A Spiritual Fall – Giving Into Passions Without Fight - Hinduism

Giving into our passions every time without a fight is a great slip in the spiritual path.

Many sincere sadhakas on the spiritual path recognize their deviations from the ideal but fail to pull themselves up due to weakness.

A person who has power over himself, experiences passions that conflict with his rational choice; but he overcomes the conflict and acts in accordance with reason.

A sculpture at Hampi in Karnataka

A person who suffers from lack of mastery over himself, goes against his own rational choice as a result of some emotion or feeling. The lack of mastery is of two kinds —weakness of will and impetuosity.

A person with a weak will, in fact deliberates before making a choice of action but then instead of acting in accordance with his reason, he simply surrenders to the influence of passion. In other words, he easily revises his resolutions in the face of opposition. An impetuous person has a lapse of reasoning or deliberation and just acts under the influence of a passion.

Source - Vedanta Kesari September 2017

A Spiritual Fall: Giving Into Passions Without Fight in Hinduism

In Hinduism, spiritual progress involves overcoming the baser instincts of human nature, such as lust, anger, greed, and attachment. These are collectively referred to as the arishadvargas or the six enemies of the mind: Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion), Mada (pride), and Matsarya (jealousy). Yielding to these impulses without resistance is considered a spiritual fall or regression, pulling one further from moksha (liberation) and deeper into the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Symbolism in Hinduism Related to the Fall

1. The Fall of Ravana: One of the best-known examples of a spiritual fall in Hindu mythology is Ravana, the king of Lanka in the Ramayana. Despite his incredible knowledge and devotion to Lord Shiva, Ravana succumbed to kama (desire) for Sita, leading to his eventual downfall. His inability to control his passions, despite being a powerful scholar and king, shows that even the learned can fall if they do not conquer their base instincts.

2. Mahabharata’s Duryodhana: Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince in the Mahabharata, symbolizes the destructive nature of unchecked greed, envy, and pride. His refusal to control his jealousy and hatred towards the Pandavas leads to the great Kurukshetra war, causing mass destruction and his ultimate downfall. His life demonstrates the dangers of not fighting against one's negative inclinations.

Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

1. Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 37):

   kama esha krodha esha rajoguna samudbhavah, mahasano maha-papma viddhy enam iha vairinam
   "It is desire, it is anger, born of the mode of passion; it is insatiable and leads to great sin. Know it to be the enemy in this world."

   This verse highlights that desire and anger are powerful enemies within us. If not controlled, they lead to spiritual downfall.

2. Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 62-63):

   Dhyayato visayan pumsah sangas tesupajayate,
   Sangat sanjayate kamah, kamat krodho 'bhijayate,
   Krodhad bhavati sammohah, sammohat smriti-vibhramah,
   Smriti-bhramsad buddhi-naso, buddhi-nasat pranasyati.

   "When a man dwells on the objects of sense, attachment to them is born. From attachment comes desire, and from desire, anger is born. From anger comes delusion, from delusion, loss of memory, from loss of memory, the destruction of discrimination, and from the destruction of discrimination, he perishes."

   This teaching illustrates how giving in to sensual desires begins a chain reaction, ultimately leading to spiritual ruin.

Importance of Resisting Passions in Hinduism

In Hinduism, self-control (dama) and discipline are central to spiritual growth. The mind is often compared to a wild horse that must be tamed. Yoga and meditation practices are prescribed for calming the mind and bringing one’s desires under control.

• Bhagavad Gita (6:6) states:

  "For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy."

• The Upanishads also emphasize that true spiritual progress can only occur when one transcends the bondage of desires. Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.9) describes the inner struggle:

  "The self cannot be attained by the weak, the heedless, the indulgent, or the one controlled by desires and passions."

Stories Illustrating Spiritual Fall

1. Vishwamitra and Menaka: The sage Vishwamitra, after intense penance and years of meditation, was tempted by the apsara Menaka sent by the gods. His fall due to lust teaches that even the most advanced practitioners are not immune to temptations if they do not maintain vigilance.

2. Ahalya's Redemption: Ahalya, the wife of Sage Gautama, was seduced by Indra. Her yielding to passion resulted in her curse, turning her into a stone. This story is symbolic of how giving into desires can turn a person’s heart ‘to stone’, but her redemption by Lord Rama shows the possibility of spiritual revival through divine grace.

The Concept of Karma and Spiritual Fall

Hinduism strongly emphasizes the law of karma, which holds that actions driven by selfish desires and passions lead to consequences in the cycle of rebirth. Spiritual fall, in essence, binds one more tightly to the cycle of samsara. However, when one resists these passions and acts in accordance with dharma (righteousness), they purify their karma and progress toward liberation.

Lesser-Known Facts

1. Hanuman as a Symbol of Controlled Passion: Hanuman is often seen as the ideal of self-control and devotion. While he possessed immense power, he was never swayed by desire or anger. His mastery over passions is reflected in his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, symbolizing how controlling one's lower impulses can channel divine strength.

2. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras on Desires: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provide a detailed framework for understanding and controlling the mind. The practice of yamas (ethical restraints) and niyamas (observances) forms the foundation of yoga and includes principles like brahmacharya (celibacy or moderation) and aparigraha (non-possessiveness), both of which help individuals resist sensual desires.

Modern-Day Relevance

In today’s fast-paced world, with easy access to indulgences and distractions, the teachings about controlling desires are more pertinent than ever. Social media, consumerism, and the glorification of instant gratification pull individuals toward kama (desires) and lobha (greed), often leading to stress, anxiety, and spiritual dissatisfaction.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like meditation, inspired by Hindu teachings, are gaining popularity worldwide as a means to control the mind, reduce stress, and find spiritual peace in a world filled with temptations.

• Resisting Materialism: The Hindu principle of vairagya (detachment) encourages a balanced relationship with material wealth. As people become increasingly aware of the environmental and psychological toll of excessive consumerism, the practice of detachment offers a sustainable path.

• The Rise of Spiritual Retreats: Many individuals, seeking to escape the mental clutter of modern life, are turning to yoga retreats, meditation centers, and spiritual guidance based on ancient Hindu wisdom to help them overcome their passions and lead more fulfilling lives.

The concept of spiritual fall in Hinduism, represented through myths, scriptures, and teachings, emphasizes the importance of mastering one's desires and resisting the pull of negative passions. Whether through the stories of Ravana, Duryodhana, or the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the message remains clear: yielding to desires without resistance leads to destruction, while self-control and mindfulness pave the way for spiritual growth and liberation. In the modern world, these ancient lessons are as relevant as ever, guiding individuals toward a life of balance, purpose, and spiritual awakening.