Content of this Blog
Life the greatest gift
Life is indeed a beautiful journey. Though certain challenges can cloud our happiness and inner peace, Life can be a greatest gift that you can decorate as a wonderful package for yourself. While dealing with the psychological aspects, Vedanta Yoga speaks of six inherent evils known as arishadvarga that can disturb your day to day life.
These are the 6 aspects of mind that distort your perception, disrupt the peace, and become the source of stress in your life. So we need to know what those 6 mental enemies are and how to overcome them.
The 6 Devils within
1. Kama (Desire)
Desire is a natural instinct of the human mind that can drive you towards your goals and dreams. However, when the desires become excessive, they can lead to suffering.
Desire in its negative form, can blind you from cognizing the present moment and simple joys of life. In turn you end up fighting with dissatisfactions and disappointments.
The key to overcoming this evil is by cultivating contentment, gratitude and appreciating what you have rather than what you crave for.
2. Krodha (Anger)
Anger is a powerful emotion that can be both destructive and transformative. Anger as a sudden reaction or an impulse can blind you from being compassionate or reasonable.
This inturn leads to hurting oneself or others verbally, mentally and physically. Anger is capable of destroying relationships, inner peace and leaving a strong mark of regret and sorrow.
Patience, understanding and forgiveness are the major practices that can help you overcome anger. By listening and responding with empathy can transform anger into a force of positive change.
3. Lobha (Greed)
Greed is craving for more than what you really need. It is very subjective and an unquenchable thirst of more wealth, power and possessions.
Lobha or greed represents the endless pursuit of material gain at the expense of spiritual and emotional fulfillment. It can create potential enmity and distant you from your relations.
Cultivating generosity and a spirit of sharing is the only way to tackle greed. Finding joy in the happiness of others is an art of living that can break you free from the chains of greed.
4. Moha (Delusion)
Delusion is an invisible veil of ignorance that distorts our perception and understanding. Moha is an unseen attraction towards false beliefs and illusions.
Confusions and sufferings are inevitable results of delusion. The antidote to delusion is mindfulness, self-awareness and inquiry.
5. Mada (Self- Gratification)
Self gratification or Mada is the inflated sense of self importance that can distract you from your true self. Mada is the potential form of arrogance and superiority complex that fosters division and prevents genuine connections.
Humility, valuing the strengths of others, acknowledging self flaws and cultivating a sense of unity and compassion will keep the self gratification away.
6. Matsarya (Jealousy)
Matsarya or jealousy is the corrosive envy that erodes your happiness and contentment without even you being noticed. You will feel the jolt of other’s success due to this evil within you.
It is easy to feel the bitterness of life and conflict around you due to Matsarya. This mindset also distracts you from your own journey and potential. Focusing on your goals, cultivating a mindset of abundance can transform jealousy into inspiration and motivation.
Transforming the Evils into Virtues
The Arishadvarga, while representing the darker aspects of human nature, also offers us a pathway to transformation. By recognizing and addressing these evils, we can cultivate their corresponding virtues:
Kama (Desire) becomes contentment and gratitude.
Krodha (Anger) transforms into patience and forgiveness.
Lobha (Greed) evolves into generosity and sharing.
Moha (Delusion) turns into wisdom and self-Mindfulness.
Mada (Pride) changes to humility and unity.
Matsarya (Jealousy) becomes celebration and inspiration.
The Conclusion
The journey through life is a constant balancing act between our higher self and these six evils. By understanding and consciously working to transform the Arishadvarga, through Yoga Teacher Training programs at Samyut Yoga you can lead a life of greater harmony, peace, and fulfillment.
Embrace this ancient mystical wisdom to transform you. For more details on how to start your journey of Yoga and our 200 hrs Yoga Teacher Training Courses, visit our Program Page. Remember, the battle against these inner enemies is not just a struggle but an opportunity to grow and shine ever more brightly.
