What is bahishkarana?

Bahishkarana (बहिष्करण)

Bahishkarana, often translated as "externalization" or "expulsion," is a significant concept in Indian philosophy, particularly within the schools of Vedanta and Yoga. It essentially refers to the process of directing the mind outwards, towards external objects and sense experiences. This outward focus is considered a major obstacle to self-realization (Atman jnana) and spiritual liberation (moksha).

The core idea is that the mind, by its very nature, tends to wander and become entangled with the external world. This entanglement creates attachments, desires, and aversions, leading to suffering and perpetuating the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

• The Role of the Senses: The five senses act as gateways through which the mind interacts with the external world. This sensory input fuels the mind's outward focus.

• Obstacle to Self-Realization: Bahishkarana is regarded as a primary hindrance to realizing the true nature of the self (Atman). By constantly attending to external objects, the mind becomes distracted from its own inner essence.

• The Remedy: Antahkarana: The opposite of bahishkarana is antahkarana, which refers to the internal mental instruments (mind, intellect, ego, and memory). Cultivating antahkarana through practices like meditation and self-reflection is seen as the path to transcending bahishkarana.

• Practices for Overcoming Bahishkarana: Various spiritual practices are employed to counteract bahishkarana, including:

  • Dharana (Concentration): Focusing the mind on a single object or point of awareness to reduce its tendency to wander.

  • Dhyana (Meditation): Deepening concentration to achieve a state of mental stillness and inner awareness.

  • Pranayama (Breath Control): Regulating the breath to calm the mind and reduce its outward focus.

  • Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): Using discriminative inquiry to distinguish between the real (Atman) and the unreal (external world).

In summary, bahishkarana is the outward flow of mental energy that needs to be addressed in order to achieve spiritual progress. By understanding this concept and employing the appropriate practices, one can redirect the mind inwards and move towards self-realization.

Here are the links to the important subjects:

• Atman jnana: Atman jnana
• moksha: moksha
• samsara: samsara
• Atman: Atman