Three instruments: thought (mind), word (mouth), and deed (hand). (Glossary for the Vahinis)

Man has three modes or instruments allotted to him by God to develop and demonstrate his uniqueness among animals. They are the ‘Trikarana’ or ‘Three-fold tools’. When these are utilised in unison and for beneficial purposes, they promote the progress of man from humanity to Divinity. When they are devalued and damaged and used for fulfilling sensual cravings; humanity is degraded into bestiality.

Mind, Speech and Action are the three instruments assigned to man. The mind is the breeding ground for all thoughts of ‘do’ and ‘do not’, all impluses of ‘will’ and ‘wont’. It collects and treasures every impression that the senses inflict on the consciousness and is easily enslaved by glitter and glamour. Through the name manas by which it is known has been derived from its talent manana (rumination, introspection), the mind has no patience to practise this exercise. It jumps to conclusions. It listens more to the chatter of silent conversation with the ego, and it cannot overcome the confusion caused by it. It seldom weighs the pros and cons.

The very first sadhana one must adopt is the cultivation of inner silence; to put an end to endless dialogue with the mind. Let the mind rest for a while. Do not project on the mind irrelevant details and pollute it with fumes of envy and greed. Every idea we entertain, either good or bad, get impressed on the mind, as a carbon paper. An element of weakness and unsteadiness is thus introduced in the mind. Keep the mind calm and- clear. Do not agitate it every moment by your non-stop dialogue. (SSS Vol.11, p. 250)