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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Thoughts on Depression

Thoughts on depression by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Lack of idealism is the main cause of depression among young people today. Life appears to be so meaningless to these children, who are either too scared of the competitive world or bogged down by heavy stimuli. They need inspiration, and spirituality is that inspiration that can keep the spirit up.


Depression sets in if there is a lack of zeal to fight. Aggression is the antidote to depression. Depression is lack of energy; anger and aggression are bolts of energy.

When Arjuna was depressed, Krishna inspired him to fight and thus reinstated life back to him. If you are depressed, do not take Prozac – just fight for any cause.

If aggression crosses a certain limit, it leads you back into depression. That is what happened when King Ashoka won the Kalinga War – he became depressed. He had to take refuge in Buddha.

Wise are those who do not fall either into aggression or depression. That is the golden rule of a yogi. Just wake up and acknowledge you are a yogi. 

Further Teachings 

Lack of Idealism and Depression Among Youth: A Hindu Perspective

The statement that "lack of idealism is the main cause of depression among young people today" touches upon a profound psychological and spiritual concern in modern society. Young people today often face an existential crisis, where life appears meaningless or overwhelming due to materialism, competition, and sensory overload. Hindu teachings offer valuable insights that can guide these young minds toward inspiration, meaning, and a more balanced approach to life. The teachings of Hinduism emphasize spirituality as a powerful antidote to this sense of despair and disconnection, providing practical tools for addressing these modern challenges.

The Importance of Idealism in Hinduism

In Hindu philosophy, the concept of Dharma plays a pivotal role in inspiring idealism. Dharma refers to righteous living and fulfilling one’s duties with integrity and purpose. When young people understand their Dharma—whether it’s in their family, community, or personal growth—it provides them with a sense of direction and meaning. Lack of idealism, which often translates to a loss of purpose, can lead to feelings of emptiness. According to Hindu philosophy, each individual has a unique role in the cosmic order, and fulfilling that role brings inner satisfaction and joy.

Symbolism and Spiritual Inspiration

Hindu symbolism is rich with stories and metaphors that convey the importance of overcoming challenges and staying inspired. The Bhagavad Gita is a prime example of how spiritual wisdom can lift the human spirit during times of depression and confusion. In the Gita, Arjuna, a warrior prince, experiences an intense existential crisis before a great battle. He feels overwhelmed by the meaninglessness of violence and war, and refuses to fight. Lord Krishna, who represents divine wisdom, counsels him on the importance of fulfilling his duties with detachment and understanding. Krishna tells Arjuna:

"You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)

This teaching underscores the importance of action without attachment to outcomes, which can liberate young minds from the paralyzing fear of failure or rejection in today's competitive world. By embracing Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action, young people can learn to focus on their efforts and inner growth rather than getting bogged down by external results.

Spirituality as a Source of Inspiration

Spirituality in Hinduism is not limited to rituals or worship but is seen as an everyday practice of mindfulness, compassion, and connection to the divine. One of the key practices is Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion, which helps in channeling emotions toward a higher purpose. This practice can be especially relevant in today’s world, where young people are often bombarded with stimuli and distractions that take them away from their true self.

Through devotion, whether it is toward a personal deity or the universal consciousness, youth can find a sense of security, love, and purpose. This spiritual connection helps them transcend the materialistic and competitive nature of the world, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment.

A Story of Inspiration: Nachiketa and Yama

One simple story from the Kathopanishad offers a profound lesson for modern youth. Nachiketa, a young boy, seeks the truth about life and death. After being sent to the god of death, Yama, he patiently waits for three days to meet him. When Yama finally grants him a wish, Nachiketa could ask for material wealth or long life, but instead, he chooses to understand the mystery of life and death. Yama is so impressed by his wisdom and idealism that he reveals the secret of the immortal soul (Atman) to him, teaching him that the true self is beyond death and suffering.

The story emphasizes the importance of seeking higher ideals and spiritual wisdom over temporary pleasures. For modern youth, it teaches that rather than getting lost in the material world, the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and self-realization brings lasting peace and contentment.

Modern-Day Relevance

In today’s fast-paced world, young people often feel overwhelmed by the pressures of competition, success, and the constant barrage of information. Many struggle with anxiety, stress, and depression. Hindu teachings offer practical tools to cope with these challenges, such as:

  • Meditation and Yoga: Practices like Raja Yoga (meditation) and Hatha Yoga (physical postures) can calm the mind, increase focus, and reduce stress. Meditation helps young people gain control over their thoughts and emotions, fostering inner peace.

  • Mindfulness and Detachment: The practice of mindfulness, as taught in Hinduism, involves being fully present in the moment and acting with awareness. By practicing Vairagya (detachment), one can engage with the world without being consumed by its ups and downs.

  • Satsang and Community: Being part of a spiritual community (Satsang) can help young people find support and inspiration. Listening to spiritual teachings and engaging with like-minded individuals creates a sense of belonging and purpose.

The Role of Teachers and Mentors

In Hinduism, the role of a Guru (spiritual teacher) is highly emphasized. A Guru not only imparts knowledge but also provides guidance and moral support. In today’s context, mentors, parents, and educators can act as Gurus, offering young people direction and helping them stay connected to higher ideals. A good mentor helps the youth understand that life’s true purpose is beyond material success and lies in inner growth and service to others.

Practicality in Day-to-Day Life

Applying Hindu spiritual teachings in daily life can greatly alleviate the feelings of helplessness that often accompany depression. Simple practices such as regular prayer, performing daily duties with sincerity, and maintaining a balance between work and personal life contribute to a well-rounded and peaceful existence.

For instance, Seva (selfless service) is an integral part of Hinduism. By engaging in acts of kindness and community service, young people can shift their focus from their own anxieties to the well-being of others, which in turn brings a sense of joy and fulfillment.

In summary, Hindu teachings offer a profound and practical approach to combat the growing sense of depression and meaninglessness among today's youth. By emphasizing idealism, spirituality, and higher purpose, Hindu philosophy provides inspiration that can keep the spirit up in a world filled with challenges. Whether through the pursuit of Dharma, the practice of meditation, or the guidance of spiritual mentors, young people can find the strength and wisdom to navigate life’s trials with resilience and inner peace.

As the Bhagavad Gita beautifully encapsulates:

"When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place." (Bhagavad Gita 6.19)

In the face of life's storms, the steady light of spiritual practice can keep the mind and spirit aloft, offering a meaningful, purpose-driven life.