The saints say mind is like water. Just as the water flows downwards, the mind also flows downwards towards evil. However, just as effort has to be put in for pumping water upwards for storage, etc. Similarly efforts are necessary to make our minds concentrate on God.
A pump (a mechanical device) is required to lift the water upwards, similarly to lift our mind beyond the world and concentrate o...n God a Mantra (a spiritual device) is required.
Our mind gets easily involved where it is interested. As long as one finds enjoyment in worldly pursuits where one is experiencing pleasure he will not understand this phenomenon. It will remain involved in worldly affairs.
Then this world becomes meaningless and the cause of our attachment and consequent pain. Till it is understood that the world is futile and the cause of all our misery, one will continue to suffer. The worldly pleasures are illusionary. Real joy is in being one with the creator.
