Hindu Science of Mind and Body
Hindus see physical matter as a
manifestation or product of consciousness whereas in modern science,
consciousness is a product of the physical brain. This has implications
for psychology. A western psychiatrist might look for the cause of depression,
and find that in depressed people, particular chemicals in the brain are out of
balance. He would therefore conclude that the depression is caused by the
imbalance of the brain’s chemicals, and that it can be corrected with
medication that will balance those chemicals. The Hindu however would be
more inclined to conclude that it is the depression which has caused the
chemical imbalance. In order to treat the depression, another cause must
be sought. Treating that cause of the depression and alleviating it will
then result in the balancing of the chemicals. This does not mean that Hindus
would necessarily be opposed to taking prescription medications for depression.
Hindus differentiate between mind and consciousness. The mind is a
supersubtle material which is used by the consciousness to perceive physical
reality. Mind (manas) is the lowest level of the 3-layered consciousness
(citta). The practice of yoga aims to calm the mind, which is otherwise in
constant flux, thereby enabling the citta to unite with pure being (sat) and
leading to the ultimate bliss (ananda). While the body and mind are
instruments of knowledge, they need to be quieted in order to arrive at true
knowing. The mind is seen as a mediator between subject and object, and it
cannot by itself truly experience the object as it is in itself. Hindu
spiritual practices therefore attempt to still the mind to enable true
knowledge. It is assumed that the rishis (seers) of the tradition successfully
attained that true vision.
How to Fight Depression?
In the article
“Hinduism and Depression,” Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami confirms that the
most popular method of coping with depression in our modern age is the
scientific, or simnif, approach.
People take drugs to make themselves feel better. Hinduism doesn’t recommend
it. However, Hinduism does not oppose in general the idea of the psychotherapy,
admitting that talking to a friend, or especially to a professional counselor
can help alleviate depression. This psychological method is called mulif.
Hinduism highlights
that the common cultural practices such as singing, dancing and playing a
musical instrument are also effective ways of combating depressive state of
mind. These activities help lift up the physical and spiritual energies, raising
the consciousness and learning to avoid the grosser states of mind—doubt,
depression, and discouragement.
The method to cure
depression is through meditation is called the shumif approach. As Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami admits, “This is
the most advanced method, because the hardest time to meditate is when we’re
upset, sad or bothered.” So you have to be really
good at meditation to successfully meditate your way to a happier mood.
The main goal is to
claim the spiritual happiness that is inside of you. Happiness is already part
of your inner self, but you need to learn how to experience that part of yourself
that is always happy. Hinduism gives inner ways and outer ways to accomplish
this. The monistic or meditative way is to turn within in meditation, go deep
into the lotus of the heart and experience your inner self, your inner light, and
your spiritual energy. That will make you truly happy.
The theistic way for
easing depression is the dimfi, or
inner place, perspective. You go to the temple and make offerings to the
deities. You come in an unhappy state, receive the blessings and go away
uplifted and happy. Why? Because you have connected with our inner self through
external worship. Actually, you have connected with the same blissful state
that can be achieved through meditation. These are two ways to internalize your
awareness, to move your awareness into our spiritual being.
Gurudeva gave you a
third way: "If you want to attain happiness, make others happy." That
is a wonderful statement. Quite often you are unhappy and depressed because you
are self-centered. You are in a selfish state of mind, concerned only about your
life, your own problems, and your challenges. "Life is not treating us
fairly," you think, so you are unhappy. What's the antidote? Do something
for other people. Try to make them happy.
Seven tools for fighting
depression and unhappiness:
- Refine your consciousness and build self-control through education
and cultured activities. - Clear the subconscious of negative memories, reactions and grudges
through affirmation, self-reflection and sadhana. - Fill yourself with gratitude for life and for all that you have.
- Know that happiness and unhappiness are states of mind. They are not
the real you. You are the pure awareness that experiences a state of mind;
you are not the state of mind itself. - Learn to change your state of mind in meditation, turning awareness
within to your spiritual nature, the radiance within you. Direct awareness
through controlled breathing. - Tune into your innate happiness through religious devotion.
- Become fulfilled and uplifted by doing things for others.
Healing Mantras for Depression
Mantras are
energy-based sounds. It is a mystical power charged with divine Energy which enables
us to connect with the nameless, formless, timeless, space less divine Power
that can take any form to appear before an earnest devotee, anywhere or at any
time. Mantras were originally conceived in the Vedas, India’s oldest and most
revered spiritual text. The word "mantra" is derived from two
Sanskrit words, "manas" which means “mind” and "trai" which
means “to free from”. So the word “mantra” literally implies “to free from the
mind".
Research has proved
that Mantras when chanted properly with devotion and faith evokes the
production and spreading of curative chemicals in the brain. Mantras are said
to be helpful in controlling blood pressure, cholesterol levels, adrenalin
level and even normalize heart beat rate. Mantras can remove negativeness like
fear, anger, jealousy etc and bring in positives like improved concentration
and memory power, control over emotions, improved blood circulation and also
activate our body’s natural healing processes. Mantra Chanting therefore brings
in a calming effect on our Nervous System helping you to relax and be stress
free. Mantras can be used to awaken the Kundalini and stimulate the Chakras.
They also can be of great help when doing meditation. Mantra meditation, these
days, has gained great popularity as a relaxation technique and stress buster.
The following
mantras are considering being the most powerful and effective, when you attempt
to combat clinical depression. Write down your intentions before starting your
mantra the first time. In this case, you may write that you want to feel
uplifted, joyful and full of positive energy every day. State exactly what you
want the mantras to do for you.
Repeat this specific
mantra to heal depression: "Om
Bhoginyei Namaha," pronounced "Om Bhoh-geen-yei
Nahm-ah-hah." The direct translation is of the Hindu goddess Shakti, "Salutations
to the She who has the experience of perpetual bliss."
Another very
powerful healing mantra is: "Ra
Ma Da Sa, Sa Say So Hung." Use this mantra to heal depression,
activate and balance your chakras (the energy centers of your body), and
transform your body into a healthy one mentally, emotionally, spiritually and
physically. Translation -
Raa- Sun
Maa- Moon
Daa- Earth
Saa- Impersonal infinity
Saa Say- Totally of infinity
So- Personal sense of merger and identity
Hung- The infinite vibrating and real
Repeat your mantras,
as often as you wish, silently, out loud or both. Designate 20 to 30 minutes
daily to speak or mentally say your mantras, if you desire to. Many spiritual
disciplines perform mantras for 40 days although positive results can happen
several days earlier.
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