willpower is the first requirement on the yogic journey. Willpower does not mean assertiveness, but a quality of mind which achieves what it desires. This is the straight flight of the arrow. In this state of mind there are no dissipations; the mental energies are brought together and focused. If you decide that every day you will wake up at a particular time, the mind will wake up sharp at that time. If you decide that from today you will leave one bad habit, from that moment onwards that bad habit has no place in your life, there is no thinking about it and no craving for it later on.

Many people attempt to get rid of their addiction to smoking, alcohol or drugs. Although there is a desire to leave the habit, the hankering continues and there is a struggle between the habit and their aspirations. Often in your life the mind and thoughts keep going back to what has been left behind and you desire it again; this is lack of willpower. Willpower represents a focused mind, a mind which is energized. That is the first attainment of mind management.

 

From the book “Yoga Sadhana Panorama, Vol.6”, pg. 41-42, Sw. Niranjanananda Saraswati