Sage of Kanchi –

Pranams at the lotus feet of Sri Paramacharya !

Paramacharya speaks about Samanyadharma/disciplines which are common for all the Varnnas which was written in the Manusmrithi.  The basic and essential virtues are respect and devotion to Mother, Father, Preceptor and deities, non-violence is another important virtue, we should not give any physical affliction to any of the creatures on the Earth and sense of non-violence are one of the major instrument for the practice of Yoga.  Yogashasthra defines the meaning of Yoga as bringing perfect control over senses, and control over thoughts.  Desires are the root cause for rousing all the emotions, it keeps burning like fire, and therefore we are undergoing various mental and physical afflictions because of lack of control over our thoughts.  Our mind is an instrument for worldly bondage as well as Moksham, our thoughts has great influence in our lives, we have two choices before us, we can use our intellect for building up worldly bondage or liberation from birth, aging and death, intellectuals and wise people choose the latter.  Our intellect never follows our intentions, most of the time it wanders through the darkness of ignorance, it never co-operates with the individual, we can control speech by observing the vow of silence, we can close eyes to avoid contact with the things, but it is impossible to control the mind, hence one thing is very evident that our thoughts are not in our control.  If the mind was under our control, it should listen to our commands, but often it reacts opposite to our intention.  A lunatic cannot control his speech in the same manner, we are not in a position control our thoughts, if we have perfect control over mind it should listen to our orders, it kindles various emotions like sorrow, fear, anxiousness etc.  It is essential to practice meditation and Yoga to bring perfect control over senses, it brings the permanent presence of Supreme spirit in our hearts which remove all the impurities, ego, pride, jealous, anger, etc..  When there is calmness in the mind we can feel the presence of the Supreme Lord who is supreme bliss.