This last week..the world was shocked at the suicide of Actor Robin Williams who was well known and well loved over the world.His death brought back the debate and awareness of many symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression, suicidal tendencies and Hopelessness....
At the Vedanta Society of Toronto in Canada..a group of students gathered to study Raja Yoga the ancient scriptures from India: Using the example of Robin Williams as a background our spiritual teacher The Renowned Monk Revered Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj the Head of the Vedanta Society of Toronto Canada had a serious discussion with us the students about the questions of depression, mental health and suicide and related topics in relation to our scriptures. We the students asked him our questions and He gave us the view of the mental health in relation to spirituality from the Vedas.Here is Patanajali's Yoga aphorisms from Raja Yoga chapter 4 and the explanation by Swami Vivekananda. which we have been studying over the last few years. We also refer to the book Meditation and Contemplation on Raja Yoga by Swami Sarvagathananda maharaj the late head of the Vedanta society of Boston USA.
Raja Yoga: Chapter 4 Aphorism 7
Our Discussion : Our spiritual teacher Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj explained that while no one can work without motive, in the saints and higher souls it is a very great God induced motive to do good to the world..such as that in the life of the spiritual Masters such as Sri Ramakrishna , Swami Vivekananda, The Christ and other saviors had..Most people are bound by their action..which is either good or bad or mixed.On the question of Mental health : Reverend Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj explained it from the point of view of the Theory of Karma and our natural character/qualities. Vedanta/ Hinduism/Sanathan Dharma teaches us that every being ( Including animals) are made of three qualities, Satva ( Pure and full of light), Rajjass ( Energetic and full of desire) and Tamas ( Inert, lazy, darkness, dullness.) We are all made of a mixture of these three ' Guna's 'but one dominates the personality of a person most of the time and determines his nature. However a person's nature changes with his actions and what he seeks and he can go into a higher frame of mind or fall into a darker lower one.
People who have more of sattva are " Light filled'' , full of goodness, goodwill, mild natured, gentle, happy, moderate , compatible, balanced, wise and temperate in all they do and how they live their lives. They are not driven by greed or power but prefer the gentle way of life and whatever comes to them naturally. They are extremely upright, honest, selfless and God centered. The more spiritual a person is the more of this purity and sattva is manifested. .Many people who choose a spiritual call in life such as Sadhus and Sanyassinis ( Monks and spiritual seekers) are said to be of a very Sattvik ,pure nature.When a greater percent of Sattwa is mixed with some Rajjas then great activity for the good of mankind takes place such as establishing of Religion, morality and justice..the great works carried our by prophets and establishers of
' Righteousness' comes from a mixture of mostly Satwa and some Rajjass.
People who are of Rajass are filled with energy and activity..they are workaholics and action driven..they are also filled with passions and strong likes and dislikes..the effect of their work can be good or bad depends on how they use it..anger, passion, love of wealth, learning,lust , power driven and administrative abilities etc. It is the characteristics of most people who live in the world and strive for success.When Rajjass dominates and has some little Satva mixed then great activity such as building of education institutions, nations, wealth,industry and Scientific break through- take place. When Rajjas combines with Tamas then war , destruction, evil energy and the power of the darker forces rule.Just as individuals have character so do Nations and people of the Nations.
" Pure Faith" in your own spiritual ideal and respect for others and serious spiritual discipline such as prayer, meditation, Japam ( repetition of God's name with faith) self awareness in everything we do and non violence in thought, word and speech is pure action which takes us God word..and towards the "Light". Our Teacher reminded us that for those who truly believe in and depend on God ( in whatever name or form we choose) he is our true `counselor' our guide and comforter. " However spiritual discipline from your early age makes this possible" not seeking world name and fame and power and influence over others. In the elderly..it is the near and dear ones that can help them face their dark days and moments of hopelessness..Our teacher commented that often people of great wealth and fame and fortune are known to lose their balance and their stability at some point and that is because they perhaps do not have a spiritual anchor as a base in their lives and get carried away by the `Illusion' ( maya) of the world as true and God as untrue.
| Swami Vivekananda. |
Raja Yoga: Chapter 4 Aphorism 7
कर्माशुक्लाकृष्णं योगिनस्त्रिविधमितरेषाम् ॥७॥Patanjali in Sanskrit.
7. Swami Vivekananda : Works are neither black nor white for the Yogis; for others they are threefold — black, white, and mixed.
When the Yogi has attained perfection, his actions, and the Karma produced by those actions, do not bind him, because he did not desire them. He just works on; he works to do good, and he does good, but does not care for the result, and it will not come to him. But, for ordinary men, who have not attained to the highest state, works are of three kinds, black (evil actions), white (good actions), and mixed.
ततस्तद्विपाकानुगुणानामेवाभिव्यक्तिर्वासनानाम् ॥८॥
| Seek God in Sadness and Lonliness |
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| Light..and brightness qualities of Sattwa. |
People who have more of sattva are " Light filled'' , full of goodness, goodwill, mild natured, gentle, happy, moderate , compatible, balanced, wise and temperate in all they do and how they live their lives. They are not driven by greed or power but prefer the gentle way of life and whatever comes to them naturally. They are extremely upright, honest, selfless and God centered. The more spiritual a person is the more of this purity and sattva is manifested. .Many people who choose a spiritual call in life such as Sadhus and Sanyassinis ( Monks and spiritual seekers) are said to be of a very Sattvik ,pure nature.When a greater percent of Sattwa is mixed with some Rajjas then great activity for the good of mankind takes place such as establishing of Religion, morality and justice..the great works carried our by prophets and establishers of
' Righteousness' comes from a mixture of mostly Satwa and some Rajjass.
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| Action and Energy are Rajjas. |
People who are of Rajass are filled with energy and activity..they are workaholics and action driven..they are also filled with passions and strong likes and dislikes..the effect of their work can be good or bad depends on how they use it..anger, passion, love of wealth, learning,lust , power driven and administrative abilities etc. It is the characteristics of most people who live in the world and strive for success.When Rajjass dominates and has some little Satva mixed then great activity such as building of education institutions, nations, wealth,industry and Scientific break through- take place. When Rajjas combines with Tamas then war , destruction, evil energy and the power of the darker forces rule.Just as individuals have character so do Nations and people of the Nations.
The third is Tamas: Darkness, dullness, Laziness, sorrow, depression, decay, addictions,loneliness and all that is beastly , including violence,destruction,extreme hatred and evil.The people who harass and abuse others and enslave others and indulge in sense pleasures without control are people of extreme Tamas.
Our Nature and what we are is determined by our Karma ( Actions in word, thought and deed)..Vedanta also believes that Karma is carried from life to life ..so what we are today is the result of our previous works and actions in former lives. This is called Samskara ( the impressions and habits from previous births) We are all carrying baggage..some of it is 'Light '(good) and some of it is heavy with darkness..to shed that `baggage'..and become free ..spiritually free..is the aim of human life.
Our Nature and what we are is determined by our Karma ( Actions in word, thought and deed)..Vedanta also believes that Karma is carried from life to life ..so what we are today is the result of our previous works and actions in former lives. This is called Samskara ( the impressions and habits from previous births) We are all carrying baggage..some of it is 'Light '(good) and some of it is heavy with darkness..to shed that `baggage'..and become free ..spiritually free..is the aim of human life.
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| Darkness. Disappears in Light and Hope... |
What we know as depression and mental instability is a dominance of Tamas: Darkness :To fight it one must use " Light" which is spiritual light...seek true spiritual company, spiritual discipline such as meditation, spiritual music, learning the scriptures,selfless action in giving back to society..peaceful positive thoughts and staying away from isolation , loneliness and selfishness and negativity..A mixture of Rajas and greater Tamas leads to addictions, seeking false `uppers' such as alcohol and drugs , sense pleasures ,perversions and all the vices.
False beliefs that harm the seeker as well as others. Truly evolved spiritual souls have the ability to `help lift' the fallen ( seen in the life Ramakrishna and of Christ and all the Spiritual Masters) . That is why the advise.." seek holy company" Sri Ramakrishna used to say.."One candle can light up a room that has been dark for centuries.".so if your " Light is Right" your darkness should flee away instantaneously..light Destroys darkness !
Fundamentalist beliefs that seek to harm and destroy people of other faiths than ones own is a manifestation of Tamas the dark side of human nature.That is why Vedanta stands of the principle that All True religions that teach peace, harmony, love and unselfishness come from that one true light of God. When religion is twisted to harm others and seek power for oneself..then it is not from Godliness...it is Tamasic. Especially today the Hate of the fundamentalists is destroying the world and in every great religion there is a sect that hates people of other faiths because theses people do not believe in what they
( The fundamentalists want them to believe). This creates a great " Question " in the mind of most people of what exactly is spirituality and what is the root of "fundamentalism" in the name of religion.? why do some people walk out of a Church or a Temple or a mosque and begin to hate and deride people of other faiths?...was that the message of their prophets and Gods?..Did Christ or Allah or Rama say go out and hate the non believers?
Most people walk the middle path..they are not 'too religious' nor are they complete atheists..yet the ' shenanigans' of the fundamentalists and border line fundamentalists keep them away from seeking the spiritual path.
False beliefs that harm the seeker as well as others. Truly evolved spiritual souls have the ability to `help lift' the fallen ( seen in the life Ramakrishna and of Christ and all the Spiritual Masters) . That is why the advise.." seek holy company" Sri Ramakrishna used to say.."One candle can light up a room that has been dark for centuries.".so if your " Light is Right" your darkness should flee away instantaneously..light Destroys darkness !
Fundamentalist beliefs that seek to harm and destroy people of other faiths than ones own is a manifestation of Tamas the dark side of human nature.That is why Vedanta stands of the principle that All True religions that teach peace, harmony, love and unselfishness come from that one true light of God. When religion is twisted to harm others and seek power for oneself..then it is not from Godliness...it is Tamasic. Especially today the Hate of the fundamentalists is destroying the world and in every great religion there is a sect that hates people of other faiths because theses people do not believe in what they
( The fundamentalists want them to believe). This creates a great " Question " in the mind of most people of what exactly is spirituality and what is the root of "fundamentalism" in the name of religion.? why do some people walk out of a Church or a Temple or a mosque and begin to hate and deride people of other faiths?...was that the message of their prophets and Gods?..Did Christ or Allah or Rama say go out and hate the non believers?
Most people walk the middle path..they are not 'too religious' nor are they complete atheists..yet the ' shenanigans' of the fundamentalists and border line fundamentalists keep them away from seeking the spiritual path.
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| The shrine in the Vedanta Society of Toronto pays honour to all faiths. |
Returning to the subject of Karma : Our spiritual teacher Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj spoke about individual ' Karma' , as well as Collective Karma. Karma is what is explained Biblically "As you sow you reap" ..the other is the acts of one individual which can effect his family and his society. A good person brings honor and glory to his family and society while an evil one makes his family and society suffer for his actions...
On Suicide he said that it is not Love for death that drives one to suicide but Love for life.." When we do not get the life we hoped for..then people try to escape it by suicide..but Vedanta says..work out your Karma..set yourself free from your " Karmic debts" and the picture of life will change..suicide makes your " Karmic bondage worse;..you are not set free". Swami K further said that the truly free were truly spiritual..they worked for the good of the world..because they did not fear death of anything that happened to them..this Love for death was often reflected in the poems of Swami Vivekananda the greatest of Vedantic teachers and also in the poem from the Katha Upanishad ( What they saw... ..where does the soul go after de...)
Our beloved spiritual Teacher Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj also spoke of the very simple rustic words of wisdom from the lives of Sri Sarada devi the spiritual mentor of thousands and the wife of the Spiritual master Sri Ramakrishna " Sri Sarada Devi or Ma Sarada advised those who complained of depression to never be without work, but that they be constantly active because idleness led to empty thoughts and negativity..she also consoled her devotees with the words that sometimes the mind was depressed because that was its nature just like water to flow downwards, however spiritual discipline, love towards all... meditation and seeking Holy company helped us overcome depression. Her others words of consolation were that evil times and hard times do not last forever..like clouds they blow away one day..and that `bad karma' and its effects can be counter acted with good karma and true spiritual yearning, discipline and heartfelt prayer.
In her own life she showed is how we also take care of those loved ones who may be facing dark times in their lives..in the ancient and very spiritual tradition of India...the " Family and Mother "takes care of her less fortunate children, they are never rejected and sent off to asylums and `institutions' as long as the mentally ill are not a physical threat to society they are treated with all the love and respect that a `normal' person is given. lets not forget that all of us maybe just a hairsbreadth away from suicide and depression if some calamity or a series of tragedies overcome us. For those who have enjoyed great honor, adulation, fame and wealth losing it can be more unbearable than many ordinary people who have walked the middle path can imagine. being .judgmental about another persons state of mind is unfair especially since we do not know what they have to face and what the tragedies and challenges in their life may be..so our Swami K urged us to always have compassion and to serve others with Love and Faith and render selfless service to those we can....The Life of Sri Sarada Ma and her simple lessons of deep wisdom and spirituality are a worthy lesson to the world that tries to `Psycho analyse' the minds of those are walking through a dark tunnel but can be led to " Light and Happiness" with Love....compassion and understanding......
On Suicide he said that it is not Love for death that drives one to suicide but Love for life.." When we do not get the life we hoped for..then people try to escape it by suicide..but Vedanta says..work out your Karma..set yourself free from your " Karmic debts" and the picture of life will change..suicide makes your " Karmic bondage worse;..you are not set free". Swami K further said that the truly free were truly spiritual..they worked for the good of the world..because they did not fear death of anything that happened to them..this Love for death was often reflected in the poems of Swami Vivekananda the greatest of Vedantic teachers and also in the poem from the Katha Upanishad ( What they saw... ..where does the soul go after de...)
Our beloved spiritual Teacher Swami Kripamayananda Maharaj also spoke of the very simple rustic words of wisdom from the lives of Sri Sarada devi the spiritual mentor of thousands and the wife of the Spiritual master Sri Ramakrishna " Sri Sarada Devi or Ma Sarada advised those who complained of depression to never be without work, but that they be constantly active because idleness led to empty thoughts and negativity..she also consoled her devotees with the words that sometimes the mind was depressed because that was its nature just like water to flow downwards, however spiritual discipline, love towards all... meditation and seeking Holy company helped us overcome depression. Her others words of consolation were that evil times and hard times do not last forever..like clouds they blow away one day..and that `bad karma' and its effects can be counter acted with good karma and true spiritual yearning, discipline and heartfelt prayer.
| Sri Sarada Devi..a light of Hope and Love... |
Cheers!: Here is a Picture that appeared in the Indian News Paper The Deccan Herald
A Muslim mother in India with her son dressed like Sri Krishna the Hindu child God or Hindu baby " Krist"...They walk through the streets in peace..Religious harmony brings us closer to God and truth ..Not fundamentalism.
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