Dukh and Its Niwaran
By Vijay Kumar Monga, Retd
GM, AFCL, Socio-Economist & M&E
Expert;
President, Ved
Prachar Sabha, GH-12/13/14,
Paschim Vihar, New
Delhi-110087
Vedic scholars divide Dukh or grief in to four
categories:
(i) Janm ( birth); (ii) Mritue
( death);
(iii) Jara
(old age); and (iv) Vyadhi (sickness).
1.
Janm i.e., Birth in human form (Yoni) in a place, family and parentage
is based on the sum total of Karma’s of jeevatma in
previous life/lives. Human has no control over where and when his birth will
happen. After birth, as jeevatma in body form
grows/traverses over time, in shape and size, the process of Dukh and Sukh starts. New Karmas
too start getting accumulated and become cause of grief and happiness and
eventually of nature/yoni of next birth on completion of this life’s journey.
And this process continues till Atma (soul) is able
to attain union with Paramatma (God), a far cry to be
achieved through the principles of Yog, Bhakti (Devotion) and Penance.
Dharam, Arth, Kaam
and Moksh are the attainable motivating goals of
life. But human being in the process of acquiring and enjoying Arth and Kaam often falters in
pursuing the path of Dharma and ultimately drifts from the goal of attaining Moksh. Over indulgence in Arth
and Kaam devoid of elements of Dharma makes him
liable to face the wrath of God by creating an impeccable positive and negative
record of his Karmas and eventually the cause of Sukh
and Dukh. The
occurrence of Sukh and Dukh
and its severity is determined by the gravity and nature of adulation or
aberration whether due for reward or penance in this life or the next ones.
Human being among all Jeeva’s is intrinsically more
sensitive to this feeling of Sukh and Dukh due to Parmatma‘s special
gift to him in the form of the ability to sense, think, gain knowledge/wisdom
and also express.
2. Mritue i.e., Death is enshrined in the
definition of life and time starts ticking towards the syndrome of death soon
on birth. The process of life is from birth to infancy to child hood to youth
to old age and then one day Atma on completion of its
term abandons the worn out or malfunctioning body leaving it inert or dead. The
human life period from birth to death as per Vedic philosophy is divided into
four collegiums. Sukh and dukh
do influence the human life in all four stages.
(i)
Brahmcharya- The
building and enriching period. Physical and mental perseverance and spiritually
unifying practices called yoga and meditation help strengthen the body and mind
to pursue vigorously the worldly duties, some simultaneously and most
subsequently. Cogent knowledge of inner self as also of outer world, i.e.,
nature, environment/echo-system management and the universe at large, is the
paramount goal of humans during this collegium. Sukh
and Dukh are felt as per the quality and extent of
discipline based brhamcharya practices which
essentially include perfecting the practices of Yam (social conduct) and Niyam (individual’ personal conduct). Drifting from discipline can lead to serious
consequences and even derailment in life from its purpose and path. Nevertheless, firmness of mind and bubbling energy of body can help achieve a state
of tolerance to ward off and override Dukh with
fortitude and convert that in to Sukh.
(ii)
Grihasth- The most important and valuable duty or Karma
performance period. The holy worldly
duty of acquisition of Arth (resources) and
performing and enjoying Kaam, the cherished desires and luxuries which include
happily creating new human babies as new homes of Atma
is the central theme. Thereafter nourishing, nurturing, capacity and competence
building till full development of new jeevatma
into youthful brahmchari and imparting of knowledge
to him on how to lead a successful life is attained during this collegium. But
this has to be done while treading the path of Dharma that would facilitate
attaining Moksh for the parental Atma
ultimately. Care of the others, humans and coexisting animals, birds, etc in
need or otherwise those weak or hungry too are a paramount duty of humans (grihasthis) in this collegium. Environment protection and
echo-system conservation is also necessary. This being the most significant and
valuable collegium of life span, practice of Yam and Niyam
becomes important in this regard. This collegium is like the shade giving tree
in a garden of nears and dears that constitute his social environment; wherein
they can seek cooperation and get protection in case of need as per their
eligibility and closeness. Honorable and learned visitors too are welcomed with
a smile. Therefore, Dhrama
based life is necessary to avoid Karma that generate Dukh
and to earn the joy of Sukh.
(iii)
Vanprasth- The period reserved for self analysis of the Karmas
of the life spent hitherto and where necessary doing penance for the wrongs
done in the performance of worldly duties.
Directing energies away from further aspirations, ambitions and greed,
and focusing on consolidation of what one has acquired helps him spare time and
energy towards the supreme lord, as a representative caretaker on earth. This
is the demand of time from the humans of this slowly degenerating age-group.
Further, based on the insight, inspirations and experiences gained, guiding the
fellow human beings(mainly family and immediate community members) to the right
path so that they do not falter in performance of their Karma as per principles
of dharma, is an important duty of humans in this collegium. Dukh and Sukh are more
a state of mind in this collegium, where mental stability and calmness help in
their comfortable management. This is the beginning or onset of the old age.
(iv)
Sanyas- The
final segment of life span. In this collegium Dharna,
Dhyaan and Samadhi are to be practiced as per the
principles of Asahtang Yog
as expounded by Vedic Rishi Patanjali. The success
towards attaining Moksh will depend upon the sum
total of Karmas and practice of God’s principles of Dharma (listed as Yam and Niyam). Enlightenment comes only through Stuti, Prarthana and Uapsana and soul has to be prepared to leave the body
without any attachment to the world and its elements such as the acquired
assets, relatives and friends. Union with God has to be the prime focus.
Eventually death will open the gate for the soul being guided to the path of
rebirth or Moksh as it deserves. But everyone fears death and out of this
fear is inclined to follow the path of Dharma as understood and practiced by
him. This collegium though inflicted by the travails of weakening body and
intellect due to ripening age is important milestone to movement towards
salvation. But the people in world at large consider death as the biggest Dukh and therefore cry hoarsely because the companion soul
has departed leaving the near and dears in lurch. But in Geeta,
Lord Krishna has rightly termed death as nothing but change of the clothes and
transition of the soul to the new budding body. So, it is foolhardy to be sad
and be in the grip of the feeling of Dukh, if the
soul has left the body when it had become like a ripe watermelon. Mental discipline, detachment and poise
attained by the true Sanyasi would make for him the
feeling of Dukh and Sukh
almost redundant. He is now a spectator waiting for his turn to depart without
any remorse or pleasure.
(v) Though
Vedic system divides the life span collegiums of assumed 100 years in to four equal
parts to be an ideal state, the period of each segment may vary to suit one’s
personal, family, anticipated life span and societal conditions. At present the
average age ranges between 65-75 years.
3.
Jara i.e. Degeneration- means decline in the life force i.e. Libido (som or
virya) in the body, which now has taken to
the degeneration path after attaining and enjoying the prime period of youth as
far as the journey towards the close of this life or the death is concerned.
The reason of this degeneration is mostly ageing of the body. Due to advancing
age, infirmities and sickness take charge and drain out sustaining energy from
the body. If confronted with neglect, humiliation, loss of prestige and
isolation, or physical and mental torture, the old age becomes damning
punishment. Death does not deter such people. Some people consider these as a
penance of bad Karmas of previous life. But on the other hand, losing the grit,
recognition, and /or control over purpose of life results in loss of the flint
of energy and Will Power even in not so old people. The distressing and damning
negative forces and Karmic circumstances also cause depression or disablement
in such people. It is a painful experience and therefore a cause of horrifying Dukh. The solace
providing practices and principles of Vanprasth and Sanyas collegiums as enunciated above do provided some
comfort and joy.
4.
Viyadhi i.e., Sickness- The unhealthy or disabled state of body caused
by genetic disorder, neglect, exposure to virus, infection or climatic change
may lead to sickness. Accidental harm or injury or even other calamitous
situation may also cause sickness or disablement. Mental stress and
disorientation is also cause of psycho-somatic ailments. These as mentioned
above are all considered Karma based by most people. These lead to Jara syndromes a cause of much
pain and therefore Dukh. The inflicted body is a
malfunctioning machine which could stop functioning anytime.
Just as happiness, the illuminating shine of the soul
is of two types, Bhautic and spiritual, so is Dukh too. Whereas Bhautic Sukh is gained from harnessing of material possessions and
comforts the spiritual Sukh is of the mind and
intellect (mann and bhudhi). Vedic scholars classify the Sukh -Dukh syndrome as Spiritual,
Aadi Bhautik and Bhautik. Spiritual Dukh is the
pining in the heart of the devotee (like yearning of Meera
bai and Radha) for early
union of Atma with God and the feeling of distance
from Him is a great Dukh. Aadi Bhautik, on the other hand, is the Dukh
of Birth, Death and Rebirth cycle. And Bhautic dukh is something about
what the human being is most obsessed and concerned with.
Types of Bhautic Dukh
With whom problems
or tragedies do not happen? Some face financial hardships, some family
conflicts, some problems of safe and assured roof over their head, some
insecurity of upbringing, some worry of children, some serious sickness, some
court cases, some rejection in the society, some interference and torture from
others, and what not. The list of such hazards and problems is unlimited.
These problems
or torments in life can be of four types:
1.
Providential-like
accidental injuries, disablements, unexpected infections or sickness; hazards
caused by natural calamities; unwittingly or
innocently getting into a situation or place or group where you are
helpless; etc;
2.
Rajdharm Janit/Institutional – hurdles and problems caused by governmental laws and systems like
stigma of violation of laws, punishment and criminal case or jail term. On the
other hand, there are regulations of the organizations (like armed and other
security forces, business enterprises and trade, religious seminaries, etc)
where you are made to work or associate or wish to associate with. These
torments may include physical torture, professional jealousy or deceits,
financial manipulations, unhealthy working atmosphere and systems, restricted
freedom of performance and expression, lack of recognition, non–attention to
grievances and security hazards and
occasionally growth barriers too;
3.
Societal-
the conventions, moors, taboos, obligations, cultural values of society,
religious groups, family organizations, etc in which every member is
compulsorily a part player and is required to adjust willingly or unwillingly
to be in comfort, irrespective of the merit or justification there for;
4.
Personal/Individual- these are
acquired or imbibed beliefs, values, egos, likes & dislikes and personality
traits, emotionality and nuances, worries, tensions and ambiguities, etc.
Dukh Niwaran (Solutions)
The first category, Providential, is hard to
handle and must be tolerated till providentially resolved and/or is removed
through continuous self effort supported by the experts or trained professional
of course under Ishwar Kripa
(God’s blessings). Physical torment or torture inflicted by others is the most
frightful. Inner strength, patience and resolve or perseverance as also proper
and timely help do facilitate in getting
rid or at least subsiding the ill effects of such hazards.
The second category, Rajdharm janit/Institutional, requires proper knowledge,
training and information and skill to steer through willful compliance or at
times legitimate manipulation with in the frame work of rules and regulations
with due caution and at times with some guidance and support of experts/professionals and even
moles. Confrontation is harmful.
Third category, Societal,
is the most intricate web, where providence of birth and upbringing, guidance,
dictates and blessings of elders, society leaders, teachers, wise religious
guides/gurus, etc play an important role. Their patronage reinforced with your
own values and strength of character as also pliability can do much good.
Policy of restricted or non interference or giving advice only when sought also
helps. Gradual reforms in systems and beliefs in tune with the need of the hour
and emerging cultural and constitutional scenario are necessary and should be
pursued with firm conviction but without serious confrontation.
But fourth, Personal/Individual, concerned with
the psychological frame of mind (mann)
and intellect (bhudhi) is the one which can
be self managed through corrections to your own ways and flexibility in
approach to life. Envy, egoist assertions and hatred are worst form of self
tormenting thorns. One should not get struck where something has gone wrong. It
might have been a mere road block or correcting or diverting obstacle. Blaming anyone for that may not serve any
purpose except creating a feeling of heart burn. The better way is to examine
what good lay in any such expected or unexpected occurrence and how to use it
to your advantage. With positive attitude, wise take lessons and move forward
and fools go on frowning and breaking bridges and things around and spoiling
the relations built with hard efforts or providentially acquired and nurtured
over a long period. In essence it is a fight within or with Prarabdh
at times.
Of course, in all cases, caution is necessary to
identify the cunning, cheaters/conmen, tormentors and pseudo sympathizers. It
is good to maintain non-identifiable reasonable distance from such well
wishers, lest you face and suffer exploitation or oppression. In extreme cases
of distress, help of experts/psychiatrists/religious wise-men may be helpful.
Consultation with men of proven wisdom (Saints), study of authentic spiritual,
scientific and objective related literature and prayer with submission to the Paramtma (God) can also help. Solace, fighting spirit and
strength to bear the turmoil then comes from within.
Gospel of Geeta
Our great scripture Geeta
says: “Change is the principle on which this world operates; the way it was
yesterday is not today and will not be tomorrow. One should live in the present
and do not repent or brood over the past except occasionally recalling it as nostalgia
and lesson giver. The future, how so ever planned meticulously, would remain
unpredictable. In fact neither past nor future exists in reality. These are
only in imagination. So, do not regret, if things do not happen the way you
planned because result is not in your hands but the Karma is. Therefore, it is
better to re-adjust the plan with new assumptions, parameters and inputs to
attain envisaged goal. Hope is the way to move forward but one should not get
too struck to anyone or anything unworthy.
It’s going to change. Old friends, relatives and attachments will get
replaced with new ones. Their perdurability varies with perpetual contact or
absence thereof. So continuing to nurture them for unexpected use and
opportunity is the right approach.
Goal of life is to traverse the span period with fortitude,
right attitude and commitment to what one deems proper within the frame work of
the natural systems, societal and Governmental laws and socioeconomic
principles of the present, but with a view to be in peace and happiness. Target
has to be attaining the Devine bliss, mental stability and calmness. The
estimated life span is given to each human being based on parameters of Karma
of previous lives, but life can be elongated by maintaining high spirits,
adopting better healthcare, physical and yogic exercises and good nutrition;
otherwise the same will get shortened by neglect, faulty values and living
style, contracting diseases or inviting accidents including annihilation, due
usually to disoriented thinking, etc. The latter is called untimely death with
unfinished agenda of life. It is prudent to understand that what you have
garnered in this life was from what was destined (prarabdh
based) and available here in this world and what you lost was also destined
and was acquired from here only. Therefore, it is desirable to dedicate and
submit everything to the “Will of God” and feel free and emancipated. Then Sukh and Dukh will become state
of mind and their feeling controllable with firm conviction and faith in
almighty, the all pervading, all knowing
and benevolent Parmatma.
Vijay Kumar Monga
New Delhi, India
E-mail: vksmonga@redfifmail.com