Suppose we were confined in a room filled with the darkest images of our life. The first thing we would want to do is to replace them.

Similar is our predicament in our inner world wherein our mind is filled with memories, most of which are visual. Frequently, these images default toward the negative: toward the terrible things that have happened to us, the terrible things others have done to us and even the terrible things we ourselves may have done. 

How can we take out those negative images from our inner world? Actually, we can’t. But we can replace them, or more precisely over-place them (that is, place over them). How? By first understanding how these images are formed. 

The entire inner world is subtle; accordingly, images there are formed through a subtle process. Whatever we dwell on consciously, that becomes embedded inside us. Therefore, when we conscientiously dwell on positive realities, those become impressed on our mind. No matter how many bad things have happened to us, many good things have also happened to us. No matter how many bad things we have done, we have also done some good things. 

Beyond such realities that we can recollect, we can gain access to an inexhaustible source of positive memories by understanding and applying Gita wisdom. The Bhagavad-gita explains that we are at our core pure, being parts of the Divine (15.07). And when we follow the Gita’s basic directive to remember the ultimate reality, Krishna, that is the most empowering way to create a vast arsenal of spiritually positive memories that help us become aware of divine presence, peace and purpose. 

One-sentence summary:

To decrease inner negativity, conscientiously cultivate positive memories using spiritual practices. 

Think it over:

  • What can we do with our negative inner images?
  • List three positive memories that you can cultivate. 
  • List three devotional stimuli that you can use to cultivate spiritual memories. 

***

15.07: The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.