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The senses do nothing by themselves. They are not independent. If the mind is brought under control, the senses, too, can be controlled. Some people undergo mere denial of the senses in order to control the mind. They are ignorant of the real discipline necessary, which is the destruction of desire. However vigilant the guards may be, a clever thief can still steal in 100 amazing ways. So too, however skillfully you may try to control the senses, the mind will drag them to its side and execute its desires through them.
If the outer door (senses) alone is closed and the inner door (desires) is le unbolted, calamity is certain. On the other hand, if both the exterior and the interior doors are safely bolted, you can sleep peacefully, for no thief, however clever, will find it easy to enter and do harm. The seeker should therefore establish mastery over the external senses first. Then the mind must be controlled by the means of peace, equanimity, renunciation, and detachment. When that is accomplished, one can experience real bliss and visualize the Atma in its true form. That is why Krishna once told Arjuna, “Those who aspire to have mastery over the senses must have full faith in Me." (SSB, Dhyana Vahini)
Sai Baba Doesn’t Give Chili
Swami taught me a lesson about controlling our senses and desires during a car ride with him in June 2001. I was in the front seat and turned to look over my shoulder at Swami, who was in the rear seat. In such a situation, I am generally quiet as a mouse, speaking only if Swami invites conversation. As we passed the Indian canteen, Swami mentioned that it is always a busy and popular place. Trying to keep the conversation going I simply said, “People like to eat.” Swami then mentioned that sometimes the food is hot and that chili is put in the food. “Do you like hot food?” he asked. “No Swami, I don’t like hot food except if Swami gives me chili.” In a so voice Swami answered, “Swami doesn’t give chili.”
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