Most of us are psychologically dependent, not only on people, but on property, on beliefs, on dogmas. Are we at all conscious of that fact? If we know that we do depend on something for our psychological happiness, for our inward stability, security, then we can ask ourselves why.
The above passage resonates deeply with the teachings of Hinduism, particularly the emphasis on self-realization, non-attachment, and overcoming the psychological dependencies that cloud our perception of truth. Hinduism offers a rich tapestry of philosophy that encourages us to move beyond judgment, comparison, and superficial attachment in order to experience a deeper, more authentic relationship with ourselves and the world. Let’s expand on this through symbolism, relevance, and insights from Hindu scriptures.
Expansion with Additional Information
The capacity to look at oneself without judgment, condemnation, or comparison is central to the process of self-realization in Hinduism. Hindu philosophy, especially the teachings of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes vairagya (dispassion) and viveka (discernment) as essential for spiritual growth.
Judgment and Comparison: The mind’s tendency to judge, compare, and categorize is an expression of the ego (ahamkara), which creates a false sense of separation between the self and others. This ego-driven tendency is seen as a barrier to true knowledge (jnana) and self-awareness in Hinduism. Only by overcoming this conditioned mindset can one attain moksha (liberation).
Looking at Oneself: Hinduism teaches that self-observation without judgment is part of the practice of self-inquiry (atma-vichara). This aligns with the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, where realizing the non-dual nature of reality (Brahman) requires an unconditioned, pure awareness of the self without the interference of mental constructs or biases.
Symbolism
In Hinduism, the mind is often compared to a restless monkey, constantly moving, distracted, and hard to control. This is referred to in various scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Controlling the mind and moving beyond judgment, condemnation, and comparison is akin to taming the restless monkey—difficult but not impossible.
- Lotus Symbolism: The lotus flower (padma) is a significant symbol in Hinduism. It grows in muddy waters yet remains unstained, representing purity and detachment. This symbolizes the ideal mind that exists in the world, amidst desires and distractions, yet remains detached and unaffected.
Importance in Hindu Philosophy
Overcoming judgment and comparison leads to self-mastery, which is a crucial step toward liberation. In Hindu philosophy, the concept of non-attachment (vairagya) is essential. When one sees the "futility" or "absurdity" of constantly comparing and evaluating, the mind becomes free from the cycle of desires and aversions that keep us bound to the material world (samsara).
- Freedom from Psychological Dependence: When the mind is no longer clouded by judgment or attachment, there is freedom from psychological dependence on external factors. This is important in Hinduism, as attachment (raga) and aversion (dvesha) are seen as the root causes of suffering. True freedom arises when one transcends these dualities and experiences the world without clinging to outcomes or external validations.
Scriptural References
The Bhagavad Gita offers several verses that reflect these ideas:
Practice and Dispassion (Bhagavad Gita 6:35):
"Asamsayam maha-baho mano durnigraham calam, abhyasena tu kaunteya vairagyena ca grhyate"
(O mighty-armed Arjuna, undoubtedly, the mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it can be controlled through practice and detachment.)This verse underscores the necessity of regular practice (abhyasa) and detachment (vairagya) in controlling the mind, overcoming its habitual patterns of judgment, and fostering inner stillness.
Non-Attachment (Bhagavad Gita 2:47):
"Karmany evadhikaras te ma phaleshu kadachana, ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango 'stv akarmani"
(You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results, and never be attached to inaction.)This famous verse promotes karma yoga—the path of selfless action performed without attachment to the outcome. It teaches that psychological freedom comes when we detach from the fruits of our actions, thus avoiding both judgment of ourselves and others.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s world, the message of non-judgment and non-comparison is profoundly relevant. Social media and consumer culture have amplified the tendency to compare our lives, achievements, and happiness with others. The pressures to conform to societal standards, opinions, and judgments can lead to a deep sense of dissatisfaction and anxiety. Hindu teachings on non-attachment and the cultivation of a calm, centered mind offer practical guidance to navigate this modern landscape.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: The practice of looking at oneself without judgment can be integrated into mindfulness and meditation practices, which are gaining widespread popularity globally. By observing thoughts without engaging in them, individuals can achieve a sense of inner peace, reducing stress and fostering a more compassionate view of themselves and others.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life
In everyday life, practicing non-judgment involves:
- Self-awareness: Start by observing your thoughts without reacting. When you catch yourself judging yourself or others, pause and reflect on why this is happening.
- Compassion: Cultivate compassion, both for yourself and for others. Recognize that everyone is on their own journey, and comparison is ultimately unproductive.
- Detachment from Results: While performing your duties and actions, focus on the effort, not the outcome. This aligns with the Bhagavad Gita’s teaching of karma yoga—work without attachment to the results.
A Similar Example
A similar example of transcending judgment and attachment is found in the life of Ramana Maharshi, a modern Indian sage known for his teachings on self-inquiry (atma-vichara). Ramana advocated for continuously asking the question, “Who am I?” as a means to transcend the ego and its attachments. Through such deep inquiry, one can move beyond the mental traps of judgment and comparison, realizing the Self as beyond the mind and body.
Conclusion
Hinduism's teachings, particularly from the Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta, guide us toward self-awareness, non-attachment, and the cessation of judgment and comparison. These ideas are not only spiritually significant but also have practical applications in modern life, where detaching from external opinions, comparisons, and the pursuit of validation can bring inner peace and fulfillment.
As the Bhagavad Gita beautifully puts it: "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." (Bhagavad Gita 6:20)