We accumulate negativity during the day, but instead of going to the root of the problem, we try to dull the mind by various means, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
There are two main reasons for this. First, one accumulates negativity through fearful/worrisome thoughts during the day. Second, one has become relatively unoccupied from one’s duties and the mind is now free to trouble us if we are thinking endlessly about our problems; it was engaged during the day doing duties.
How do people react to this phenomenonIJ Instead of going to the root of the problem, ie uncontrolled mind, one tries to dull the mind by various means. Drinking has become quite fashionable even in our country. It starts as a social activity but turns into a necessity due to the recalcitrant mind. Some even take drugs. Smoking is going out of fashion because it does not adequately help. And some even take psychiatric medicines.
How should one tackle this menaceIJ We have to check this problem where it begins, ie in the mind thinking endlessly of solutions to one’s problems. We have to realise that we are very small; souls are extremely minute vis-Ã -vis the creation. Therefore, we are helpless in the ultimate sense. We have to depend upon the Creator — God. One may question this system but it was impossible for souls to co-exist if they were individually very powerful. As it is, we have difficulty dealing with others. God is omnipotent and willing to help. This is the cosmic design.
The Bhagavad Gita has enormous information on the subject. There is God, then there is the material nature and then all the souls in their material bodies (jeeva form). Souls have free will, which they can exercise to desire and decide. This is where the role of scriptures comes in; we need guidance at all times because with our limited knowledge, we are likely to make mistakes, big ones; God is our ultimate guru. We have to surrender to him in the mood of a disciple like Arjuna did (Gita 2.7) and get lord’s guidance. Remember, he is omniscient, and is, therefore, in a position to guide us perfectly. Not only does he do so if requested, but also helps those who surrender to him. (9.22) This is the right choice but what do we doIJ We develop many attachments and desire something badly or wish to avoid something desperately. These breed negatively because we by ourselves are almost powerless; why else will someone worry or fear if it wasn’t soIJ One who understands the cosmic arrangement surrenders his mind and intelligence to God and becomes secure with him. (12.8)
In this article, I will go into the details about attaching our minds with God, ie how this can be done successfully. Obviously the first requirement has to be faith in the existence of God, not a cursory knowledge of God. We must believe that he is there and is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. If God is like us, then he will be just as helpless as we are. Similarly, we must be aware of our own reality also, ie of us being minute souls, just the opposite of what God is like. When we harbour a wrong concept about ourselves, we think too much with disastrous results. These facts should be progressively drilled into our psyche. Any time the mind acts otherwise, it should be brought under control.
This practice will not be easy, because it requires constant alertness. lots of patience is required before these facts take deep root in us. As these are facts, we will realise them. We should keep encouraging ourselves.
Meanwhile, we should never succumb to the feeling of being the doer by remembering that there are two layers to us, ie the material nature and God. And anytime the mind lapses into the habit of worrying or fearing, it should be immediately prevented from doing so. If we can do what has been suggested, we will gradually get rid of the problem of depression and our evenings will allow us to have the proper entertainment which we all need for a happy living.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com