Overcoming Depression Overcoming Depression

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What do seekers need to understand about Depression?

− Purpose of life – to attain Bliss or realise God

− Negative thinking or depression are obstacles to attain the said

purpose of life.

What are we comprised of?

What are we comprised of?

− Physical body existence compared to other subtle bodies is extremely limited

− Other bodies shown outside physical body are more subtle

− They are powerful as it is seen from their sheer size

− Outer body controls inner body e.g.

− It is gross sectional view

Salient features

CM

SCM

Cross sectional view of the subtle body

Functioning of mind

Many a times we are not aware of what is happening in the conscious mind

Subconscious Mind

Unconscious Mind

Unconscious Mind – When impression forms in this place it becomes part of us and we are totally unaware of it

Subconscious Mind – All the centres are in this mind and we can know when we are in a light trance

Conscious Mind

Reasons for our actions/reactions

Our actions depends upon our impressions

But we feel that it depends upon external factors

If this is true,

then all people would have behaved in the same manner in

similar situations

and we too would have reacted similarly in all repeated

incidences of one type

Example – person in Kaliyuga – reacts negatively

person in Satyayuga – reacts positively

CM

SCM

Reasons for our actions/reactions

What is the cause of depression?

− Depression stems from negative thinking

Due to wrong impressions, all situations are perceived unfavourable

This leads to negative thinking in that situation

Negative thinking gives rise to sadness

Prolonged or repeated situations of sadness leads to Depression

• There is a difference between sadness and depression. Following table will elaborate this difference:

Points Sadness Depression

1. Phase Short term - temporary Long term – strong (prolonged)

2. Duration Passes away in time Persistent

3. Efforts to overcome With or without efforts Pathological efforts

4. Bodily Functions Does not affect Affects bodily functions

Source of negative thinking

Point 1

Point 2

Point 3

Point 4

Body identification/ awareness – E.g. constant caring or comparing with one’s body

Various defects in mind – E.g. self centeredness, criticism

Lack of required qualities – E.g. tolerance, patience, gratitude, understanding etc.

Lack of spiritual practice

Graphical representation of Sadness and Depression

Happiness

Sadness

Depression

Starts affecting functioning of the body

When ghosts capitalise on our PDs

Prolonged state of sadness

Why do seekers undertaking spiritual practice and following PDR process go into depression?

Active mind – as long as the mind exists depression is

bound to be there

Ego – We continually identify with ourselves.

Intellect – intellect is controlled by mind (overpowered

emotions)

Ghosts – they capitalise on small defects and magnify it

How to control mind which is overpowered by emotions?

ve ve

Mind reacts to emotions – which can be of two types

In both the cases reduce the response. One point to remember is that the response should not be larger than the event…..

E.g. Happy moment Child is born

E.g. Sad moment Someone insults or

passes an odd remark

Why are seekers more depressed as compared to an average individual, when seekers are supposed to be happy?

Type of individual Criteria

Average Individual Many are depressed

Used to of living Public life

They have a blank look on their face – (mask)

Happiness is absent or it is superfluous

Seeker Puts in efforts to do spiritual practice

Introspection begins which show many flaws

Goes into temporary phase of depression

Within a short time with more efforts attains bliss

Graphical presentation of happiness in a seeker and an average individual

AB

C

D

E

F

Think we are happy state – superfluous happiness

Temporary introspective stage – realisation of mistakes

A

B

C

D

E

F

Start of spiritual practice

Depression stage

More efforts in increasing spiritual practice Bliss – true happiness

How to overcome depression?

1. Depression is common and many experience it2. Note that only we can come out of depression – so take damage control measures 3. Whatever we have in present apply all such efforts – it will go long way in overcoming depression4. Learn to identify the depression stepping in5. Accept the depression – don’t go into denial6. Rule of last straw on the camel’s back7. Surrender, chant and pray – try to surrender in daily chores so when problem creeps in without intimation, it can be surrendered8. Remember the spiritual experiences – tap God’s energy9. Don’t think that it is the end of the world – every moment is a fresh beginning – God gives endless opportunities

Tips to avoid negative thinking

• Train yourself to observe yourself Detailed account of the day Try to introspect (focus of camera on oneself) Finding of mistakes and also qualitiesCapitalise the qualities as assets

• Understand the processMechanism of mindWhy wrong signals are given Find the fault (PD)Take corrective steps

• Identify the triggers or red flagsWhen you can see bull (reaction) coming towards youIdentify – earlier is betterTake the milestonesTrain yourself to tackle the reactions

Tips to avoid negative thinking

• Give Autosuggestions Regular autosuggestions Emergency autosuggestions This is when something drastic happens in our lifeEmergency AS is not a curative AS but a damage control measure

• Compliment your efforts with prayer We all have different levels to take effortsSo compliment the efforts with prayersIntrospect as to how some seeker’s prayers are effective

Summary

1. Seeker’s aim in spiritual practice

2. Understanding the functioning of our mind’s process

3. Accepting depression – cause of which is impressions in our mind

4. Difference between sadness and depression

5. Controlling mind which is overpowered by emotions

6. Measures to overcome depression

7. Handy tips to over come negative thinking