संकल्पमनसोः कश्चिन्नहि भेदोऽस्ति यन्मनः ।
तदविद्यात्मप्राख्यमिन्द्रजालामिवाद्भुतम् ॥ ५ ॥
Surely there is no difference between will and mind; what is mind
Is then the darkness of non-knowledge, called the wonderful magic net of Indra.
Commentary
In this verse mind and will are coupled together, because essentially they are the same, grounded in the inner psychic instrument. The sage further says, "mind is then the darkness of non-knowledge, called the wonderful magic net of Indra." The Maitri Upanishad (IV.2) gives a graphic description of what happens when the mind is under the sway of non-knowledge:
"Now in another place it has been said, 'Like the ripples in great rivers, there is no backtracking of that which was previously done. Like the ocean's tide, one's approaching death is difficult to hold back. Like a lame man, one is tied up with the fetters made of the fruits of existence and non-existence; like the state of one in prison, there is no independence; like the state of one in the realm of death, there is a condition of great fear; like one drunk with liquor, (one is) drunk with delusion; like one seized by a ghoulish creature, (one) runs about here and there; like one bitten by a great snake, (one is) bitten by sense objects, like heavy darkness, (there is) the darkness of passion; like the magic net of Indra, (this is) comprised of illusive relativity; like a dream falsely assumed, like an actor (one is) temporarily dressed; like a painted scene, the mind is erroneously delighted."
This lengthy description of the deluded man shows us that our wilful mind should be quietened, radiating with the peace which is experienced when the Self-Absolute is realized. The sage warns us against the magic net of Indra which is darkness and non-knowledge.