Full control over one’s own mind is a virtue that we often hanker for. Patanjali (200 BCE), the great master of Yoga, dealt with this topic from two standpoints. On the negative aspect, one should strive constantly to avoid or overcome the various obstacles that disturb our mental balance or concentration. On the positive aspect, repeated efforts should be made to tackle the mind directly and control it.
Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, lists nine major
obstacles—which he calls ‘antarayas’—and five minor ones (Yoga Sutras 1.30, 31)
to the control of the mind. ‘Daurmanasya’ is listed as the second in the list
of minor impediments. Literally, it means ‘being in a bad state of mind’ (dur =
bad, manas = mind). In effect, it refers to the frustration one feels when
one’s desires are unfulfilled or thwarted.
Understanding Daurmanasya
Daurmanasya, or frustration, can significantly hamper one's
progress in yoga and meditation. It manifests as a mental disturbance that
disrupts the tranquility and focus necessary for deep meditative states. This
mental agitation can arise from unmet expectations, failed endeavors, or the
inability to achieve certain goals.
The Root Cause: Desire
Patanjali suggests that it is neither possible nor desirable
to fulfill all our cravings and ambitions. Desires are inherently endless, and
the pursuit of their fulfillment often leads to a cycle of temporary
satisfaction followed by further craving. This never-ending cycle is what often
leads to daurmanasya when desires remain unfulfilled.
Strategies for Overcoming Daurmanasya
- Discrimination (Viveka): One should practice discrimination, or viveka, which involves the ability to distinguish between the transient and the permanent, the real and the unreal. By understanding the fleeting nature of desires, one can reduce their grip on the mind.
- Contentment (Santosha): Cultivating contentment with what one has can help mitigate the frustration of unfulfilled desires. Santosha, or contentment, is one of the niyamas (observances) in Patanjali’s eight-limbed path of yoga and serves as a counterbalance to craving.
- Detachment (Vairagya): Developing a sense of detachment from the outcomes of actions can lessen the impact of frustration. Vairagya, or detachment, does not mean indifference but rather maintaining equanimity regardless of the results.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular practice of mindfulness and meditation helps in observing the arising of desires and the accompanying frustration without becoming entangled in them. This awareness allows for a more measured response to unfulfilled desires.
The Goal: Mental Equanimity
The ultimate goal in dealing with daurmanasya is to achieve
mental equanimity. By reducing the intensity of desires, the shock of
disappointment is also lessened. If and when desire is completely eliminated,
the problem of daurmanasya is permanently solved. This state of mental balance
is essential for deeper practices of yoga, leading to higher states of
consciousness and self-realization.
Patanjali’s approach to overcoming daurmanasya emphasizes
the importance of mental discipline and the cultivation of inner peace. By
understanding the root cause of frustration—unfulfilled desires—and employing
strategies like discrimination, contentment, detachment, and mindfulness, one
can navigate the challenges of the mind more effectively. This not only
enhances one’s yoga practice but also contributes to a more balanced and
fulfilling life.