What are thoughts and how they influence us? Is meditation useful in controlling thought....? Lets understand...🤔🤔

 What Are Thoughts?

Let us first understand what thoughts are. A simple definition states, "Thoughts are generated when neurons fire." In fact, according to an online paper, thoughts are electrochemical reactions. The human brain consists of about 100 billion nerve cells (neurons) interconnected by trillions of connections called synapses. On average, each connection transmits about one signal per second, and some connections transmit up to 1,000 signals per second.

With this understanding, you can see how complex thoughts really are. For those who believe thoughts are just trivial notions or casually quote phrases like "We are made of what we think of ourselves," it is essential to recognize that thoughts are not simple. They are one of the most intricate mechanisms of the human brain.

This complexity also makes thoughts a powerful part of life. While science tells us thoughts are electrochemical reactions, they undeniably influence and, in many ways, control us.

The Question: How to Control Thoughts?

The most common response to this question is meditation. However, this answer often feels generic because meditation has become a kind of "over-the-counter painkiller"—a solution prescribed for everything without fully understanding its depth.

To effectively control thoughts, it is crucial to understand their psychology: how they are shaped and germinated. As the saying goes, "The deeper the roots, the taller and stronger the tree."

The Origins of Thoughts

Our thoughts are built upon our experiences—what we see, speak, listen to, feel, and so on. Every action we take leads to a new experience, which in turn forms new neural connections. These connections then trigger thoughts, which lead to further actions. This cycle, often referred to as the cycle of karma, is perpetuated by our thoughts.

The science of karma aligns with this understanding: the purpose of meditation is to liberate us from this cycle by breaking the chain of thoughts and actions. This is why meditation books and teachings often emphasize controlling or distancing oneself from thoughts.

The Paradox of Controlling Thoughts

However, controlling thoughts is easier said than done. Thinking about controlling your thoughts is itself a thought! How, then, can we truly achieve a state of thoughtlessness?

During my experience with Vipassana meditation, where noble silence is observed (no communication of any kind with fellow participants), I noticed a fascinating phenomenon. After three to four days of silence, my mind began to feel empty of thoughts.

It seemed as though a significant portion—perhaps 80%—of my thoughts were tied to experiences from the past 24 hours. By limiting new experiences, the mind had fewer things to process, leading to fewer thoughts.

This insight reveals an important truth: controlling thoughts cannot be achieved deliberately. It’s like balancing a bicycle. You don’t learn by thinking about balance; you learn by practicing and letting it happen naturally.

Why Meditation Works and Other Methods

Meditation is often recommended as the best way to control thoughts because it simplifies the mind's a    ctivity. However, it is not the only way. To truly control thoughts, one must look beyond meditation and address the root causes.

Consider Ashtanga Yoga, which provides a structured approach:

1. Yama and Niyama (Moral Discipline): These focus on moral growth and personal ethics. A morally strong person is less likely to harbor negative thoughts because thoughts are often byproducts of actions.
2. Asana and Pranayama (Physical Postures and Breathing): A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Breath, the source of life (Pranav Shakti), is deeply linked to thoughts. For instance, calming your breath during anger can help calm your mind.

If you don’t believe this, try calming your breath the next time you are angry, and observe how your thoughts settle.

The Challenge of Thought Control

Controlling thoughts is undoubtedly complex but achievable. It requires time, effort, and practice. The later you start, the longer it may take because unlearning old habits becomes necessary. It is similar to learning a skill like juggling or playing music: the more you practice, the better you get.

Conclusion

Thoughts, though intangible, are the driving force behind our actions and experiences. They are deeply rooted in our sensory interactions and shaped by our past and present. While controlling thoughts may seem paradoxical and challenging, it is achievable through consistent practice, moral discipline, and understanding the mind’s mechanics.

Meditation is a powerful tool, but it is not the only one. Practices like Ashtanga Yoga, focusing on moral and physical well-being, and simple techniques like breath control can also help manage thoughts effectively.

Ultimately, controlling thoughts is not about suppression but about creating the right environment for the mind to function harmoniously. It is a journey of self-discovery, patience, and growth—a path to liberation from the endless cycle of karma.

Who is Rahu and how to know Rahu is giving positive or negative effect in your life?

 

Rahu in Astrology: A Gateway to Desire and Material Success

In astrology, Rahu holds a unique and significant place for several reasons. The foremost among them is that Rahu is not a real planetary body but rather a point in the cosmos. Despite this, ancient sages have given this shadowy planet—or point, however one may describe it—a special importance.

The mythology associated with Rahu’s origin is both fascinating and symbolic. During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), when Amrita (the nectar of immortality) emerged, an asura named Swarabhanu understood the gods’ intention of keeping the nectar from the asuras. To outsmart them, Swarabhanu disguised himself as a god and succeeded in acquiring a portion of the nectar. However, he was soon discovered, and Lord Vishnu severed his head with his Sudarshan Chakra. By then, the nectar had already made Swarabhanu immortal. His head became Rahu, and his body became Ketu.

Since Rahu represents the head, it symbolizes desire and ambition. As these traits are often associated with demonic qualities, Rahu is generally considered inauspicious in astrology. However, Rahu is also responsible for material success as it embodies desire. Just as Swarabhanu desired the nectar and disguised himself to achieve his goal, a native influenced by Rahu harbors strong desires for the areas Rahu governs in their horoscope.

This is why Rahu is deemed favorable in houses that provide material benefits. It’s important to note that the social and cultural contexts have changed drastically since the time when astrology was written. Rahu, once considered inauspicious due to its association with dishonesty, is now seen as a ruler of Kaliyuga—the era of materialism.

In today’s world, there is a popular belief that material prosperity often demands qualities such as adaptability and strategic thinking, which are associated with Rahu. Unlike ancient times, when honesty and virtue were seen as the keys to material success, modern society often views these traits as secondary. Thus, Rahu’s influence provides the necessary qualities for gaining material success in Kaliyuga.

How to Determine if Rahu is Positive

The most crucial factor is to determine whether Rahu’s placement in a horoscope is positive or negative. Here are some key guidelines:

1. Zodiac Signs: Rahu is considered auspicious in Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, and Aquarius.
2. Houses: It is favorable in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th, and 11th houses.
3. Alignment with Ascendant or Moon Sign: Rahu is particularly beneficial for natives whose ascendant or Moon sign aligns with the zodiac signs mentioned above.
4. Planetary Associations: Rahu gives favorable results when associated with Venus, Mercury, or Saturn, but it becomes inauspicious when linked with Mars, the Sun, or the Moon.

To assess Rahu’s impact, one should evaluate these points from the ascendant, Moon sign, and Navamsa chart. The more positive placements Rahu has, the greater the chances of it being beneficial in the horoscope.

Indications of Rahu in Daily Life

In addition to chart analysis, one can observe Rahu’s effects in everyday life:

Signs of Negative Rahu

• Frequent malfunctions in electronic devices.
• Breaks in professions related to electronics or technology.
• Unclean or unhygienic toilets.
• Addictions to intoxicants, gambling, or pornography.
• Extreme laziness.
• A tendency to lie habitually or unnecessarily.

Signs of Positive Rahu

• Enthusiasm for modern technology and innovation.
• Intelligence in using technology effectively for personal or professional growth.
• Successful bloggers, YouTubers, or tech-savvy individuals who share knowledge.
• Opposite traits to the ones associated with negative Rahu.

Remedies for Negative Rahu

If Rahu is negative in a horoscope, its influence can be mitigated through specific remedies. These include:

1. Strengthening Ketu: As Ketu is the opposite of Rahu and represents spirituality and detachment, strengthening Ketu’s energy can counterbalance Rahu’s excesses. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual pursuits are highly effective.
2. Creative Outlets: Developing creative skills or engaging in artistic pursuits can channelize Rahu’s energy positively.
3. Practicing Detachment: Cultivating detachment from material desires and focusing on inner growth helps neutralize Rahu’s adverse effects.
4. Social Service: Acts of kindness, such as helping the poor or elderly, are excellent ways to reduce Rahu’s negative energy.
5. Patience and Perseverance: Remedies take time to show results. If Rahu’s negative effects are identified early in life, transformation is quicker. However, if recognized later, the time required for improvement increases proportionately.

A Perspective on Remedies

Understanding Rahu’s energy is akin to addressing a chronic illness. For example, an individual who identifies Rahu’s adverse effects at the age of 20 may need a few years to transform its influence. In contrast, someone realizing it at 40 may take a decade or more to mitigate its effects. This comparison underscores the importance of early realization and consistent efforts to address Rahu’s negative impact.

Conclusion

Rahu, though enigmatic and shadowy, is a significant force in astrology. Its influence, whether positive or negative, shapes an individual’s desires, ambitions, and journey toward material success. While Rahu’s energy can be intense and challenging, it is not insurmountable.

By understanding its placement, observing its signs in daily life, and implementing appropriate remedies, one can harness Rahu’s energy constructively. Ultimately, Rahu teaches us the delicate balance between ambition and ethics, guiding us to channel our desires in ways that are both fulfilling and harmonious.