‘One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst the threefold miseries or elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady mind.’– Bhagavad Gita
This profound wisdom, though ancient, is profoundly relevant today, especially for the younger generation sailing through a complex and fast-paced world. As societal pressures and expectations grow, there is an urgent need to teach the art of detachment from fear and anger to foster a sense of self-acceptance and inner peace.
The pervasive concerns of depression and anxiety among the youth can often be traced to the relentless expectations placed upon them. Are these expectations, or perhaps over-expectations, leading to an increased sense of inadequacy and unhappiness? At the heart of this issue lies an inability to free oneself from greed, desires, fear, and anger, all of which welcome distress into our lives. Attachment often morphs into obsession, preventing young people from accepting the natural losses and failures that life inevitably brings.
The increasing number of cases where young individuals engage in self-harm out of fear or harm others out of anger is both shocking and saddening. It is imperative to impart the art of detachment from these destructive emotions and encourage self-acceptance.
Bhagavad Gita offers insight into this, “Attachment means accepting things for one’s own sense of gratification, and detachment is the absence of such sensual attachment. But one fixed with Krishna consciousness has neither attachment nor detachment because life is dedicated to the service of the Lord. Consequently, he is not at all angry even when his attempts are unsuccessful.” The Krshna consciousness is self-awareness. The ultimate truth lies in acceptance, whether of success or defeat. By recognizing that God is within us, we can cultivate devotion and honesty within ourselves, leading to self-acceptance free from the influence of external gains or losses. This consciousness helps maintain a steady mind focused on ‘karma’ (action) without becoming obsessed with outcomes. The very act of being determined and focused on duties and responsibilities is, in itself, a measure of success. There is no greater achievement than cultivating a steady mind.
As quoted in Bhagavad Gita, “In the material world, one who is unaffected by whatever good or evil he may obtain, neither praising it nor despising it, is firmly fixed in perfect knowledge.”
A person who is not swayed by good or evil but remains true to their right consciousness will never be led astray.
In teaching the art of detachment, we equip the young with tools to live life with adaptability, persistency, and clarity. Detachment does not imply indifference but rather a balanced approach to life’s ups and downs. By detaching from fear and anger, young people can learn to embrace the present moment with equanimity, fostering a sense of inner peace and stability.
Let us inspire the younger generation to pursue a life of mindfulness and detachment, where self-worth is not determined by external achievements or failures but by inner harmony and steadfastness. This spiritual awakening can lead to a more compassionate and fulfilled society, where fear and anger no longer control our lives. By nurturing this consciousness, we can help the youth cultivate a steady mind and a heart filled with peace and acceptance, leading to a brighter and harmonious future.
The author is the CEO of Griffin Publication, writer and motivational Poet.