Managing Emotions – 1

‘Life can become so stressful sometimes!’ exclaimed Maanav exasperatedly.‘Life is a series of experiences,’ says Swami Chinmayananda. The quality of the experience often determines our evaluation of life Maanav. From your tone, I take it that you have not had a pleasant experience lately,’ replied VR with his calm demeanour.‘What can I say VR! It is just so many things, one on top of another. I mean I don't even know where to start! I know you will say that Ram, Sita, and Hanuman, all went through even bigger challenges and were unfazed by them. But ultimately, they are God, VR and I am but a human who is filled with human emotions!’ said Maanav dejectedly.‘Unlike you, I am not a human Maanav but I can say that all the characters that you mentioned have displayed these human emotions multiple times in their lives. I can share those examples with you if you feel up to it Maanav.’‘Well, I am sure it won't make me feel worse than how I feel now. Please do share them, VR.’‘Let me start with Ram. You are aware of the episode where Ram is told by his mother Kaikeyi about the boons she has sought from Dasharatha. According to which Bharata would be made king and Ram would have to live an ascetic life in exile for 14 years!’.‘Oh yeah, I know that part. Ram’s reaction there seems unreal. He just smiles and says ok to such a life-shattering moment. That’s why He is a God, maybe!’ shrugged Maanav.‘It is indeed true that Ram did not show any outward displeasure in front of Kaikeyi or Dasharatha but that does not mean He was unaffected. Before He enters Kaushalya’s chamber to seek her permission, this is how Valmiki Rishi describes Ram. “Deeply pained yet self-possessed, Ram, heaving sighs as an elephant went towards the inner apartment of His mother along with His brother!” This clearly shows how much He was struggling to come to terms with this tragedy. Again, he puts up a calm face in front of the grieving Kaushalya and furious Lakshmana. He says all the right things to console His mother and pacify His brother. But when he goes to meet Seeta, he cannot control Himself anymore.’‘This is really interesting VR. I have never pictured Ram going through an inner struggle like us. What did he do in front of Seeta?’ asked Maanav.‘As Ram entered Sita’s chamber and saw Her blissfully preparing for His consecration, He bent His head in embarrassment. The following verses from Valmiki Ramyana reflect Ram’s state very clearly.Sita got up suddenly, (her limbs) trembling to see her husband distressed with grief and agitated with anxiety. On seeing her, virtuous Ram could not contain the sorrow in His mind which manifested (through his external appearance). On seeing Ram with a pale face. indignant and heavily perspiring, Sita, consumed with grief said, My Lord, why are you now like this?The above verses clearly show how grief-stricken Ram was in that situation. He was overwhelmed with emotions like any of us.’‘What then is the key difference between us and Ram?’ enquired Maanav curiously.

Managing Emotions – 1

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