When we begin our practice, we start to see how wild the mind is-like a kid neglected by his parents. If we leave the mind in this state, we will not be free of obstacles blocking our spiritual growth, as we are under constant bombardment by objects giving rise to pleasant and unpleasant feelings, thus to greed, hatred and delusion. This reactive mind can only be tamed by proper mind control.
If parents for example do not exercise control over their children, they may, through the influence of bad company, turn out to become juvenile delinquents. However, if proper control is exercised, the children would eventually mature in wisdom and gain the discretion to keep away from unskilful actions, even at times when their parents are not around.
It is the same with meditation. The mind now and again runs after sensual desires, gets upset. We need to control and allow it to grow up. This period of discipline, though painful, is necessary.
Despite initial resentment in the child’s mind, it will eventually come to realise the benefits of wise control as being a basis for a successful life. Becoming independent, the control will then come from within, no longer having to be imposed from outside and the child will know how to discern wholesome from unwholesome actions and keep to the good throughout life.
