Continuous contemplation of the divine can lead to the purification of the mind. As one strives for this purification, they may gradually attain spiritual power and detachment. This detachment does not mean indifference but rather losing interest in worldly matters. Detachment is not dependent on wearing saffron robes or external rituals. It means the desires that have been hidden in our body for many years disappear, and we no longer feel the need for those things. This is the true meaning of detachment. The other side of detachment is knowledge. Knowledge can come through devotion and chanting the divine name. For example, the knowledge that Saint Tukaram attained was through devotion. If one gains knowledge, the mind will become detached, and if one practices devotion, they will gain knowledge. This is an interconnected chain.

We are ordinary people. We may not be able to dedicate our lives completely, but we can maintain a sense of dedication in our minds. Everyone should remind their mind of the divine. Contemplation of the divine purifies both the body and the mind. The flaws of the mind disappear automatically. The best way to make the mind doubtless, unwavering, and peaceful is through chanting the divine name. The divine has created certain places for the mind to find rest. When we visit these places, such as a gurukul, ashram, or pilgrimage site, and sit there for a moment, the mind finds rest automatically. When visiting these places, one should close their eyes and absorb the divine form in their mind while offering salutations.

Through the act of breathing, the body remembers the divine, but the mind, being under the control of the six enemies (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, and jealousy), forgets the divine. If the mind remembers the divine, it will lead to your salvation. The divine creates an illusion around the mind, making it difficult for humans to achieve their own salvation. Therefore, one should focus their mind on the breath with the mantra 'Soham.' This will eliminate the six enemies, develop the habit of contemplation, increase the accumulation of merit, and bring concentration to the mind. You will realize the mystery of who is saying 'Soham' within your body.

|| shree gurudev datta ||