The phrase ‘ Mind Over Matter’ first appeared in the year 1863 in the book ‘Geological evidence of the antiquity of man’ by British Author and Geologist Sir Charles Lyell and later was used to refer to increasing status and evolutionary growth of minds of animals and man throughout the earth history.
The very definition of ‘Mind over Matter’ is the use of will power to overcome any physical conditions or problems. In other words; the ability to keep going to achieve goal in any difficult situations.
When we talk about this topic, the basic factor here is the mind-set. Whether a glass is half full or half empty, it is still half! It depends upon each one’s mind-set. Here matter is glass and mind is You. You become, what you perceive. Mind is flexible mirror and can be adjusted to see a better world. Everything is in mind. There is nothing either good or bad but our thinking makes it so.
A positive mind needs strong and healthy mind-set. Mind-set is developed through combination of factors including genetics, upbringing, education, self-reflection, environmental and personal experiences, peer influence etc. etc.
The matter refers to physical world in all its aspects including our bodies, material possession and the challenges we face in our day-to-day life. It encompasses everything tangible and perceivable by our senses.
Presence of mind is a part of mind! It can sometimes save you from life threatening situations. I remember a vivid incident when the electrician while doing some repair work at my house got a strong electric shock. He got stuck to wire with body in spasms and could not separate himself. Instead of pulling his hand (a reflex to save him), I used presence of mind and ran fast to switch off the mains. In another incident recently, while coming from Belgaum to Goa by car, the engine suddenly stopped and along with brakes failed on Anmod Ghat. The car was speeding at 60+km/ hr. Suddenly a sharp U left turn came into my eyesight and it was impossible to navigate. By sheer luck, I noticed a small cliff on right. Again presence of mind helped me. I manoeuvred the car in that (right) direction. Dense vegetation on the cliff also helped to block the speed of the car. !
The, idea of mastering the mind leads to inner peace and equanimity, allowing one to rise above the Quality of life and experience a deeper connection with the Divine.
In Bhagwad Gita concept of controlling mind is explained in chapter 6, verse 5. Says Lord Krishna to Arjuna ‘elevate yourself through the power of your mind and not degrade yourself. For the mind can be the best friend and also the worst enemy of the self.’
Same principles have been mentioned and explained in details in all religious scriptures including Bible, Quran, Agam Sutras, and other Vedic texts. Their teaching is – once you conquered your mind super soul is already reached.
Then you say in any given situations
“I don’t MIND, or IT doesn’t MATTER!
When one has reached this stage (‘Stitapradnya’as per Gita), then he/ she has attained tranquility.
To such a person, happiness and distress, heat and cold, honour and dishonour….
are all same.
Then nothing matters!
