It’s not uncommon to see devotees suffering from depression and other similar conditions. Even more common are devotees who, although not clinically depressed, are unhappy with their lives. Why?
Thank you very much for this any many other wonderful articles which I find truly inspiring to read. Your comprehensive analysis on "Depressed devotees" is a good eye opener. Although I don't suffer from depression, I do have mood swings that can be explained by the factors mentioned in your comments.
If I may, I would like to also mention that "depression" exists in a wide spectrum ranging from mild to severe debilitating disorder. In some cases, they cannot be justified only by environmental, social or emotional reasons, but rather karmic. As we hear and learn from the scriptures, karmic reactions are inevitable as long as we exist in the material realm. And from the karmic perspective, depression or any other mental disorder are often viewed as the fruition of past-life negative actions, unresolved trauma, or deep-rooted mental tendencies that have matured.
Yes, Srila Prabhupada taught us to cultivate a spiritual live, and amongst one of the many instructions is “simple living and higher thinking” But Srila Prabhupada also gave the “Fan” analogy where a surrendered devotee may still have to undergo karmic reactions just like a fan that has been switched off but still spins for a while due to momentum.
Prabhu, could you please write on how an aspirant or devotee can best cultivate his spiritual life while still undergoing karmic reactions?
Thanks Prabhu. I believe that's an issue that can be more discussed amongst devotees. In general, all problems we face are the results of karmic reactions, but this doesn't mean we should not try to solve them. Another side is that problems are aggravated by problems in habits and lifestyle, and above all, we can cure all malefices if we can figure out how to properly practice spiritual life. When our spiritual practice becomes stronger, karmic reactions tend to be minimized
Yes, you are absolutely right. All we go through, good and bad, are the results of karmic reactions. What I was thinking about when I sent you my commnet was the notion of karma that cannot be changed "Prarabdha Karma". The portion of accumulated past-life karma that has matured and is currently bearing fruit in the present life, such as one's birth, physical body, and certain unavoidable life events.
Your recommendation to practice good habits and lifestyle is needed no matter our current condition. Thank you! As Srila Prabhupada instructed: Cultivating sattva-guna (the mode of goodness) is essential for spiritual advancement, serving as the platform for, but distinct from, pure devotional service (suddha-sattva).
All glories to Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai!! All glories to Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu!!
Hare Krishna Chaitanya Chandra prabhu!
Thank you very much for this any many other wonderful articles which I find truly inspiring to read. Your comprehensive analysis on "Depressed devotees" is a good eye opener. Although I don't suffer from depression, I do have mood swings that can be explained by the factors mentioned in your comments.
If I may, I would like to also mention that "depression" exists in a wide spectrum ranging from mild to severe debilitating disorder. In some cases, they cannot be justified only by environmental, social or emotional reasons, but rather karmic. As we hear and learn from the scriptures, karmic reactions are inevitable as long as we exist in the material realm. And from the karmic perspective, depression or any other mental disorder are often viewed as the fruition of past-life negative actions, unresolved trauma, or deep-rooted mental tendencies that have matured.
Yes, Srila Prabhupada taught us to cultivate a spiritual live, and amongst one of the many instructions is “simple living and higher thinking” But Srila Prabhupada also gave the “Fan” analogy where a surrendered devotee may still have to undergo karmic reactions just like a fan that has been switched off but still spins for a while due to momentum.
Prabhu, could you please write on how an aspirant or devotee can best cultivate his spiritual life while still undergoing karmic reactions?
Your servant,
Rama Raghava dasa
Thanks Prabhu. I believe that's an issue that can be more discussed amongst devotees. In general, all problems we face are the results of karmic reactions, but this doesn't mean we should not try to solve them. Another side is that problems are aggravated by problems in habits and lifestyle, and above all, we can cure all malefices if we can figure out how to properly practice spiritual life. When our spiritual practice becomes stronger, karmic reactions tend to be minimized
Thank you very much for your reply!
Yes, you are absolutely right. All we go through, good and bad, are the results of karmic reactions. What I was thinking about when I sent you my commnet was the notion of karma that cannot be changed "Prarabdha Karma". The portion of accumulated past-life karma that has matured and is currently bearing fruit in the present life, such as one's birth, physical body, and certain unavoidable life events.
Your recommendation to practice good habits and lifestyle is needed no matter our current condition. Thank you! As Srila Prabhupada instructed: Cultivating sattva-guna (the mode of goodness) is essential for spiritual advancement, serving as the platform for, but distinct from, pure devotional service (suddha-sattva).
All glories to Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai!! All glories to Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu!!
Happy Gaura Purnima to all!