the benefit of a clear mind

many spiritual traditions and techniques emphasize the importance of a clear, deprogrammed mind.

is it that when we stop adding energy to the programming and allow the mind to return to a natural state, we suddenly have an enlightened mind?

instead, think of the oft-employed lake analogy. turbulent waters make the depths impossible to perceive. a heavily programmed mind, constantly rippling with activity, makes it hard to perceive our true nature, which lies beyond the mind.

the mind is always the mind, and the truth of what we are is always the truth of what we are. identification with the mind as who we are is in large part due to our inability to see through it. it's a mistake caused by the opacity of our mind, and a natural mistake to make.

if conditions change and the mind becomes more still and transparent, it's also natural that we begin to glimpse the truth beyond it, until things become clear enough for the moment of recognition to occur.

at that point, any remaining programming or turbulence is no longer a problem because one naturally ceases to associate identity with the mind.