GETTING 1 + 1 TO EQUAL 2

For the aspiring transcendentalist it is necessary to practice the art of cutting back attachments. This can be a slow ongoing process for most of us. Some of us, whether from advancement made in previous lives or simply by causeless mercy either directly from the Lord Himself or His Empowered Representative(s) may be able to cut all attachments right away. But for most of us it will be a slow painful, difficult, and often times bewildering process.

I am in the second category. Slow to learn. I am thankful that at least I do learn  eventually. Ah yes, if I put my hand in the fire it gets burnt. I may have to touch fire a zillion times until it registers. Fire burns. Or as the saying goes. 1+1=2.

Four types of intelligence are seen in humans.
1. Best intelligence. Learn by hearing from those who have knowledge
2. Second best   Learn by seeing someone receive the reactions of their actions.
3.Third   Learn by experiencing the reaction personally (maybe several times for the same lesson)
4. Most unfortunate type of intelligence. Even after hearing, seeing and experiencing for themselves still can't get 1+1=2

The amazing grace is that the Lord in His incarnation as Lord Sri Krishna Chaitanya is claiming everyone, and especially the most unfortunate. Those with very little intelligence who just can't get the math right.
His mercy is so unconditional that there are no impediments to developing love of God in the highest perfection for those with even the least brain substance. It is not brain substance that is the qualification. Rather it is the Causeless Mercy of the Lord which He is distributing freely through His surrendered servants.

For those that can understand the process of cutting back material attachments it goes something like this:
When there is pain and embarrassment from unwanted behavior or thought that becomes unbearably embarrassing and painful, the mind races to try to figure out what the source of the problem is and fix it. That is the function of the mind. Too hot, open a window, too cold put a coat on.

But the mind cannot find a solution for the discomfort coming from itself. For it is the mind that is causing the problem. Thinking this or that which is going against transcendental progress and leading someone to actions not in their own best interest. So this is where the intelligence is forced to step in. When the mind is baffled, the intelligence must analyse what is causing the problem. So the intelligence will help the mind to recognize when it is falling into an unwanted pattern. The intelligence can perceive that if we think like this as we have done a zillion times before we know where it goes. Do we really want to go there? Again... With this help from the intelligence a person can catch themselves in the initial stage of the pattern that is etched into the mind and cut it back. Each time the mind tries to start it's pattern of thought with all its justifications and reasons why this is the thing to do, the intelligence is now awake and reminds the mind of where it all goes.

The effects of this cutting back can be felt immediately in the form of relief from anxiety. There really is no problem at all. In fact it is the mind that is creating a problem which it then worries itself sick about solving and can't solve.

But it is not just the mind involved, the mind will try to involve the senses to take some action in an effort to find relief. If things get to this point it is very difficult to curtail the process and who knows what kind of karma will be generated. This is now in something of an addiction stage.

So to practice cutting back on the level of thinking, feeling and willing is important.

But without the intelligence waking up and doing it's job a person is left to the mercy of the mind and the senses and that is not a good place to be for an aspiring transcendentalist.

Chanting Names of God refreshes the intelligence so that it may act for directing the person back to Godhead.

Mantra... means to control the mind.  
 man... mind            tra...to control.

At this particular time the recommended mantra is the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE/
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

Especially in the association of devotees under the guidance of an advanced servant of the Lord.

GAURAHARIDAS AVADHUTA (YOUTUBE LINK)