How To Overcome Depression

Depression and unhappiness is a miserable experience. There is nothing worse than a feeling of depression, we should seek to try and avoid depression as much as possible.

To Overcome Depression there are a number of things that we can try and do.

1. Do not Dwell on Depressed Thoughts.

If we always ruminate over our depressed mindset it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to overcome our depression. Our thoughts influence our state of mind very strongly. Sometimes our depressed thoughts can appear quite powerful, but we need to try and let go of them. If we constantly say no to negative and depressed thoughts, there will come a time when they will stop bothering us.

2. Focus on Positive Things.

If it is difficult to stop negative thoughts occurring, another suggestion is to focus on good, inspiring, uplifting thoughts. When we feel depressed, we should force ourselves to think about something good. This can either be about somebody else, or something we have achieved in the past. When we are depressed we may feel to entertain such thoughts is useless. But, even if we are unsuccessful in the beginning, these good thoughts will slowly percolate through our mind. It will have a positive effect over time, even if we don't expect it to.

3. Be Active

One of the best cures for depression is to engage in various activities. When we are busy our mind does not have time to dwell on a depressed train of thought. Physical exercise can be particularly helpful; this is because when we exercise we release serotonin, a helpful chemical for improving state of mind Quite often, when we are depressed we do not feel like doing anything. Therefore, we need to try and force ourselves to go and do something. It may be help to do things with others.

4. Speak to Others

When we share problems and worries with other people, we can unburden a significant cause of our depression. When we discuss things with others, it helps us to get a sense of perspective. It is important to be able to find someone who will be a good listener. We shouldn't expect others to solve our problems for us. But, at the same time we should feel that we do not need to be entirely self-sufficient.

5. Be Positive.

It might be difficult, but we should try to be positive and sincerely seek to throw off our depression. It is a mistake to encourage sympathy and feelings of self-pity. When we attract others to console us, it will not cut off the root of depression; in fact it can often feed the depression.

6. Find the Joy Within.

Our real nature is joy, if we can access the soul we can experience this inner joy, which is the underlying essence of our being. When we are depressed we should feel that this is a false reflection of our nature. We should feel the necessity of going beyond this temporary state and bringing to the fore our inner happiness. Also, it is important to have confidence in our self. Our true nature can overcome depression.

"... the strength of the soul's will is far greater than the strength of these undivine forces. If you can bring forward even one percent of your soul's willpower, with that you will be able to conquer your depression."

- Sri Chinmoy [1]

7. Smile

Even if the smile is false and forced it may help a little. When we smile we can have a positive effect on our state of mind. The more we smile and laugh the easier it is to overcome depression.



[1] How to Illumine Depression by Sri Chinmoy

Article by R.Pettinger May 2007.

The Cycle of Reincarnation Explained

The Purpose of Reincarnation

Reincarnation is the idea that death is not the end. After death the soul leaves the body, but, after a temporary rest takes rebirth in a new body. Reincarnation is an integral belief of many spiritual traditions. It is often asked why is reincarnation necessary? The main reason is that Reincarnation gives the soul chance to make slow steady progress towards fulfilling its highest goals.
Different Experiences.

From each incarnation the soul takes the quintessence of its experiences. From these different episodes in the evolution of the soul, it is possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of many different experiences. In one incarnation we may have great fame, wealth and power. However, even in this kind of incarnation, we cannot achieve peace of mind and abiding satisfaction. Therefore, in our next lifetime we may have a more ordinary, humble incarnation. We will view life from perspective of both powerful and weak. This will give us greater understanding. These different experiences also give us the opportunity to fulfil our desires.

“In one lifetime on earth we cannot do everything…Now our dearest is God. Do you think that God will allow us to remain unfulfilled? No! God's very purpose is to fulfil each individual and Himself through us. He will have us come back again and again to fulfil our desires.”

- Sri Chinmoy [1]

Fresh Start.

After a certain number of years we grow old and tired. Quite often people get stuck in a rut, and are content with past memories. As we get older, usually we do not feel like taking on fresh challenges. From a practical point of view the body declines, and it becomes increasingly difficult to fulfil our desires and aspirations. Reincarnation enables us to be reborn with new hope and new life. Furthermore, because we do not usually remember our previous incarnations, we can wipe our memory clear of our unfortunate past experience. We may have been a thief in the past, but reincarnation gives us the chance to mend our ways. No one is destined to remain imperfect forever.

The Law of Karma.

The law of Karma is a fundamental underlying law of the universe. Basically, the law of karma says; “As you sow so, shall you reap.” The law of karma has been explained and emphasised, in many different religious and spiritual traditions. It is the process of reincarnation, which enables the law of karma to fully operate. In one lifetime you may be born in unfortunate circumstances and be deceived by others. These unfortunate experiences can be rectified in a future incarnation. Similarly, if a person was to profit from the exploitation of others, he may be able to escape the cosmic justice in his current incarnation; but, in future incarnations he would experience the effects of his actions. Nobody can hide forever from their own actions. At the same time, not all karma is inevitable. If we have done wrong things in previous incarnations, it is possible for the effects to be nullified or reduced by God’s grace, or the intervention of a Spiritual Master.

Self Realisation

There comes a point in the soul’s evolution, when the entire being; mind, heart, body and soul are aspiring to realise the highest. If we can attain realisation of the Supreme, Transcendental Consciousness, we can escape the cycle of rebirth and death. For example, the Buddha taught that on attaining nirvana it was not necessary for the soul to be continually reborn. However, to attain Self-realisation or nirvana is no easy task. It can take many incarnations to free ourselves from our earthly desires and inherited tendencies. On the one hand, if we aspire most intensely, realisation is possible in this incarnation. But during one lifetime many seekers complete only part of the journey. Reincarnation enables us to make continual progress in the future. Furthermore, to manifest the qualities of the soul can take even more incarnations. As spiritual teacher, Sri Chinmoy says;

“It very often happens that realisation can take place in one incarnation, but for manifestation the soul has to come down again and again to earth. Unless and until we reveal and manifest the highest Divinity within us, our game is not over.” [2]

Article By: R.Pettinger

References

[1] From: Death and Reincarnation by Sri Chinmoy.
[2] Excerpt from Death And Reincarnation by Sri Chinmoy.

Quotes on Anger by Sri Chinmoy

• Article on dealing with Anger

Quotes by Sri Chinmoy on Anger

"When a man demands anger's quick appearance, God surprises him by His secret disappearance." (1)

"Your monstrous anger
Heralds the fast-approaching hour
Of your life's
Total destruction." (2)

"The animal anger
Eventually surrenders
To the heart-breaking tears and sobs
Of the loving heart." (3)



(1) Excerpt from I Need This Book by Sri Chinmoy.

(2) Excerpt from Ten Thousand Flower-Flames, Part 77 by Sri Chinmoy.

(3) Excerpt from Ten Thousand Flower-Flames, Part 67 by Sri Chinmoy.

Quotes on Love and Hate

"Hate is often an obverse form of love.
You hate someone whom you really wish to love but whom you cannot love."

- Sri Chinmoy

When we hate we actually lose something precious in ourselves. If we bear hatred for others it is like having a stain on our own heart. We may feel it is justified to hate; however, our hatred does not help in anyway. Furthermore, the hate we feel makes us feel miserable, either now or in the future. If we have the capacity to hate we also have the capacity to love. This does not mean we approve of the wrong actions' of others; it just means we maintain an attitude of forgiveness and concentrate on the divine aspect deep inside them.

How To overcome Hate.

Hatred can never cease by hatred.
Hatred can only cease by love.
This is an eternal law.

- The Buddha

There is a saying "Hate the crime not the person". If we hate somebody because they have done something wrong, instead we can separate the person from their wrong actions. No matter how bad a person is, there is always the possibility of reformation. It is only ignorance that prevents a person from living according to the aspiration of their soul.

When we hate our enemies, what we actually do is to strengthen their bad qualities. By focusing on their bad qualities we magnify and give them greater importance. Sometimes, we hate people even for a minor infraction. Quite often, we hate for for no particular good reason, such as, jealousy or anger. However, when we hate the person, they tend to react in a similar negative way. Our hatred becomes a reason for them to reciprocate the hatred; therefore, it becomes a negative spiral, without an end in sight

Instead of hatred, if we can maintain an attitude of forgiveness, then we may inspire them to change their ways. It may be that, although, they have some bad qualities they also have good qualities. If they see real forgiveness inside us, it may shame them into mending their ways. When their enemies respond with love rather than hate, it encourages them to do the same.

No remedy for black hate?
Who says?
Just love
And love more,
That's all.

- Sri Chinmoy

When we hate something in another person, quite often, we are actually hating something that is part of our own nature. If we can extend our consciousness we realise our interconnection and oneness with other people. Therefore, rather than concentrating on others' bad qualities, we shall concentrate on our self improvement. To make real self improvement, we need to let go of feelings of hate.

To love rather than hate, does not mean we have to approve or tolerate their actions. A mother loves her children, no matter what they do; however, that doesn't mean she approves of their wrong actions. A mother will try to correct her children's wrong actions. However, to change the behaviour of her children she will not adopt an attitude of hate; she knows this will be counter-productive. Instead, she will appeal to their better nature in the hope that some day they will change their behaviour.

The Meaning of Gratitude

"Gratitude is not a mere word; it is not a mere concept. It is the living breath of your real existence on earth."

- Sri Chinmoy [1]

Gratitude is a quality which is often underestimated. When we feel and express genuine gratitude we are recognising the good and beautiful aspects of life. Gratitude helps us to appreciate the best in others; it is a very powerful antidote to negativity and depression. To experience gratitude is to make a meaningful connection with our inner self.

Gratitude should be unconditional. If we are grateful because somebody has done us a favour, this is good, but it is not the highest form of gratitude. If we only express gratitude when we benefit, it is a limited form of gratitude. Real gratitude is a spontaneous feeling of appreciation and oneness; when we cultivate this kind of gratitude we live in harmony with the underlying nature of the universe.

How to Cultivate Gratitude.

The Heart

Gratitude is most powerfully an expression and experience of the heart. Our mind is judgemental and critical; the mind can easily find fault. The mind will only be grateful when it perceives a direct benefit. When we live in the heart we can feel gratitude because we have a oneness with others. The nature of the heart is to identify with the good qualities of others. It is in the heart where we can feel unconditional love and gratitude.

A gratitude-heart
Is to discover on earth
A Heaven-delivered rose.

- Sri Chinmoy [2]

Inner Silence and Meditation

The noise of the mind creates endless thoughts. If we are constantly thinking, we have no chance to rise above the mundane mind. When we maintain an inner silence our divine qualities come to the fore. We feel an inner happiness that is not dependent on outer circumstances. It is when we feel this inner peace and joy that gratitude spontaneously arises.

Simplicity

Gratitude is a divine quality because we are are identifying and appreciating an extended consciousness. Gratitude helps us to be in harmony with our source. Gratitude teachers us that the secret of happiness is not to be found in the success of our ego, or in the complications of the mind. Gratitude means to appreciate and love that which is not part of our limited self.

Nature.

When we spend time with nature we feel inspired by its beauty and vastness. When we meditate on nature, we feel an aspiration for appreciating the infinite nature of the Universe. Quite often we struggle to comprehend or quantify nature, but when we spend time with nature we feel a growing sense of gratitude.

[1] Excerpt from Sri Chinmoy Answers, Part 1 by Sri Chinmoy.

[2] Poems on Gratitude by Sri Chinmoy


Article By: Richard Pettinger, Sri Chinmoy Centre