Swami Satyananda Saraswati Quotes On Being Calm - Hinduism Insights

Swami Satyananda Saraswati (1923 – 2009 ) quotes on being calm.

In this era, most people are not interested in dharma and moksha. Of the four purusharthas, now only two are being fulfilled: artha and kama. When you go into artha and kama without the balancing effect of dharma and moksha, you will have mental tensions, worries, feelings of insecurity and fear. The mind will be troubled, full of passion, anger, remorse and regret.

I tell everyone that first it is necessary to sort out artha and kama. King Janaka was liberated though he lived amongst passions. He had immense properties and wealth, position and power. He had everything, but he was calm.

There have been many such people who have lived a disciplined life and still followed the path of purushartha, self-effort, while living in the world. They have done their duties, worked hard, but, in the midst of all, they were able to remain calm.

Just as all rivers flow into the sea and lose their individual existence at that point, in the same way, let all of your desires and fantasies flow, then anchor them at the point where they cease flowing.

Additional Information  And Explanation

Staying calm amidst the challenges and chaos of life holds great significance in Hinduism. It emphasizes inner tranquility, mental equilibrium, and detachment, all of which form the foundation for living a spiritually fulfilling life. The story of King Janaka, often cited as a symbol of serenity, is a prime example of this philosophy.

King Janaka’s Calmness: Symbolism and Importance

King Janaka, a revered figure in ancient Hindu scriptures, was a king who ruled with immense wealth, power, and responsibility, yet he attained liberation (moksha) while fully engaged in worldly duties. His life represents the ultimate blend of material success and spiritual realization, symbolizing that it is possible to remain calm and detached even amidst life’s luxuries and distractions. Janaka’s serenity is a testament to the idea that external possessions and power do not necessarily disturb one's inner peace.

The symbolism of King Janaka's calmness lies in his ability to maintain equilibrium between the external (material) and internal (spiritual) worlds. He embodied the concept of karma yoga—the path of selfless action, wherein one performs their duties without attachment to the fruits of their actions. His calmness was not passive indifference but an active, conscious state of non-attachment (vairagya). This is the essence of true peace, where the mind, unperturbed by desires and outcomes, remains focused on the eternal truth (Brahman).

Similar Examples from Hinduism

Other figures in Hinduism exemplify this balanced approach to life.

• Lord Krishna advises Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita to perform his duty as a warrior without being attached to success or failure. Krishna says, "yogah karmasu kaushalam" (Gita 2.50), meaning "Yoga is skill in action," which emphasizes doing one's duty while maintaining calmness and detachment from outcomes.

• Sage Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, also lived in a state of equanimity despite composing one of the most complex epics. His focus remained on the higher reality, unaffected by the worldly chaos around him.

• Rishi Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, advocates the practice of "Ashtanga Yoga" (the eightfold path), emphasizing self-discipline and detachment. The yamas (moral restraints) and niyamas (positive duties) are essential tools for cultivating inner calmness.

Symbolism: Rivers Flowing into the Sea

The metaphor of rivers flowing into the sea symbolizes the dissolution of individual desires and the ego into the vast ocean of the Supreme Consciousness or Brahman. In Hindu philosophy, desires (vasanas) are considered the source of restlessness in the mind. Just as rivers lose their individual identity when they merge into the ocean, when one's desires are subdued and controlled, the mind attains a calm, vast, and infinite stillness. The sea represents the Atman (the Self), which remains unchanged and undisturbed regardless of how many rivers of desires flow into it.

This analogy echoes in the Bhagavad Gita (2.70), where Krishna states:

"Apuryamanam acala-pratishtam samudram apah pravishanti yadvat, tadvat kama yam pravishanti sarve sa shantim apnoti na kama-kami."
(As rivers flow into the ocean, which remains undisturbed, similarly, the wise person remains calm in the face of desires.)

Modern-Day Relevance and Practicality in Daily Life

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, staying calm is essential for mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. Practicing the principles of detachment, as outlined in Hinduism, can be a potent antidote to stress, anxiety, and burnout.

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques rooted in Hindu practices, such as meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises), have gained global recognition for promoting mental clarity and calmness. These practices help people anchor themselves in the present moment, reducing overthinking and cultivating a serene state of mind.

2. Non-Attachment to Outcomes: In modern workplaces, where there is a constant chase for success, promotions, and achievements, the idea of karma yoga—working without attachment to results—can offer peace. When one focuses on performing duties to the best of their ability, without anxiety over outcomes, work becomes more fulfilling and less stressful.

3. Acceptance and Balance: Hinduism teaches that life is filled with dualities—success and failure, pleasure and pain. Remaining calm through life’s ups and downs, much like King Janaka, can prevent emotional upheavals. This equanimity (samattvam yoga uchyate, Bhagavad Gita 2.48) helps people maintain balance amidst the unpredictability of modern life.

4. Journaling Desires: Practically, one can reflect on their desires and gradually work towards letting go of unnecessary attachments that disturb mental peace. Like the rivers merging into the ocean, the practice of surrendering desires can lead to inner tranquility.

Additional Thoughts

Achieving calmness is not a one-time accomplishment but a continual practice of awareness and mindfulness. Hinduism encourages self-discipline (tapasya) as an essential aspect of life, be it through meditation, ethical living, or devotional practices like bhakti (devotion). These elements collectively aid in transforming the mind, leading to sustained inner peace.

Another key principle in Hinduism related to calmness is surrendering to the divine will. When one surrenders to a higher power, trusting in the larger plan of the universe, there is less mental resistance and anxiety. This sense of surrender promotes peace, especially during challenging times.

Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

• Bhagavad Gita (6.5):

  "Let a man raise himself by his own efforts. Let him not degrade himself. Because a person's best friend or enemy is none other than his own self."
  This verse encourages self-effort in cultivating inner peace and control over one's mind.

• Yoga Vasistha:

  "A person who neither desires nor grieves, who accepts everything with an even mind and is neither elated nor depressed, is considered a sage."

The principle of staying calm amidst the whirlwind of life, as demonstrated by King Janaka, remains as relevant today as ever. Hinduism, through its vast teachings, offers numerous tools for cultivating inner serenity: meditation, self-discipline, detachment from desires, and mindful action. In a world filled with distractions, pressures, and ambitions, embodying these teachings can lead to a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilled existence.