The Reward of Training the Mind (Aatmbindu Upanishad)

 

     1-2 What was taught in the second half of the previous verse is here consolidated by repetition. Non-attachment has freed the mind and trained it to remain introverted, not extroverted. That is where we were left in the last verse. The mind that is thus freed from the hold of external objects can now be used to focus more steadily on the Lord dwelling in the heart. This implies that it has become available for serious meditation, which needs an undistracted mind. The student now begins the introverted part of Sadhana, that which we have previously called Antarmukha Sadhana as opposed to Bahirmukha Sadhana (inward-facing, not outward-facing). The logical conclusion or fruit of a trained mind is now given. What is the benefit of making the sacrifice of renouncing sense pleasures? The fruit comes in two stages: 

      3 i) One acquires the nature of the Self. By this is meant the tranquility, balance, peace, steadfastness and strength of one who is not battered by external circumstances, but well-anchored in his true inner being. The person is no longer swayed by the ups and downs of the winds of the world. 

   4 ii) When the above nature takes over in our personality, the second benefit arrives. He attains prolonged abidance in the Self dwelling in the core of the heart. He begins to enjoy living within himself, in the company of his true nature. He no longer lives on the surface of life, but is firmly established in the indwelling Presence of the Lord. The next verse continues from this point, with more details of this state . .