How Good and Bad Impressions in the Subconscious shape the Mind?

Question

I have a question about the subconscious. I’m a bit confused—these impressions that are stored there, the saṃskāras… are they impressions of both good actions and bad actions?

Answer

Yes, absolutely—both kinds are there. The noble impressions are there, and the inferior ones—those that we call demonic tendencies—are also there. The noble impressions certainly exist, and they help us all the time. For example, if we are sitting here today and talking, it is not only the conscious mind working. Along with the conscious mind, the subconscious mind is also supporting us by saying, “Yes, study. Study the scriptures.”

So the good saṃskāras support us continuously. But the reason our life repeatedly slides downward is because of the demonic impressions—the tendencies of ego, desire, anger, greed, and attachment. These pull us downward. That is why, in our discussions, our focus remains on these negative tendencies. We take the good ones completely for granted. We never talk about them, because they are always helping us.

It is like in a family—someone who helps a lot is taken for granted; no one talks about them. The same is true here. So when we discuss the subconscious, we never mention the good impressions because they are already there. We only talk about the wrong or harmful impressions—the ones that are slightly distorted.

If we observe very carefully, from morning till night—twenty-four hours a day—our subconscious strengthens the conscious mind many, many times. But we take that for granted and never value it. So what you are saying is absolutely correct. The subconscious contains both auspicious impressions and inauspicious ones.