Depression & Faith
Dr. Jayadeva (President -The Yoga Institute) & Yoga Guru Smt. Hansaji (Director -The Yoga Institute) Answers some questions about faith
- How to find the answer to whether we should do something or not, without getting confused?
Dr. Jayadeva: If you are in need, you must do; if not in need, then don’t do.
Smt. Hansaji: Then before deciding on how to do anything, you have to keep your mind quiet. Stop thinking and analyzing. Analyze before, but then keep your mind quiet. And then, the first thought that comes to you, do that, because it hardly matters in Nature whether you are going this way or that, as long as you are going. That is important.
2. What is Ishvar and what is Devata?
Dr. Jayadeva: These are questions which are not possible to answer.
Smt. Hansaji: Well, in Indian mythology, Devis and Devatas are many, we create them. But the main Devata is considered as Lord Narayana, Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. They are called as the main Gods in mythology. As far as yoga is considered, we always use the words Ishvar, Purusha, and Purusha-Vishesha. Your soul / Purusha is like the Devatas and the Purusha-Vishesha is like the main God. As long as your soul is tied to the body, not free from its demands or Karmas and Kleshas, it is still at the level of the Devis and Devatas. It is still God, but when it releases from the bondage of Karmas and attains Moksha, then it becomes Purusha-Vishesha, which is the real God. For this itself, the knowledge of yoga exists. We are all, no doubt, potentially divine.
3. In practical terms, how to develop faith in adults who don’t believe in God?
Dr. Jayadeva: One doesn’t develop faith. It comes naturally. It’s an inspiration.
Smt. Hansaji: If a person claims to believe or not to believe in God is only using these words. A person, who claims to believe, really may not be believed if they are getting worried, tense, upset and not accepting people as they are. So somewhere don’t get into these arguments. Some say God is there, fine. Some say God is not there, fine. There is no problem. How he lives his life is what matters.
When it comes to having faith in other human beings, you need to use your intelligence. Whatever others say to you, don’t just throw it out. Listen, use your intelligence, take what you can gain from and leave the rest aside. Don’t react, if they say they don’t believe in God, don’t lose faith in them. If someone says whether this is day or night, I wouldn’t argue because I don’t know what their definition is. But if they ask me about my opinion, I would say, according to my limited knowledge, I think it is the day because I can see the sun and the watch also shows so. But let us be courteous and respectful to everyone. Don’t get into words. Try and understand.
4. What can help a person in extreme depression to increase faith?
Smt. Hanaji: Depression means the person doesn’t know what he is doing. He doesn’t have any understanding of life. He can’t see the good side of life. So counting blessings is out of the question for him. So naturally, he should have faith in the doctor who is treating him and in the wise people that are there around him. He should listen to whatever they say.
In depression, the state of mind is disturbed so the physical body should take over. Do more of yoga asana, pranayama and kriyas (avoid meditation) Simplest thing you can do to calm the mind is count your breath and to equalize it. Talk a walk in nature and focus on nature sounds the birds, bees etc. Morning and evening 20 minutes of brisk walking while listening to pleasant nature sounds or music helps.
(You can share your experiences about faith & Ask Questions about faith to our Yoga Gurus)