Don't Mess with the Monkey!

Time and again, the impulsive, animalistic, ballistic, nature of the human mind has been compared to our ancestral cousins, the Monkeys!

In comparing us to our primate counterparts, the gurus, philosophers, and psychologists of each age call out our primitive instincts of basic social interactions – Jealousy, anger, flinging dirt on one another, or jumping to conclusions.

In short, acting like monkeys!

And all this because, even as advanced neural networks navigate our body, we have not learnt to control them. Our brain is a fascinating organ. One that is capable of learning, storing, processing, and executing, tons of information at an overwhelming rate. Much like the modern AI, only faster.

However, like many futuristic movies warn us about AI developing it's own agency, our mind too, has a mind of it's own. It's impulsive, and prone to leaps of faith and confusion – much like a boisterous monkey, only motivated by food or fun!

Why then – if monkeys are considered unruly – does hinduism have Hanuman, as "बुद्धिमताम् वरिष्ठम्" or "the best among the wise"?

Why too, then do the Chinese have a monkey symbolise intelligence?

Understanding this, requires unlocking, not the MONKEY, but the MONK-KEY

The simple symbolism of the monkey delves into a deeper analysis of our mind. One that is impulsive, can also become stable. One that is distracted, can become the epitome of concentration. It's only a matter of choice!

Choice between?

Whether we want to be controlled by our monkey-mind, or unlock it's potential by using our monk-key!

This monk-key comes in various forms and meanings for all. Like our unique minds, the key to conquer it is also custom-made. However, we might find some common threads to begin our search:

A practice of meditation

A study of compassion

A resolve for discipline

A focus on truth

So, are you ready to seek your monk-key?