Wisdom

Our scriptures often compare human life with a chariot wherein the cart represents the body, horses our "Chitta", the charioteer the intellect, the rein represents the "Mana" and the owner of the chariot is our soul. In an ideal situation, the owner of the chariot is aware and directs the charioteer (intellect) to take the chariot in a particular direction. The charioteer uses the reins (Mana) to control the horses (Chitta) to take the chariot (body) in a particular direction.

However, in real life, the owner is often asleep. The charioteer is directionless and the horses and the cart run uncontrolled at a very high speed. The horses set the cart in motion and the cart in turn develops an inertia of movement and forces the horses to run faster. This can be correlated with the latest neurological research as well which has established that all emotions have a corresponding sensation in our body. These sensations are stored inside our body and keep acting as triggers for our emotional mind in the future. For example, if somebody experiences an accident in a lift, that will result in quite unpleasant sensations that will be stored inside the body. As and when he gets into the lift in the future, the visuals of the lift will trigger those sensations and he will again experience the same fear. This is like the horses putting the cart in motion and the movement of the cart making the horses move. Thus the horses and the cart keep each other moving.

Sometimes, the chariot meets an accident and the horses and the cart feel hurt. In such a situation, at times, the charioteer and the owner wake up for a few moments. So long as the situations are favorable, it is generally difficult for the intellect and the soul to observe the play of the "Chitta" and "Mana". However, when we face tough situations, at times, the intellect and the soul become aware for a few moments. 

In these moments of awareness, they see the horses and the chariot going uncontrolled. They try to set the direction. However, in most cases, since the horses are running uncontrolled, it is almost impossible for the charioteer to take control of the horses. The horses do not listen to the rein. We try to use our Mana to control the Chitta and senses, however, it is of no use. In such situations, we often get inclined towards spiritual pursuits considering that to be a tool to control the horses.

We try different techniques. We follow certain Gurus, listen to their teachings, read different books, try different meditation techniques, chant different mantras, and concentrate on breathing. We try many such things to rein in the uncontrolled horses. However, the horses and the cart still remain uncontrolled for the simple reason the owner of the chariot again falls asleep and the charioteer tries different things hopelessly without the wisdom. Wisdom comes with the awareness of the owner. The intellect has very limited understanding and feels directionless. Even if the intellect reins in the horses for a particular moment, since it lacks direction, the horses again take over and the chariot again becomes uncontrolled.

Thus, the chariot can not run smoothly unless the owner is awake. As soon as the owner is awake, we are full of wisdom. That wisdom supports the intellect. As the owner and the charioteer both are aware, they use the reins to control the horses and slowly the horses start listening to them. As we become aware of our true nature, the intellect starts using the "Mana" to control the "Chitta" and the senses. 

Awareness of the charioteer alone does not seem to be a solution. That is why most of the spiritual pursuits are so ineffective. They are intellect-centric. Most of the time, the horses move the cart and the cart moves the horses. Their movement is automatic and everything appears to be out of control for the intellect. However, that's where the magic of spiritual pursuit lies. The moment we observe our emotions and sensations, without reaction, we immediately become aware. The self awakes from the sleep. As soon as the self awakes, the intellect gains wisdom and the reins become effective. The horses and the cart started moving in the direction of the owner of the chariot. That is the wonder a small act of choiceless observation may do to the chariot.