Why is it necessary to train the mind to focus on the conscience and the life principle within? Bhagawan gives us a clear explanation with a simple example.

The nature of the mind is very peculiar. It has no qualities of its own. Here is a newspaper. A newspaper has no special qualities, no smell of its own. When you wrap jasmine flowers in it, it will get the fragrance of jasmine flowers. The newspaper, without any smell before, will acquire the smell of pakodas (a fried snack), if you wrap pakodas in it. Similarly, if you pack dry fish in it, the paper will also have the smell of dry fish. The paper has no separate smell of its own; it acquires the smell of items associated with it. Likewise, the human mind, which is pure and sacred by nature, becomes impure and unsacred due to body consciousness and material attachments. When you think of a material object, it will assume the form of that object. If you turn the mind towards the world, it binds you to the world. But if you turn the mind towards the life principle (prana), it will make your life sacred. When the same mind is diverted towards prajna (conscience), which is Brahman, you become Brahman! It is the mind of man which is responsible for his bondage as well as liberation.

– Divine Discourse, Apr 14, 1993



Keep the Name of the Lord always radiant on your tongue and mind. That will keep the antics of the mind under control. – BABA