Introduction
Recently, I attended a gathering of fellow retirees to celebrate a festival. Such occasions are meant to be filled with joy and warmth, yet many of us found ourselves discussing the release of arrears related to pension adjustments. It struck me as odd because, for most of us, there wasn’t an immediate need for this money—a little delay wouldn’t matter.
I understand the importance of money and the value of knowing one’s entitlements, but I couldn’t help wondering: why this constant focus on money? Osho suggests that people are obsessed with money because it represents power. Yet, for us pensioners, would a little more in the bank significantly increase our influence or happiness?
Reflecting further, I recalled a post I’d written, “Breaking Free From the Do-Loop Dilemma,” in which I examined this tendency to accumulate, often stemming from an ingrained worry about ‘tomorrow.’ Perhaps it’s an obsession that should be managed more as a habit than a necessity. In this article, let’s explore this idea further by juxtaposing it with the wisdom of ancient scriptures.
Impact of Obsession
Obsession, or intense attachment, often clouds judgment, influences actions, and disturbs inner peace. While modern psychology encourages managing obsessive behaviour for mental health, Hindu scriptures delve deeper, offering insights into the roots of obsession and ways to transcend it. Texts like the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and other sacred writings address the nature of attachment and how it can lead to imbalance and suffering.
The Bhagavad Gita on Obsession
In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna frequently addresses desires and attachment. In Chapter 2, Verse 62, He describes how attachment can lead to downfall:
ध्यातो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते।
सङ्गात्संजायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते॥
dhyāyato viṣayān puṁsaḥ saṅgas teṣūpajāyate
saṅgāt sañjāyate kāmaḥ kāmāt krodho ’bhijāyate
(Bhagavad Gita 2.62)
Translation:
“When one continually thinks of sense objects, attachment arises; from attachment, desire is born; and from desire, anger arises.”
Interpretation:
Sri Krishna shows that obsession starts as simple attraction but grows into attachment, transforming into desire. When desires are unfulfilled, they lead to frustration and anger. Obsession is dangerous because it ties us to fleeting things, disturbing our emotional and spiritual balance. The Bhagavad Gita advises us to free ourselves from attachment to the outcomes of our actions, helping us retain inner peace.
Imagine someone who is due for a promotion, putting in their best effort. If denied unfairly, frustration and anger may arise. Rather than letting these feelings consume us, it’s essential to adopt a balanced approach—seeking fair redress while maintaining inner peace. This maturity often comes with age, but by then, we may have already affected our health, work, and family. Thus, sharing these timeless perspectives with younger generations is crucial. These teachings may not change behaviour immediately, but they can subtly guide us away from extreme reactions.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali on Calming the Mind
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provide practical techniques for managing obsessive thoughts through mental discipline and self-awareness. In Sutra 1.2, Patanjali describes yoga as a way to calm the mind:
योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः
yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ
(Yoga Sutra 1.2)
Translation:
“Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind.”
Interpretation:
Obsession is one of these modifications—a fixation on a specific thought or desire. Patanjali teaches that through yoga, especially meditation and self-discipline, we can control these fluctuations and prevent obsessive thoughts. As the mind becomes serene, we engage with life from a place of balance.
Meditation isn’t only sitting cross-legged with closed eyes. Osho explains that people often try to fill their inner emptiness with thoughts of money and power, confusing these for fulfilment. Meditation, however, is about embracing this emptiness and enjoying the peace that comes with it. The goal is to increase these moments of calm, gradually reducing distractions. Meditation can be as simple as calming the mind and responding to challenges without frustration or anger.
A Personal Journey
Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare immune disorder that severely affected my health for five years. Faced with this unexpected disruption, my wife and I resolved to stay calm and focused, allowing me to continue working as normally as possible. At work, I learned to tune out discomfort—whether from swollen feet, walking with a stick, or temporarily losing my voice—with the support of my family and colleagues. This approach enabled me to fulfil my responsibilities and eventually regain my health.
Keeping a calm and composed mind, no matter how adverse the situation, is essential. Perhaps this is the first stage of meditation—without even sitting cross-legged!
The Importance of Balance in the Bhagavad Gita
Sri Krishna emphasizes balance in all aspects of life, cautioning that obsession can lead to physical and mental distress. In Chapter 6, Verse 17, he advocates a balanced approach:
युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु।
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा॥
yuktāhāra-vihārasya yukta-ceṣṭasya karmasu
yukta-svapnāvabodhasya yogo bhavati duḥkha-hā
(Bhagavad Gita 6.17)
Translation:
“One who is regulated in eating and recreation, balanced in work, and moderate in sleep and wakefulness can eliminate all material pains through yoga.”
Interpretation:
Sri Krishna highlights that balanced habits protect us from attachment. Practicing moderation supports our physical and mental well-being and spiritual progress. Today, many people struggle with unchecked consumption, which may distract temporarily but allows negativity to resurface. The real challenge is not just managing negativity but gradually removing it from the subconscious.
Jain Philosophy on Stillness of Mind
Jain philosophy compares the mind to a still reservoir, where passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed create whirlpools, disrupting tranquillity. This teaching emphasizes detachment and mindfulness to maintain a clear mind, allowing one to observe life with clarity. Like in Hinduism, this concept aligns with the importance of self-control, non-attachment (aparigraha), and self-purification, resonating with Hindu and Buddhist teachings that view a calm mind as essential for enlightenment.
Thus, calming the mind and setting aside ego, anger, pride, and deceit should be our priority. I don’t claim to have achieved this fully, but I strive toward it.
Conclusion
We began with an anecdote about pensioners concerned with arrears—a distraction from the joy of a festival. Isn’t this a needless obsession with money that brings neither power nor peace? Ancient wisdom can guide us to control our minds and thoughts, or we risk losing sleep over worldly possessions.
One former colleague of mine, a high-ranking official, was caught in an act of corruption post-retirement and jailed. It made me wonder: why this obsession with money?
Our scriptures teach that obsession is a timeless challenge arising from the mind’s tendencies. Through detachment, self-discipline, and moderation, we can learn to manage these tendencies and find inner freedom. As Sri Krishna says, “Surrender attachment and focus on duty,” for obsession clouds reason and binds us to temporary illusions. By seeking balance and anchoring ourselves in spiritual wisdom, we can transcend the grip of obsession, leading to a life of peace, purpose, and contentment.
May we all strive to manage our attachments, channel our energies positively, and find fulfilment in the journey itself.
Inspire Positivity 