Yoga, in its traditional and ancient form, goes beyond mere fitness and postures; it is a comprehensive way of life. Covering all aspects of our being and the universe we inhabit, yoga's roots trace back to ancient texts and pre-textual knowledge transmitted by Rishis and Yogis through various Yogic lineages.

Within the realm of yoga, diverse disciplines explore the connection between our energies and higher forces, such as the cosmos. Humans rely on external sources of energy like water, food, and air, collectively referred to as the elements of life. Similarly, the sun and the moon, along with various other energies, play crucial roles in maintaining the balance necessary for life to exist.

This blog will delve into a fascinating aspect related to the moon's influence on our minds. In Vedic astrology, based on the sidereal system, the study involves considering the real positions of stars in the sky. This method calculates and interprets how the movements and positions of celestial bodies impact and reflect various aspects of our lives. Unlike some other methods, the sidereal system takes into account the gradual shift in the Earth's axis and the changing positions of stars. According to this discipline, there is an important event known as "Mauni Amavasya." "Amavasya" translates to the No Moon or New Moon day, while 'Mauni' stems from the Sanskrit word "Mauna," signifying absolute silence. Mauni Amavasya involves observing this day by abstaining from speaking, maintaining complete silence, or practicing "Maun Vrat," a vow of silence. This practice is particularly important for Sadhus and Sadhaks (individuals on the path of yoga), extending beyond verbal silence to include silencing the mind through yoga.

Occurring annually in the months of February or March, Mauni Amavasya falls on the 9th of February in 2024.

If a Yoga practitioner is unable to observe the vow of silence on this day due to various reasons, considering the numerous factors in our modern lifestyles that stimulate us, it is important to strive for a calm and balanced mind. This can be achieved through practices such as meditation or pranayama, as the energy on this day may induce restlessness or racing thoughts. Utilizing this time to regulate the mind through yoga, specifically meditation, is a profound method to achieve balance in the energies within and around oneself.

Let's explore excerpts from two ancient yoga texts, shedding light on the profound influence of the mind and its significant role in life's journey.

Chapter 6, verse 5 of the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the profound role of the mind in shaping our existence. In Sanskrit, a verse is called a "shloka," and this specific verse advises, "Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself, for the mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self." This timeless truth underscores the significance of the mind, which serves as the primary dwelling place for our countless thoughts within the body.

Another captivating example regarding the mind is found in the Amritabindu Upanishad, a revered ancient Yoga text. Within this text, a verse highlights the influential role of the mind in determining one's state of either bondage or liberation. In verse 2, it states, "The mind serves as both the source of bondage and the key to liberation for humans. When the mind becomes engrossed in sensory objects, it leads to bondage; however, liberation is attained when the mind is detached from these sensory objects."

These verses align with the teachings of Yoga, an ancient and traditional way of life. Yoga recognizes the mind as a powerful force, often presenting a challenge to control. The entirety of yoga practices and lifestyle choices revolves around the ultimate goal of regulating the mind. It suggests that gaining control over the mind is a more demanding task than achieving other pursuits, underscoring the pivotal role the mind plays in our journey of spiritual growth, connection with inner and outer energies, and the creation of a harmonious balance.

Cultivating a balanced space within our minds where we can reside peacefully and harmoniously is an ongoing journey, something to practice and strive for every day. It's not just about practicing once; it's a continuous effort. Managing our thoughts and emotions is a journey that lasts a lifetime, which is why incorporating yoga into our daily routine can be incredibly helpful and illuminating. We shouldn't expect to have all the answers because it's impossible to know everything. Instead, understanding ourselves deeply is the ultimate form of wisdom. This blog aims to explore one of the crucial elements of yoga: the art of controlling and shaping our minds. It explores how our existence is a delicate balance of energies within us and in the world around us.