Cleaning Dirty Things from the Mirror of the Mind
The fundamental problem of material existence is a case of mistaken identity, caused by a contaminated mind. Srila Prabhupada frequently employs the metaphor of a mirror covered in dust. Just as one cannot see their reflection in a dirty mirror, the living entity cannot see their true spiritual nature when the mind is covered by the dust of material desires. This article explores the Vedic science of "mind cleaning"—how to remove the layers of passion and ignorance to reveal the pristine nature of the soul.
The Nature of the Dirt
What exactly are these "dirty things" clogging the mind? Srila Prabhupada identifies them as the modes of passion and ignorance, manifesting primarily as lust, anger, greed, and the deep-seated desire to lord it over material nature. This contamination is not superficial; it has accumulated over millions of births. In some places, Srila Prabhupada describes this accumulation as a "mountain of dirt," indicating the formidable challenge of removing it through ordinary means.
- The dirty things in the materialistic mind are the modes of passion and ignorance.
- The mind of the conditioned soul... contains heaps of dirt... This dirt is like a mountain.
- If a yogi wants to shatter the mountain of dirt... he should concentrate on the lotus feet of the Lord.
The Cleaning Process: Chanting and Hearing
While ancient yogis like Vasudeva and Devaki used severe austerities such as prāṇāyāma and eating dry leaves to purify their minds, the recommended process for the modern age is much more accessible and potent. Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu introduced the saṅkīrtana movement, declaring ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam: the chanting of the Holy Name cleanses the mirror of the mind. Additionally, simply hearing the activities of the Supreme Lord (kṛṣṇa-kathā) acts as a powerful detergent. When a devotee hears about Kṛṣṇa, the Lord within the heart becomes pleased and personally helps wash away the contamination.
- Ceto-darpana-marjanam: by chanting the holy name of Krsna one is cleansed of the dirt that accumulates in the mind.
- The Supreme Lord within everyone's heart becomes very pleased when a person hears narrations of His activities, and He personally cleanses the dirt from the mind of the listener.
- Whenever there is roaring of a lion... this vibration of transcendental sound will cleanse the elephants of dirtiness in the mind.
Subtle Spots on the Cloth
The cleansing process must be thorough. Srila Prabhupada warns that even after the gross dirt of sense gratification is removed, subtle stains may remain. These include the desire for impersonal liberation, monism, or material success through religion. Just as spots on a clean white cloth are very visible, these subtle desires tarnish the pure heart of a devotee. Complete purification means the removal of all desires except the desire to serve Kṛṣṇa.
Conclusion
The result of this cleansing is the restoration of peace and spiritual vision. As the dust is wiped away, the "blazing fire of material existence" is extinguished. One develops love of God and forgets the "material nonsense" that previously occupied the mind. Ultimately, a clean mind is the prerequisite for entering the spiritual atmosphere of Vṛndāvana.
- When will my mind be cleansed of all material dirt so that I will be able to feel the presence of spiritual Vrndavana?
- Then at once the blazing fire of material existence is over.
Dive Deeper into Srila Prabhupada's Vani
Srila Prabhupada lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Cleaning Dirty Things from the Mind. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Srila Prabhupada's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.