Feeling Helpless? Surrender

    • Speaking tree
    • Publish Date: Jan 30 2017 12:29PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Jan 30 2017 12:29PM
Feeling Helpless? Surrender

 There are many times in life, when we feel we are in a spot or in a difficult situation which may not be due to our actions. A feeling of claustrophobia, disconnect and emptiness saturates our mind, undermines our confidence, leaving us in a perpetual state of doubt. We feel utterly helpless.  


A traffic jam can be the best analogy. From our side, we have accounted for all the delays and problems that may occur on the road. However, despite all the care and caution, we are stuck as we have no control over a truck break-down which is causing a traffic snarl. Hence, all our planning with focus, discipline, sincerity, and positive attitude seems absolutely futile. We feel frustrated. The “It’s not fair” syndrome takes over. Negative emotions take centre stage and begin to dictate our very existence.  

Similarly in life.  We find ourselves in situations that seem to choke us -- we feel, negative vibes and politics, jealousy, resentment and hypocrisy. When the "Why me?" introspection begins, the doctrine of nishkama karma gives the answers. We have to be clear that we have done our work and then, surrender completely to the will of the Supreme cosmic power.

Inner conflict can be overcome by bhakti or devotion and this comes with an attitude of surrender that helps to resolve our daily conflicts that are caused by Maya or Illusion.

The word ‘bhakti’ is derived from the word ‘bhaj’ which means to serve, adore and honour. Sage Narada and Sandilya, two most authoritative writers, say that bhakti is the whole-hearted and supreme love for God. The Bhagavata Purana describes bhakti as a state when all energies -- including organs of knowledge and action -- become completely unified, as a complete mental mode directed to the Supreme Being devoid of any external or extraneous motives.

When maya is transcended by bhakti, then the natural perfection of the Atman manifests itself. The dark clouds of doubt worry and scepticism get cleared.

In philosophical deliberations, there are different types of bhakti. Vidvesha bhakti is when there is communion through confrontation. Jnana bhakti is through knowledge, Tattvajnana. Mudha bhakti is when God becomes your child, friend and lover. Bhakti is also considered the fifth purushartha. There are also nine folds in the bhakti discipline which are sravana, kirtana, smarana, padaseva, archana, vandana, dasya, sakhya, and atma nivedana. Another aspect of bhakti is prapatti or saranagati. It is manifested in thought, word and deed. Mythological stories extol the bhakti bhavana of Sudama, Garuda, Nandi, Bhakta Kanappa, Hanuman, Shabari, and Akroorar.

Different streams of Indian philosophical thought have acknowledged the importance of complete surrender to the Supreme cosmic energy. It is also called Ishwara pranidhana. Simple praying also has a very calming effect on our persona. This can be through chanting, listening to soulful music, reading inspirational work or viewing such audio visual programmes. This helps in creating a positive vibe and holistic attitude which helps in calming our nerves, and helps us to think rationally.  The mind de-clutters.

Praying gives us the confidence to surge forward, to contemplate, to introspect. The act of praying reflects surrender, to admit that we are mere puppets in the cosmic drama. It also reveals the fact that to pander to ahamkara or ego, and think that we are in control, is a mere sham. 

(The writer teaches ancient Indian culture at a college in Mumbai).
 

 
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Annada Dash KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA -PANVEL

You shouldn''t surrender even if you feel helpless

N.BHANU KIRAN Sree Narayana Vidya Bhavan

You should ''t surrender even if you feel helpless

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