Overpowering The Tsunami of Emotions

 Overpowering The Tsunami of Emotions

Human emotions are like the tsunami, having the power to destroy our sanity in the most unexpected moments. The onslaught of emotions can diminish our capacity to think and behave appropriately at the given time and situation.

Negative emotions like anger, greed, and envy are the ones which create maximum havoc. In a fit of rage people explode in anger, heaping it either on their loved ones or on the concerned person with whom they have an issue. Rude words are spoken impulsively which not only hurt the victims but leave lasting impression on their hearts. Uncontrolled violent emotions break relationships which then become difficult to mend. It is often the inadequacy in dealing with the external environment, inability to accept oneself or exercise self – control,  that compels people to behave in such a manner. 

If we contemplate on the solution, the best remedy would be to turn towards the divine. Bhagawan Shri Krishna is also known as “Hrishikesha” or the controller of senses. When we connect with God and confide in Him, our negative emotions will gradually subside. The spiritual gurus lay emphasis on practicing ‘Yoga’ (connecting with God), which can be done through meditation or chanting the name of ‘Ishta Devatha’.

If we set aside sometime for God on a daily basis, and share our deepest fears, insecurities and concerns when we feel low and miserable, life will be so much better. The people around us will no longer be victims of our negativity. No matter what happens in life, we should always keep smiling and spreading positivity.

Negative emotions are inevitable but whenever we feel overwhelmed by them, we need to remind ourselves that Krishna is the ultimate controller of our senses. Hence remembering him constantly and chanting His name can save us from the tsunami of emotions.

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna in Bhagwad Gita:

Bg. 2.61

तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः ।
वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥ ६१ ॥

tāni sarvāṇi saṁyamya
yukta āsīta mat-paraḥ
vaśe hi yasyendriyāṇi
tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā

Translation

One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence.

Are We Progressing?

 

The term progress signifies improvement or success in one’s life. We all have a habit of checking upon ourselves, analysing how much we have progressed in life and the standard rule for doing this is comparing ourselves with others. It is human tendency to check whether we are doing better than the people around us. Most of us measure progress in materialistic terms, especially our possessions and lifestyle. Some measure progress in terms of awards, rewards and the recognition they have received in the society.

We often pay very little attention to how far we have progressed as individuals, in terms of our ability to resolve conflicts, our temperament, our understanding of others and the strength of our relationships. These are the real issues that need to be addressed as they signify progress of our own self as individuals which is of utmost importance in life.

Patience in the face of adversity is progress. Stability amidst chaos is progress. The ability to be happy in all circumstances is progress. Controlling anger and remaining silent in the most difficult situations is progress. Setting boundaries in relationships and being respectful towards our fellow beings is progress. Being mindful and content with life is progress. These are the milestones that mark the growth of every individual. True progress lies in overcoming your vices and becoming a sensible person, finding your own path, walking at your own pace and refusing to be a part of the rat race.

So, are you progressing?

Time to introspect and find the answer for yourself.

Bhagwan Shri Krishna says the following to Arjuna:

Bg. 6.5

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् ।

आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ॥ ५ ॥

uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ

nātmānam avasādayet

ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur

ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ

Translation

One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.

My heartfelt gratitude to my mentor Prof Shalini R Pujari for her guidance in this spiritual journey.