Accept Things As They Are And Stay Unaffected – A Core Principle in Hinduism

Accept things as they are and stay unaffected. Concentrate more on strengthening your internal resources. Keep in constant touch with the internal being.

If you are too much bothered about the world and the happenings in it, then you will never discover the real you. All external searches are in vain.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Haranhalli In Karnataka

Instead of keeping the window to the world open, try to find out the door to internal bliss. The light that is hidden in us is the true source of bliss.

If you keep the window to the world open, then disturbances in the form of anger, jealousy, ego, unhappiness, frustration will enter your mind and pollute it. As long as the window is open, you are going to get bothered by the world.

Stop judging people and situation, do what is possible in the present and move on.

We cannot change what is happening in the outside. Ignorance is being showered in several different forms. We are happy to digest all the ignorance thrown at us. So instead of gulping these ignorance, spend your energy in knowing the real you.

Create unfathomable strength inside yourself so that no external force can affect the real you.

Accept Things As They Are And Stay Unaffected – A Core Principle in Hinduism

In Hinduism, the idea of accepting things as they are and remaining unaffected by external events or conditions is deeply rooted in the concept of equanimity (Samatvam), detachment (Vairagya), and surrender to the divine will (Ishvara Pranidhana). This principle encourages individuals to approach life’s challenges with balance and composure, without getting overwhelmed by highs or lows, pleasure or pain, success or failure.

Symbolism in Hinduism

1. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita: The concept is best illustrated in the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna about maintaining equanimity, regardless of circumstances. In chapter 2, verse 47, Krishna says:

   "Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana" "You have the right to perform your duty, but not the right to the fruits of your actions."

   This verse emphasizes doing one’s duty without attachment to the outcomes, cultivating acceptance of whatever comes, and staying unaffected by success or failure.

2. Lotus Flower (Padma): The lotus symbolizes spiritual detachment in Hinduism. Despite growing in muddy water, the flower remains pristine and unaffected by its surroundings. Similarly, individuals are encouraged to rise above the chaotic and challenging aspects of life, maintaining inner purity and calm.

3. Shiva as the Ascetic (Yogeshwara): Lord Shiva, as the supreme ascetic, represents total detachment from worldly affairs. He sits in meditation, unaffected by the cosmos's activities, symbolizing an unwavering acceptance of life’s natural flow without resistance.

Importance in Hindu Philosophy

1. Detachment (Vairagya): Hindu philosophy emphasizes Vairagya, or detachment, as a means to spiritual liberation (Moksha). Detachment does not mean indifference or neglecting responsibilities, but rather performing duties with a sense of acceptance, understanding that all events are transient. This fosters inner peace.

2. Understanding the Nature of Reality (Maya): Hinduism teaches that the material world (Maya) is an illusion, and attachment to it leads to suffering. Accepting things as they are means recognizing the impermanence of worldly experiences and focusing on the eternal truth (the soul, Atman).

3. Law of Karma: The doctrine of Karma underlines that every action has consequences, but the results may not always align with expectations. Acceptance allows individuals to navigate the fruits of their actions with grace and equanimity.

Similar Examples in Other Traditions

1. Stoicism: In Western philosophy, Stoicism mirrors Hindu concepts of equanimity. The Stoic idea of not being disturbed by external events and maintaining inner peace despite life's fluctuations parallels the Hindu approach. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus advised focusing on what is within one's control and accepting what isn’t.

2. Buddhism: The Buddha’s teaching of detachment and the impermanence (Anicca) of life aligns closely with Hindu views. In both traditions, accepting life’s transient nature leads to freedom from suffering.

Practicality in Daily Life

1. Stress Management: In modern life, where stress, anxiety, and uncertainty are prevalent, practicing acceptance helps individuals remain calm and centered. By recognizing that certain things are beyond control, one can focus energy on the aspects that can be influenced, leading to a more balanced approach to life.

2. Relationships: Accepting people as they are, without attempting to change them, fosters healthier relationships. This reduces conflict and allows space for personal growth and mutual respect.

3. Career and Personal Goals: In today’s competitive environment, attachment to outcomes—like promotions, recognition, or material success—can lead to frustration. Accepting things as they come, while still striving for excellence, allows for resilience in the face of failures or setbacks.

4. Mental Health: Many modern therapies, such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral approaches, emphasize acceptance as a key to mental well-being. Accepting thoughts, emotions, and circumstances without over-identifying with them leads to a more peaceful and mentally healthy life.

Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

• Bhagavad Gita 2:14:

  "O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed."

  This quote highlights the transient nature of emotions and external conditions, teaching the importance of acceptance.

• Bhagavad Gita 2:56:

  "One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst the threefold miseries or elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady mind."

  Here, a steady mind, unaffected by dualities, is considered the hallmark of wisdom.

Modern-Day Relevance

1. Climate of Uncertainty: In the modern world, uncertainty is a constant, whether due to global events like pandemics, economic fluctuations, or technological change. Cultivating acceptance helps individuals navigate these changes with resilience.

2. Work-Life Balance: Balancing the demands of professional and personal life can be challenging. Acceptance of one’s limitations and the unpredictability of outcomes reduces burnout and enhances overall well-being.

3. Spiritual and Personal Growth: In the age of self-help and personal development, there is often pressure to "become better" or achieve certain ideals. Acceptance, however, reminds people to appreciate their current state while striving for growth, reducing the tendency to feel inadequate.

Additional Thoughts

Acceptance does not mean passivity or giving up. Rather, it is an active process of acknowledging the reality of situations while maintaining an inner strength to act with wisdom. It is a mindset that helps individuals to align themselves with the flow of life, responding to situations from a place of balance rather than reactivity. In Hinduism, this is not only practical wisdom but a path to spiritual growth, as it helps the individual rise above worldly entanglements and move towards self-realization.

Incorporating this principle into everyday life encourages mindfulness, compassion, and a deeper connection to one's inner self. Through acceptance, individuals can experience greater peace, harmony, and clarity in navigating the complexities of existence.