Mind Control (Mano Nigraha) According to Dvaita Philosophy
Mano Nigraha means bringing the mind under control and directing a restless and wandering mind towards the right path. In the Dvaita tradition, control of the mind is considered an important first step in spiritual discipline and devotion.
The mind is naturally restless and constantly moves towards external objects. The spiritual discipline taught by the Vedas, Upanishads, Sri Madhvacharya, and the Haridasa tradition is not to destroy the mind, but to discipline it and turn it towards Sri Hari, the Supreme Lord.
Let us understand the concept of Mano Nigraha from the perspective of the Vedas and Upanishads, Sri Madhvacharya's teachings, and the devotional literature of the Haridasas.
1. Mano Nigraha in the Vedas and Upanishads
The scriptures repeatedly emphasize that an uncontrolled mind becomes the cause of distraction, while a disciplined mind becomes an instrument of spiritual progress.
The Chariot Analogy – Kathopanishad
The Kathopanishad gives a beautiful analogy:
"Ä€tmÄnaá¹ rathinaá¹ viddhi
śarīraṠratham eva tu |
Buddhiá¹ tu sÄrathiá¹ viddhi
manaḥ pragraham eva ca ||"
The meaning is:
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The body is the chariot.
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The Ātman is the passenger or master of the chariot.
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The intellect (Buddhi) is the charioteer.
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The mind (Manas) is the reins.
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The senses are the horses.
If the reins are properly controlled, the horses can be directed towards the proper destination. Similarly, when the mind is disciplined, the senses can be directed properly. When the mind is uncontrolled, the senses may pull a person towards undesirable objects and experiences.
Thus, Mano Nigraha is essential for spiritual progress.
Bhagavad Gita – The Restless Mind
Arjuna expresses the difficulty of controlling the mind:
"Cañcalaá¹ hi manaḥ kṛṣṇa..."
— Bhagavad Gita 6.34
Arjuna says that the mind is extremely restless, turbulent, powerful and difficult to control.
Sri Krishna responds:
"AbhyÄsena tu kaunteya vairÄgyeṇa ca gá¹›hyate."
— Bhagavad Gita 6.35
The mind can be brought under control through AbhyÄsa (constant practice) and VairÄgya (detachment).
Therefore, mind control is not achieved in a single day. It requires continuous spiritual practice.
Chandogya Upanishad
The Chandogya Upanishad says:
"AnnamayaṠhi saumya manaḥ."
The mind is said to be dependent upon food. This teaches us that what we consume and how we live have an influence on the condition of the mind.
Therefore:
Sattvic food + Sattvic thoughts + Satsanga + Spiritual practice = Purification of the mind
The Essence
The mind is naturally outward-looking. Mano Nigraha means gradually turning the mind away from unnecessary worldly distractions and directing it towards Sri Hari and spiritual truth.
2. Sri Madhvacharya's View of Mano Nigraha
According to the teachings of Sri Madhvacharya, Mano Nigraha is an important aspect of spiritual discipline and devotional practice.
Dvaita philosophy teaches the eternal distinction between Sri Hari, the Supreme Being, and the individual soul (Jiva). The Jiva is dependent upon the Lord and is not absolutely independent.
Therefore, the individual should recognize his dependence upon Sri Hari and surrender to Him.
For such surrender and devotion, a disciplined mind is essential.
Abhyasa and Vairagya According to Madhva Tradition
Sri Madhvacharya explains the teaching of Bhagavad Gita 6.35 in a deeply devotional manner.
Abhyasa means constantly contemplating the supremacy of Sri Hari:
Hari is Sarvottama – Sri Hari is Supreme.
Vairagya means turning away from objects and attachments that are opposed to devotion to Sri Hari.
Thus, spiritual practice is not merely an attempt to empty the mind.
Rather, the mind must be filled with the remembrance of Sri Hari.
The Mind, Intellect and Ego
The mind, intellect and ego are associated with Prakriti. They must be properly directed towards the service of Sri Hari.
When the mind is engaged in:
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remembrance of Hari,
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contemplation of His greatness,
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study of the scriptures,
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service to devotees,
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Nama Smarana,
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and Satsanga,
the same mind that once created distractions becomes an instrument of devotion.
The Principle of Dependence
Dvaita teaches that the Jiva is not absolutely independent.
The senses, mind and various faculties function under the control of the Supreme Lord and the respective deities appointed by Him.
Therefore:
Our effort is necessary, but the ultimate result depends upon the grace of Sri Hari.
This can be expressed simply as:
Complete effort + Divine Grace = Successful Mano Nigraha
3. Mano Nigraha in the Haridasa Tradition
The Haridasas presented profound philosophical truths in simple, beautiful and emotionally appealing language.
For them, controlling the mind does not merely mean suppressing thoughts. It means occupying the mind with the remembrance of Sri Hari.
Purandara Dasa
Sri Purandara Dasa repeatedly speaks about the restless nature of the mind.
He advises the mind to remain calm and remember Hari:
"Manave nÄ« nanna mÄta kēḷÅ,
summane kuḷitiru Hariya nenedu."
The message is simple:
O mind, listen to me. Remain calm and remember Hari.
The mind constantly develops new desires when it sees worldly objects. Therefore, the mind has to be repeatedly brought back to the remembrance of God.
The Haridasa tradition uses simple imagery to show how the restless mind resembles a monkey or a wandering creature. The remedy is to bind the mind with the chain of Hari Nama.
Kanaka Dasa
Kanaka Dasa beautifully describes the mysterious relationship between the individual and Maya:
"NÄ« mÄyeyoḷago, ninnÅḷu mÄyeyÅ?"
The mind becomes caught in the play of Maya.
Kanaka Dasa also warns against pride and ego. Social pride, arrogance and attachment must themselves be brought under control.
True spiritual progress begins when the individual gives up unnecessary ego and recognizes his dependence upon God.
Jagannatha Dasa
Sri Jagannatha Dasa emphasizes the importance of conquering the senses and the mind.
The Harikathamritasara repeatedly teaches that controlling the mind is one of the most difficult aspects of spiritual life.
The grace of the Guru is therefore essential.
Vijaya Dasa
Sri Vijaya Dasa gives great importance to faith in the Lord:
"ManasÄ“ke becchabÄ“á¸a,
enna pÄlisÅ doreyihanu."
The teaching is that fear and anxiety disturb the mind. When one develops complete faith that Hari is protecting and guiding him, the mind gradually becomes peaceful.
4. The Three Important Practices Taught by the Haridasas
The Haridasa tradition emphasizes three powerful methods for disciplining the mind.
1. Nama Smarana
Constant remembrance and repetition of the Lord's name keeps the mind occupied with divine thoughts.
When the mind is engaged in:
Sri Hari Nama → it has less opportunity to wander towards undesirable thoughts.
2. Satsanga
Association with spiritually inclined and noble people helps the mind move in the right direction.
Good company creates good thoughts, while undesirable association can strengthen undesirable tendencies.
3. Dasya Bhava
The feeling:
"I am a servant of Sri Hari."
reduces ego and cultivates humility.
When the ego becomes weaker, the mind becomes more peaceful and receptive to devotion.
5. A Synthesis of the Three Traditions
| Tradition | Nature of the Mind | Method of Control |
|---|---|---|
| Upanishads | Restless like horses, wind or a wandering creature | Practice, detachment and meditation |
| Sri Madhvacharya | Dependent upon the Supreme Lord and governed by the hierarchy of deities | Contemplation of Hari's supremacy and prayer for Divine Grace |
| Haridasa Tradition | Restless, caught in Maya and worldly desires | Nama Smarana, Satsanga, Guru's Grace and Dasya Bhava |
The central teaching is common:
The mind must not be allowed to wander aimlessly. It must be directed towards Sri Hari.
6. Sri Rudra Deva – The Controller of the Mind
One of the distinctive teachings found in the Dvaita tradition concerns Sri Rudra Deva as the deity associated with the control of the mind.
Dvaita philosophy recognizes a hierarchy of divine beings and the respective roles of the deities who govern different faculties of the Jiva.
The mind is therefore not regarded as something over which the individual possesses absolute independent control.
Rudra and the Mind in the Upanishadic Tradition
The scriptures associate the mind with the lunar principle and also describe the role of Rudra in relation to the inner faculties.
The Aitareya tradition describes the entry of the various deities into the organs and faculties of the body. The mind is associated with the lunar principle.
The important philosophical point is that these faculties are not absolutely independent. They function under divine governance.
The Eleven Rudras
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad explains the eleven Rudras in connection with the ten vital faculties and the self as the eleventh.
The passage says:
"Katame rudrÄ iti? DaÅ›eme puruá¹£e prÄá¹‡Ä ÄtmÄ ekÄdaÅ›aḥ..."
The traditional explanation connects the eleven with the faculties associated with the living being.
This highlights the important role of Rudra in the functioning of the individual organism.
7. Sri Madhvacharya and the Position of Rudra
Sri Madhvacharya gives a very significant place to Sri Rudra within the Taratamya, the hierarchy of divine beings.
According to Dvaita philosophy, Sri Hari alone is Supreme. All other deities are exalted beings who are completely dependent upon Him.
Sri Rudra is a highly exalted devotee of Sri Vishnu and performs his cosmic responsibilities under the command of the Supreme Lord.
Therefore, prayer to Rudra is not independent of devotion to Vishnu.
Rather, it is understood within the hierarchy established by Sri Hari.
Rudra as the Controller of the Mind
The Madhva tradition identifies Rudra with the governing principle of the mind.
This has a very important practical implication:
If the mind is difficult to control, the devotee should pray for the grace of the deity who governs the mind.
But this prayer must always be understood through the Dvaita doctrine of hierarchy.
Sri Rudra himself is dependent upon Sri Hari.
Thus the spiritual sequence can be understood as:
Jiva → Rudra → Vayu → Sri Hari
The individual makes the effort, seeks the grace of the appropriate divine controller, and ultimately depends upon the grace of Sri Hari.
8. Vishnu and Rudra – The Dvaita Understanding
The Madhva tradition emphasizes the intimate relationship between Sri Vishnu and Sri Rudra while maintaining their eternal distinction.
A traditional expression is:
"Rudrasya hridaye Vishnuḥ, Vishnośca hridaye Rudraḥ."
The meaning conveyed by this traditional expression is that Sri Rudra is an exalted devotee of Sri Vishnu and that Sri Vishnu is the indwelling Supreme Lord.
Sri Rudra's power is therefore not independent.
He performs his duties according to the will of Sri Hari.
This is an important distinction in Dvaita philosophy:
Sri Hari is Supreme. Sri Rudra is an exalted and powerful deity who remains completely dependent upon Sri Hari.
9. The Role of Rudra in Mano Nigraha
The practical teaching is profound.
A person may repeatedly say:
"I want to control my mind."
But mere determination may not always be sufficient.
The mind has its own tendencies, habits and attachments.
Therefore, spiritual discipline should include prayer:
"O Sri Rudra Deva, please guide my mind towards the feet of Sri Hari."
This prayer recognizes that:
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the Jiva is dependent,
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the mind is governed by divine forces,
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Sri Rudra is an exalted servant and devotee of Sri Hari,
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and Sri Hari is the Supreme Controller of all.
Thus, Mano Nigraha becomes an act of effort, humility and surrender.
10. Rudra in the Haridasa Tradition
The Haridasas respected Sri Rudra as an exalted devotee of Sri Hari.
Their devotional literature repeatedly warns devotees against disrespecting or criticizing Shiva.
The message is not to create rivalry between Vaishnavas and Shaivas, but to recognize the proper philosophical hierarchy while maintaining devotion to Sri Hari.
Purandara Dasa
Sri Purandara Dasa cautions against criticizing Sri Shankara.
The traditional Haridasa teaching emphasizes that disrespect towards great deities and devotees is spiritually harmful.
The expression:
"Harana koodade Hariya kaanabaaradu"
is understood in the devotional tradition as emphasizing the importance of receiving the grace of Sri Rudra while approaching Sri Hari.
Sri Rudra is an exalted devotee of Vishnu and therefore deserves respect and devotion.
Jagannatha Dasa
The Harikathamritasara tradition gives great importance to the control of the mind and the grace of the appropriate divine controllers.
The teaching may be summarized as:
Without divine grace, the bound Jiva cannot achieve complete victory over the mind.
Therefore, prayer to Sri Rudra, together with devotion to Sri Hari and the guidance of the Guru, becomes an important part of spiritual discipline.
Vijaya Dasa
Sri Vijaya Dasa's devotional compositions repeatedly encourage the mind to remember the Lord and seek freedom from undesirable association and tendencies.
The devotee asks the Lord to remove bad influences and turn the mind towards spiritual life.
Prasanna Venkata Dasa
The Haridasa tradition also expresses the Taratamya doctrine through concise devotional statements, recognizing:
Vayu as Jeevottama and Rudra in relation to the mind and its governance.
Such expressions communicate complex Dvaita philosophy through simple devotional language.
11. The Spiritual Path of Mano Nigraha According to Dvaita
The Dvaita understanding of mind control can be presented as a four-stage spiritual relationship:
1. The Jiva Makes the Effort
The individual must sincerely practice:
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Nama Smarana
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Satsanga
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Scriptural study
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Meditation
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Prayer
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Self-discipline
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Control of the senses
2. Sri Rudra – Controller of the Mind
The devotee seeks the grace of Sri Rudra for the proper direction and discipline of the mind.
3. Sri Vayu – Jeevottama
Sri Vayu occupies the highest position among Jivas and serves as the great mediator and devotee of Sri Hari.
4. Sri Hari – Supreme Controller
Ultimately, Sri Hari is the Supreme Being, the independent reality and the giver of liberation.
Thus:
Our effort is necessary, but Divine Grace is indispensable.
12. What Does Mano Nigraha Really Mean?
Mano Nigraha in Dvaita does not mean killing or destroying the mind.
It does not mean making the mind completely blank.
It does not mean running away from the world.
Rather, it means redirecting the mind.
The mind that once ran towards worldly objects must be turned towards Sri Hari.
The mind that was filled with fear must be filled with faith.
The mind that was filled with ego must be filled with humility.
The mind that was distracted by worldly desires must be occupied with Nama Smarana.
The mind that was disturbed by anxiety must be surrendered at the feet of Sri Hari.
Therefore:
Mano Nigraha is not destruction of the mind; it is the proper direction of the mind.
13. A Simple Daily Practice for Mano Nigraha
A devotee can gradually cultivate control of the mind through a simple routine:
Morning
Begin the day with remembrance of Sri Hari and prayer to the Guru and the deities.
During the Day
Whenever the mind becomes distracted, gently bring it back to:
"Sri Hari Sarvottama."
Nama Smarana
Repeat the name of the Lord according to one's spiritual tradition.
Satsanga
Spend time listening to Hari Katha, studying the works of Sri Madhvacharya and the Haridasas, and associating with devotees.
Before Sleep
Review the day and pray:
"Sri Hari, please purify my mind and guide it towards Your lotus feet."
Conclusion
The Dvaita tradition presents a profound and practical understanding of Mano Nigraha.
The Upanishads teach us that the mind must be controlled just as the reins control the horses of a chariot.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the restless mind can be controlled through Abhyasa and Vairagya.
Sri Madhvacharya teaches us to direct that practice towards the contemplation of Sri Hari's supremacy and to recognize the complete dependence of the Jiva upon Him.
The Haridasas made this philosophy accessible to everyone through Nama Smarana, Satsanga, Dasya Bhava and Guru's Grace.
The Dvaita tradition further teaches that the mind is not absolutely independent and recognizes Sri Rudra as the controller associated with the mind. Since Sri Rudra himself is an exalted devotee and servant of Sri Hari, the devotee seeks his grace while ultimately surrendering to Sri Vishnu, the Supreme Lord.
Therefore, when the mind refuses to listen, we should not become discouraged.
Instead, we should pray:
"O Sri Rudra Deva, please turn my mind towards the lotus feet of Sri Hari."
And remember:
"Our effort is ours; the result is by the grace of Sri Hari."
The ultimate purpose of Mano Nigraha is therefore not merely to make the mind quiet.
It is to make the mind devotional.
It is to make the mind humble.
It is to make the mind pure.
And above all, it is to make the mind constantly remember:
Sri Hari Sarvottama – Vayu Jeevottama
Sri Hari is Supreme. Sri Vayu is the greatest among Jivas. Through proper knowledge, devotion, discipline and Divine Grace, the wandering mind can gradually be turned towards the eternal service of Sri Hari.