Everything in the future will improve if you make a spiritual effort today.
Forget the past. The vanished lives of all men are dark with many shames.
Ordinary love is selfish, darkly rooted in desires and satisfactions. Divine love is without condition, without boundary, without change. The flux of the human heart is gone forever at the transfixing touch of pure love.
Look fear in the face and it will cease to trouble you.
The eight bondages or snares are hatred (anger), shame, fear, grief, condemnation, race, prejudice, pride of family and smugness. Removal of the eight bondages leads to magnanimity of the Heart.
The Eight Bondages (Snares) in Hinduism: A Path to Magnanimity of the Heart
In Hindu philosophy, the journey towards self-realization is a process of transcending various bondages (or pāśa), which act as obstacles on the path to inner peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth. The eight bondages—hatred (anger), shame, fear, grief, condemnation, race, prejudice, pride of family, and smugness—are symbolic representations of mental and emotional barriers that hinder spiritual progress. Overcoming these bondages is essential to achieving magnanimity of the heart, which signifies an expansive, compassionate, and enlightened state of being.
Let’s expand on these eight bondages, explore their symbolism, importance, and relevance in modern life, and draw insights from Hindu scriptures and teachings.
1. Hatred (Anger) (krodha)
- Symbolism: Anger is often described as a fire that burns both the self and others. In Hinduism, anger is seen as a force that clouds the mind and blocks rational thinking.
- Importance of Overcoming: By controlling anger, one can cultivate patience, understanding, and empathy.
- Scriptural Reference: The Bhagavad Gita (2.63) says, “From anger comes delusion, from delusion loss of memory, from loss of memory, destruction of discrimination, and from the destruction of discrimination, one is lost.”
- Modern Day Relevance: In today’s fast-paced life, anger is common due to stress and frustration. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help control emotional outbursts and maintain inner peace.
2. Shame (lajja)
- Symbolism: While healthy shame can keep us morally grounded, excessive or misplaced shame leads to a lack of self-confidence, self-worth, and authenticity.
- Importance of Overcoming: Removing shame allows one to express themselves fully, embracing their true nature without the fear of judgment.
- Scriptural Reference: In the Mahabharata, Draupadi's episode in the court is a lesson on overcoming societal shame and speaking out for justice and truth.
- Modern Day Relevance: Today, people struggle with societal pressures and unrealistic standards, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Cultivating self-acceptance is crucial for mental health.
3. Fear (bhaya)
- Symbolism: Fear is a paralyzing force that restricts our actions and decisions, preventing us from exploring new possibilities and living fully.
- Importance of Overcoming: Fearlessness, or abhaya, is a highly valued trait in Hinduism, leading to self-confidence and trust in the divine plan.
- Scriptural Reference: The Upanishads often speak of fearlessness as the goal of spiritual realization. For example, Mundaka Upanishad says, "The one who knows the Self, knows no fear."
- Modern Day Relevance: Whether it is the fear of failure, rejection, or uncertainty, fear is common in today’s competitive world. Cultivating a mindset of fearlessness allows individuals to pursue their dreams.
4. Grief (śoka)
- Symbolism: Grief, while a natural response to loss, can also trap the soul in a state of attachment to the past and prevent emotional healing.
- Importance of Overcoming: In Hinduism, grief is transcended by understanding the impermanent nature of the material world and embracing the eternal soul.
- Scriptural Reference: In the Bhagavad Gita (2.13), Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, “The wise grieve neither for the living nor the dead,” highlighting the understanding of the immortal nature of the soul.
- Modern Day Relevance: Grief from loss, failure, or disappointment is a part of life. Acceptance and moving forward with strength are crucial for emotional well-being.
5. Condemnation (ninda)
- Symbolism: Condemning others leads to a sense of superiority and isolates the individual from society. It is a form of negativity that affects interpersonal relationships.
- Importance of Overcoming: By avoiding condemnation, one practices humility and fosters compassion.
- Scriptural Reference: The concept of ahimsa (non-violence) extends not only to physical actions but also to thoughts and words. Condemnation is a form of mental violence.
- Modern Day Relevance: In an era where social media is rampant with judgment and criticism, practicing kindness in thought and speech promotes harmony and community.
6. Race (jāti) and Prejudice (dveṣa)
- Symbolism: In Hindu philosophy, the soul is beyond all categories of race, class, or gender. Prejudice creates division and hatred between individuals and communities.
- Importance of Overcoming: The soul is one with the Universal Spirit (Brahman), and by transcending these distinctions, one realizes the unity of all beings.
- Scriptural Reference: The Bhagavad Gita teaches the concept of samatva, or equal vision. In Gita (5.18), Lord Krishna says, “The wise see no difference between a learned Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog, or a dog-eater.”
- Modern Day Relevance: Racial and cultural prejudices persist today, but by recognizing the divinity in every being, one can contribute to creating an inclusive, tolerant society.
7. Pride of Family (kula-garva)
- Symbolism: While family pride is natural, it becomes harmful when it turns into arrogance or when one clings too tightly to social status and heritage, hindering spiritual growth.
- Importance of Overcoming: Humility and openness to learning are crucial for spiritual progress. One should respect one’s heritage but not be bound by it.
- Scriptural Reference: The Mahabharata teaches through characters like Bhishma and Karna, who show both the virtues and pitfalls of family pride.
- Modern Day Relevance: Today, many people define themselves by family background or societal status. Letting go of this attachment allows for personal growth and understanding of a broader sense of community.
8. Smugness (ahamkara, or Ego)
- Symbolism: The ego, or the false sense of self, is considered the root of all bondage in Hindu philosophy. Smugness is a manifestation of an inflated ego.
- Importance of Overcoming: Ego dissolution is the ultimate aim of spiritual practice, allowing one to merge with the Supreme Consciousness.
- Scriptural Reference: In the Bhagavad Gita (18.58), Krishna advises Arjuna to abandon egoism, saying, “If you become free from egoism and remain steady, you will cross over all difficulties.”
- Modern Day Relevance: The modern world often promotes individualism, leading to inflated egos. Practicing humility and service allows individuals to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
The Importance of Transcending the Eight Bondages
Transcending these eight bondages is a process of inner purification, leading to magnanimity of the heart, which in Hindu philosophy represents a heart full of compassion, wisdom, and selflessness. This journey aligns with the concept of moksha (liberation), which is freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara), attained by overcoming the bondages of worldly attachment and ego.
Symbolism in Hindu Scriptures
The Hindu epics and Puranas are filled with symbolic stories that illustrate the dangers of attachment to the eight bondages and the path to liberation:
- Ravana in the Ramayana represents unchecked ego (smugness), which leads to his downfall.
- Karna in the Mahabharata struggles with family pride, loyalty, and grief, ultimately meeting a tragic fate.
- Bhagavad Gita is a direct dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on how to overcome the mental and emotional bondages through selfless action (karma yoga), knowledge (jnana yoga), and devotion (bhakti yoga).
Practicality in Daily Life
In today’s world, overcoming these bondages has a profound impact on our personal and professional lives:
- Hatred can be replaced with empathy through communication and understanding.
- Fear can be diminished by embracing uncertainty and trusting in a higher power.
- Grief can be processed through acceptance, spiritual understanding, and time.
- Pride and smugness can be countered by practicing humility and gratitude.
- Race and prejudice can be overcome by fostering inclusivity and appreciating diversity.
By consciously working to remove these mental and emotional obstacles, individuals can lead more peaceful, compassionate, and spiritually fulfilling lives.
The removal of the eight bondages is not only a spiritual endeavor but also a pathway to inner peace, emotional resilience, and magnanimity of the heart. The Hindu scriptures emphasize that freedom from these attachments leads to a life of greater purpose, connectedness, and alignment with the divine. The teachings are timeless and, when applied in daily life, have profound modern-day relevance, allowing individuals to navigate the challenges of the world with grace and wisdom.