It is easy to get upset over small things and lose the willingness to do things intelligently. Keeping faith is key, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
Yes, we do get unhappy for reasons which have no basis whatsoever. I have taken up some common reasons here why people get sad. I will start with attachment. We get attached to someone and begin fearing for that person. What will happen if something happens to that personIJ Such a person could be one’s husband or wife or son or daughter, etc. Can any person give the ultimate protection like God can give, who has declared in the Geeta that He will help in getting what one does not have and provide security of what one hasIJ (9.22) Can we ourselves honestly give such an assurance to anyoneIJ No, we cannot, therefore, it is foolish to become attached to any human being and become sad by fearing for him or her.
Next common cause of sorrow is fear of some disease. Do diseases happen just like that, especially major or terminal diseasesIJ No, they don’t; there is a buildup for that or it is a punishment for something sinful done in the past. If someone’s liver is damaged due to drinking, is he justified in being depressed about itIJ Should he not feel foolish for having brought this misfortune upon the selfIJ Same is true of a sinful activity done earlier. Saints opine that one should treat it as good riddance of something hanging over one’s head. Why be sad about itIJ
Another common cause is fear of death. Has anyone ever escaped deathIJ Then, how are we to avoid itIJ Our scriptures inform us that death is preordained due to activities in our past life, ie its timing. Why get sad about something as inevitable as death, especially for a soul, which never dies; the material body does. Same is true of grief or likely grief due to death of near and dear one. Human beings have a strong sense of survival; the feeling of grief does not last very long; one accepts.
Difficult circumstances bring dejection in their wake. Circumstances are also like diseases brought upon the self by the self only. There is no other cause. Should we not seek relief from one who can forgive us for our past misdeedsIJ Why not go into sincere praying mood and seek relief. Surprisingly, this works; God is very merciful. There is conflict of interest between near and dear ones. For example, parents and their son do not agree upon the choice of profession. Both sides are determined to have their way. This causes unpleasantness and also unhappiness, if it lasts long. What should one doIJ Pray to God for guidance, He, being omniscient, knows what is good for us. Why be sad for this reasonIJ
There is monetary loss as in business or drain of resources due to serious illness of a family member. According to the karmaphala principle this was unavoidable, caused by our past bad activities. One needs to rationalize and go on; life does not stop for any reason. Neither good times stay nor do bad ones. A person linked with God realizes this and does not get sad readily or for long.
Overstress for long periods also causes dejection. One needs to get to the root of the problem and see to it that stress is brought to a tolerable level within a reasonable period. Till then, it must be tolerated.
A terminal disease does cause depression in many cases. How does one get over itIJ How did saints and great personalities overcome this problemIJ They accepted it and went on with their lives. They never bartered away their peace of mind for inevitable problems with the material body, ie disease, old age and death. Does it sound impracticalIJ No, it is not if one is linked with God and is being guided by Him. God makes us accept this fact in a slow and sure way if we have a good bond with Him. All these and the fear of future can be avoided if one is linked with God and enjoys. The real remedy for this kind of unhappiness is seeking answers from others but essentially from God, who knows. Don’t get sadness for any reason, seek help from God urgently and sincerely.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com