A Venus flytrap can digest an insect in about 10 days . The unsuspecting bug smells nectar on the leaves that form the trap. When the insect investigates, it crawls into the jaws of the plant. Within half a second the jaws clamp shut and digestive juices dissolve the bug.
This meat-eating plant reminds me of the way our material mind can devour us if we are lured into thoughts of enjoying this material world for selfish purposes, tempting us with a new experience, convincing us that living right doesn’t matter, or appealing to our physical senses.
It is certainly worthwhile knowing how to control the Venus fly trap of a mind.
Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita that the mind can be controlled by constant “practice and detachment.” (Bhagavad-gita, 6.35).
“He says that wherever and whenever the mind wanders, due to its flickering and unsteady nature, we must bring it back under the control of the Self” (Bhagavad-gita, 6.26)
Ultimately, we must develop a higher taste.
Lord Krishna says, “The embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, though the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness.” ( Bhagavad-gita 2:59).
That higher taste is engaging in devotional service, the easiest of which is chanting the Lord’s holy Names:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Dear Lord Krishna, at times I let down my guard and my mind takes over. Please help me to listen to Your warnings and follow Your instructions.
Bhakta Dasa …Communications minister ISKCON Australia
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