Problem of not realising the problem (of Samsara)
There are some problems in life, which we do not even realise are a problem. And when we do realise, it’s too late to solve the problem! For example – imagine a person with cancer which is dormant (hidden) in their body. The person may not even realise it is there, but the fact is – it is quietly sitting there. So what’s the problem? Well, initially the person does not notice any effect of the cancer, but later as the cancer grows they certainly do notice the effect as they feel more and more unwell. Often only after the person feels very sick and has some medical tests completed, they realise the cancer really is there. But by then, it’s too late – the cancer has grown to such a level that it can no longer can be treated. So how do we solve this problem? Doctor’s tell us – detect the cancer early and you have a much better chance of successfully treating it. So the earlier we realise there is a problem, the easier it is to solve it. The later we realise, the harder it is.
In exactly the same way, all humans have a psychological problem. This psychological problem is called ‘attachment’ (raga = excessive emotional attachment = mental addiction to a thing). But this psychological problem lies hidden in the mind so we don’t even realise it is there. But when disaster strikes, and the person/thing to whom I am deeply attached is taken away, how do I feel? Weak, sad, depressed – only then I realise there is something wrong with my state of mind (because no one wants to feel sad! We desperately wish to rid ourselves of sadness by any means, simply because our natural state is to be happy). But once I am mentally overwhelmed with sadness and pain, am I in a healthy and clear state of mind to appreciate a solution? No…I am in a desperate and confused state of mind. That’s why we said ‘overwhelmed’ (avishta = overwhelmed, word used in Gita 1.27) by sadness – I am drowning mentally, I am a slave to the emotion. After it has overwhelmed you, it is very difficult to find a way out at that time. Remember: Attachment leads to Sadness leads to Confusion = Samsara (http://advaita-academy.org/blogs/the-basic-human-problem-samsara/ ).
So how to solve this psychological problem of sadness caused by attachment (called ‘Samsara’)? Like the Doctor’s advice – detect the problem early and you have a better chance of curing it. Need not wait until you feel sad and depressed before trying to solve the problem of attachment hidden with all of us. If you do wait that long, you will be so overwhelmed with sadness it confuses (moha) your mind so you cannot clearly appreciate the solution. Just like Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita (1.27) who feels overwhelmed with attachment/sadness when he sees his relatives who are about to die in battle. He gets totally confused and thinks the solution is to run away from his duty. Or the other example of the man who tries to dig a well to find water, after his house catches fire – it’s too late to dog now if its already on fire! He should have thought ahead.
So if we can think ahead and realise emotional attachment is within in us right now, it gives us a chance to try and solve the problem whilst our mind is in a calm and cheerful state of mind. A calm mind is much more receptive to Vedanta teachings and can make much better judgements in life (http://advaita-academy.org/blogs/a-cool-mind/) . This ‘thinking ahead’ will save us from great sadness which will come later, as attachment always leads to sadness. So what is that solution to the problem of attachment? 2 stages: Karma Yoga then Jnana Yoga (ref: Bhagavad Gita Chapt 2 to 18).
Think ahead, detect the problem early, find a solution in a calm state of mind (by studying Vedanta), save yourself from problems later, be happy.
Om
Aditya
