Practice of Contemplation to Gain Control Over Feelings – A Hinduism Perspective
In Hinduism, the practice of contemplation (or Dhyana) is essential for gaining mastery over the mind and controlling one’s emotions. Contemplation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound spiritual practice aimed at transforming one's inner self. It holds immense importance in Hindu spiritual traditions, deeply rooted in scriptures, symbolism, and stories that highlight the need to gain control over feelings to live a balanced and harmonious life.
Understanding Contemplation in Hinduism
In Hinduism, contemplation is part of a larger system of Sadhana (spiritual practice). The primary purpose is to transcend the restless fluctuations of the mind, or Vrittis, which are responsible for emotional turmoil. According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, controlling the fluctuations of the mind is the key to experiencing peace and clarity.
The aim of contemplation is to gain a deeper connection with the inner self, which in Hinduism is identified as the Atman, the pure, unchanging consciousness that is free from the disturbances of the external world. By anchoring oneself in the awareness of the Atman, one can gradually develop detachment from negative emotions and cultivate equanimity.
Symbolism and Analogies
The human mind is often compared to a chariot in Hindu symbolism. This analogy, mentioned in the Katha Upanishad, compares the body to the chariot, the intellect to the charioteer, the mind to the reins, and the senses to the horses. If the mind is not controlled, the senses lead the person in different directions, like wild horses pulling the chariot. Contemplation helps the intellect (the charioteer) to take charge of the mind (reins), allowing the individual to guide the senses toward the higher path of spiritual realization.
Hindu Scriptures on Contemplation
While the Bhagavad Gita is often the most quoted Hindu text on controlling emotions, other scriptures also provide profound insights. Here are some key references from lesser-known scriptures:
Katha Upanishad (1.3.3-4): "Know the Self as the lord of the chariot, the body as the chariot, and the intellect as the charioteer. The mind is the reins, and the senses are the horses. The wise person who has a well-controlled mind, intellect, and senses attains the supreme state, but the uncontrolled falls into suffering."
- This verse emphasizes the need for contemplation to control the senses and the mind to achieve spiritual liberation.
Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.8): "As the rivers flow and merge into the ocean, losing their name and form, so the wise person who is free from all desires finds rest in the supreme self."
- This highlights that through contemplation, desires and feelings that disturb the mind merge into the higher awareness of the Atman, bringing peace.
Taittiriya Upanishad (2.7.1): "The bliss of the self is attained when one is free from desires. This is the highest state of the Self."
- A contemplative mind allows one to transcend fleeting emotions, bringing one closer to the state of bliss (Ananda), which is the true nature of the Self.
Isha Upanishad (Mantra 7): "When one sees all beings in one's own Self, and the Self in all beings, one no longer feels hatred or suffering."
- Contemplation on the oneness of existence helps dissolve feelings of anger, fear, and resentment.
Stories and Lessons from Hinduism
Several stories from Hinduism illustrate the transformative power of contemplation and its role in gaining emotional control:
The Story of Prahlada: Prahlada, a young devotee of Lord Vishnu, remained serene and unaffected by the harsh treatments of his father, Hiranyakashipu. His unwavering devotion and deep contemplation on the divine protected him from fear, anger, and suffering. His story shows how emotional mastery comes from deep spiritual focus.
The Story of Arjuna’s Transformation: Arjuna’s journey in the Mahabharata teaches the importance of contemplation. In the Bhagavad Gita, when Arjuna is overwhelmed by emotion, confusion, and grief before the battle, Krishna advises him to practice Jnana Yoga (path of wisdom) and Dhyana Yoga (meditation) to understand his duty and rise above his feelings. This illustrates the power of contemplation in times of emotional turmoil.
The Sage Vasishtha and Rama: In the Yoga Vasistha, Sage Vasishtha teaches Prince Rama the importance of controlling the mind through meditation and contemplation. This ancient text explains how the untrained mind can be restless and filled with desires, while contemplation leads to mental clarity and peace, teaching Rama how to live a life beyond emotional bondage.
Importance and Relevance in Modern Life
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress, anxiety, and emotional instability are common, the practice of contemplation is more relevant than ever. In a practical sense, contemplation offers several benefits:
Mindfulness and Emotional Balance: Regular contemplation allows a person to observe emotions without being overwhelmed by them. This aligns with modern psychological techniques such as mindfulness, where one learns to respond rather than react impulsively to situations.
Detachment from Materialism: In the consumer-driven society of today, contemplation encourages individuals to reflect on the transient nature of material desires. Detachment, as emphasized in Hindu texts, helps manage emotions like greed, envy, and dissatisfaction.
Enhanced Decision-Making: With emotions under control, contemplation enables clearer and more rational decision-making. It fosters a balanced approach to life’s challenges, helping individuals act with wisdom rather than impulse.
Emotional Resilience: By practicing Dhyana or Pranayama (breath control) daily, one can cultivate resilience to emotional distress. Techniques like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) or Kapalbhati (skull-shining breath) promote mental calm and emotional stability, recommended even by modern science for stress management.
Lesser-Known Facts about Contemplation in Hinduism
Contemplation in Rituals: Even Hindu rituals like Puja and Yagna are forms of contemplation. The process of concentrating on the divine during these rituals is designed to calm the mind and help individuals transcend the ego.
Integration of Mantras: Recitation of mantras like "Om" or "Gayatri Mantra" is a form of contemplative practice aimed at purifying the mind. The repetition of sacred sounds helps to focus the mind and control emotions.
Trataka Practice: This is a lesser-known form of yogic contemplation, where one gazes at a fixed point or object, such as a flame. It sharpens concentration and brings emotional balance by channeling mental energy away from distractions.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life
Daily Meditation: Incorporating a few minutes of contemplation in the form of meditation or silent reflection can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and manage emotions better.
Observing Breath and Thoughts: Throughout the day, one can practice short sessions of mindful breathing, especially in moments of emotional distress. This helps to control the flow of thoughts and emotions.
Contemplative Walking: A simple practice like walking mindfully in nature, observing surroundings, or contemplating spiritual truths during a walk can bring emotional clarity.
Reading Scriptures or Reflecting on Teachings: Reading sacred texts such as the Upanishads or the Yoga Vasistha offers wisdom that can help one reflect on life’s deeper truths and put transient emotions into perspective.
The practice of contemplation, deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy, is a powerful tool for gaining control over one’s emotions. Through meditation, reflection, and mindful living, one can transcend fleeting feelings and experience the higher states of consciousness that are the true essence of the Self. In modern life, where emotional turbulence is common, Hinduism’s teachings on contemplation offer timeless wisdom for leading a balanced and fulfilling life.