The wisdom of Hindu saints often emphasizes the importance of inner peace, calmness, and clarity of mind in dealing with life's challenges. Anxiety and aggression are viewed as obstacles that cloud judgment and hinder the ability to find effective solutions. Here are some teachings from prominent Hindu saints that reflect this wisdom:
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in introducing Indian
philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, often spoke about the
importance of mental discipline and inner calm. He said:
"The calmer we are and the less disturbed our nerves,
the more shall we love and the better will our work be."
"In a day, when you don’t come across any problems –
you can be sure that you are traveling in a wrong path."
Sri Ramana Maharshi
Sri Ramana Maharshi, a renowned sage of Advaita Vedanta,
taught self-inquiry and emphasized the need for a tranquil mind:
"Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you
can render the world."
"Silence is also conversation."
Mahatma Gandhi
While not a saint in the traditional sense, Mahatma Gandhi's
teachings have a profound spiritual basis rooted in Hindu philosophy. He
advocated for non-violence and inner peace:
"An eye for an eye will make the whole world
blind."
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in
the service of others."
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
A contemporary spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, often
speaks about the importance of peace and wisdom in solving problems:
"In the present moment, there is peace. If you are
totally here and now, anxiety and regret vanish."
"Violence and aggression are not natural to human
beings; they are bred by stress and lack of understanding."
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part
of the Indian epic Mahabharata, also provides guidance on dealing with anxiety
and aggression:
"Perform your duty with a mind that is steady in yoga,
abandoning attachment, and remaining even-minded in success and failure.
Evenness of mind is called yoga." (Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
"When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering
like the flame of a lamp in a windless place." (Bhagavad Gita 6.19)
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, foundational texts on yoga,
emphasize the control of the mind and emotions:
"Yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind.
Then there is abiding in the Seer's own form." (Yoga Sutras 1.2-3)
"Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by
cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight
in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked." (Yoga Sutras 1.33)
These teachings reflect the overarching principle in Hindu
philosophy that a calm and balanced mind is essential for effective
problem-solving and leading a fulfilling life. They suggest that cultivating
inner peace and practicing self-discipline can help overcome challenges more
effectively than anxiety and aggression.