Sivananda Yoga FAQ

Q 1: How does the mind differ from the Soul?

A: The mind is mortal, while the Soul is immortal. The mind is a special, limited particularization of the Soul Consciousness, which is unlimited and never ceases to be all pervading. The mind is the form of the collective totality of desires. The mind is inert and powerless, but it appears to be conscious and powerful because the Inner Self or the Soul is reflected through it. The mind alone is the individual. It is the doer of all actions. It is the experiencer of every condition in the universe, both objectively and subjectively. The Soul is the Absolute which is not really affected by any experience of the mind.

Q 2: How can I find out if I have attained Chitta Suddhi?

A: You will have no attraction for sensual objects. You will have sustained and lasting Vairagya. Even in dreams you will not entertain evil thoughts. You will possess all the virtuous divine qualities such as mercy, cosmic love, forgiveness, harmony and balance of mind. These are the signs to indicate that you have attained Chitta Suddhi. Continue your Sadhana.

Q 3: Is God conscious or unconscious? If He is conscious, He must have a form, for only a being who has a body can be conscious.

A: God is pure consciousness. God is omniscient, all-knowing. God is Nirakara, formless or incorporeal. This physical body we wear has limited our universal consciousness. Consciousness is of various kinds, viz., physical consciousness, mental consciousness and absolute consciousness. You will experience the highest consciousness when you transcend the three bodies through constant and intense meditation. With a physical body and limited senses you experience the physical consciousness only. There are the other consciousness to explore.

When the time ripens, everything resolves itself into One. – Sri Swami Sivananda