Perspectives useful in overcoming Spiritual Distresses

As the time to establish the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is coming close, the distressing energies are on a rampage. Today, almost everyone is suffering from distress caused by negative energies to some extent or the other. Physical ailments of some people do not get cured despite proper medication, some often get confused for no apparent reason, some suffer greatly from worldly problems, some often experience unreasonable negativity or depression, some even get extreme thoughts of suicide due to severe depression, some seekers are not able to perform spiritual practice appropriately despite making numerous efforts.

Many seekers perform spiritual remedies such as chanting, etc. to eliminate spiritual distress; but negative energies try to prevent them from performing spiritual remedies effectively. Consequently, the distress of the seekers does not reduce quickly and they lose interest in spiritual remedies gradually.

Although suffering arising from spiritual distress is not in our hands, controlling spiritual distress by performing spiritual remedies and gradually eliminating it is. This requires changing one’s perspective towards spiritual distress. One has to create the belief that ‘I can certainly overcome distress by performing spiritual remedies’.

For this, one has to constantly impress perspectives on the mind that can create positivity, enhance perseverance & enthusiasm, help develop courage and a winning attitude and can be helpful in performing spiritual remedies effectively.

This Article will help achieve this goal. Since the perspectives here have been written keeping Sanatan’s seekers in mind, the word ‘seeker’ has been used for an individual, but most perspectives are useful for everyone.

We pray at the Holy feet of Shri Guru that after studying this Article, may those suffering from spiritual distress get the inspiration and direction to overcome spiritual distress, and may they lead a happier life by performing good spiritual practice.

What is meant by spiritual distress ?

As per the science of Spirituality, an individual’s personality is made up of triguna (The three basic components) – Sattva, Raja and Tama. The Sattva component imparts mental stability, Anand (Bliss) and is conducive for the journey of an individual towards the God Principle. The Raja and Tama components are opposite of the Sattva component.

If the Raja and Tama components increase in an individual, they will affect him adversely. This is called ‘suffering from spiritual distress’. Spiritual distress is caused mainly by the negative energies residing in Bhuvarlok (Nether region) and Saptapatal (The seven lower negative subtle regions of the Universe), dissatisfied subtle bodies of deceased ancestors living in Bhuvarlok and inauspicious planetary conjunctions.

In the present phase of Kaliyug, in 80% problems (physical, mental, familial, financial) faced by humans, the root cause is always spiritual in nature (such as distress caused by negative energies, distress caused by dissatisfied subtle bodies of deceased ancestors, prarabdha [Destiny experienced in this birth]). The present times are witnessing the fury of negative energies. Hence, almost everyone suffers from distress caused by negative energies to some extent or the other. Even if one does not suffer today, one may in the future.

Why do Sanatan’s seekers suffer more from the distress caused by negative energies in the present times ?

In the present phase of Kaliyug, unrighteous negative energies are trying hard to establish the demoniacal kingdom on Earth; whereas, Sanatan’s seekers are making determined efforts through samashti sadhana (Spiritual practice for the spread of Spirituality) to propagate Dharma (Righteousness) in society as much as possible, and thus, establish the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ (Satyayug within the Kaliyug, meaning, the Divine Rule) for everyone’s welfare.

To dissuade seekers from reaching their goal, negative energies are troubling them at various levels – physical, psychological, familial, etc. Additionally, they are also creating obstacles in the satseva (Serving the God Principle) of propagating Dharma.

In this way, seekers are currently facing the adverse times at the subtle level. Unless the negative energies are defeated at the subtle level, the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ cannot be established at the physical level. Hence, on the strength of the Guru’s grace, with the blessings of Saints & Deities and by performing spiritual practice of chanting, etc. Sanatan’s seekers are combating the negative energies at the subtle level.

Some symptoms of spiritual distress

Although spiritual distress is caused at the subtle level, it has symptoms, some of which are mentioned ahead.

Physical : For no apparent reason, experiencing fatigue, heaviness in the head, dizziness, loss of appetite; physical ailments not getting cured despite proper medication and following diet restrictions for many months or years, etc.

Psychological : For no apparent reason, feeling irritated, negativity or depression, lethargy, and developing doubts about the spiritual guide, Deity or spiritual practice, etc.

Intellectual : For no apparent reason, feeling confused, not understanding what is being spoken to you.

Familial : Constantly having differences or mis-understandings with family members over trivial issues leading to estrangement, suspicion or animosity between family members; some family members becoming addicted to substances; someone in the family falling sick repeatedly, etc.

Other symptoms : Frequent nightmares, yawning unnecessarily when reciting a stotra, not being able to chant, abruptly wanting to stop spiritual practice, etc.

If one is experiencing one or more distresses mentioned here, it can be concluded that distress is being experienced due to negative energies. If one is not able to understand whether the distress is due to negative energies, he can ask an evolved seeker or a Saint about it.

Why is it necessary to overcome spiritual distress ?

Spiritual distress makes an individual’s life miserable. Due to spiritual distress, one cannot chant and perform other spiritual practice necessary for spiritual progress. The strength obtained through spiritual practice by an individual is spent mostly in overcoming the spiritual distress. Since spiritual practice is wasted, the individual does not progress rapid spiritually.

In contrast, when spiritual distress is eliminated, life becomes blissful and spiritual practice improves too. Hence, it is essential that everyone performs spiritual remedies such as chanting to eliminate spiritual distress.

Spiritual remedies to overcome spiritual distress

The measures employed to eliminate spiritual distress are called ‘spiritual remedies’. Chanting the Name of a Deity, reciting mantras, performing empty box remedies, etc. are various types of spiritual remedies.

Due to the adverse times today at the subtle level, all seekers are affected to some extent or the other. Some seekers are most affected, meaning, they suffer a lot. Of these, 90% seekers feel that they are experiencing more distress because their spiritual practice is not taking place well. Such seekers become sad and depressed with the following thoughts – ‘I am not able to perform spiritual practice’, ‘my satseva is not taking place appropriately’, etc. Such seekers should dwell on the following reasons for their distress.

Kalgati or Kalmahatmya (Significance of a particular time) : Saint Bhaktaraj Maharaj, the seat of faith for Sanatan Sanstha, has said in one of His bhajans (Devotional songs) – ‘What can the intellect do in front of Kalgati’. Only due to Kalgati, despite being such a wise, intelligent and pious man, Yudhisthir decided to gamble his own wife even after losing everything in a game of dice with the Kouravs.

At present, the adverse times are going on at the subtle level. This is nothing but Kalgati. If seekers also realise the importance of this Kalgati, they will agree with the truth that there is nothing we can do about it, and consequently, we are going to suffer spiritual distress. This will help reduce their pain and frustration. Despite losing everything in the game of dice, Yudhisthir and other Pandavs were emancipated, because they had firm faith in Shrikrushna. If the seekers who are suffering from spiritual distress have strong faith in Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale (Founder of Sanatan Sanstha), they too will certainly be liberated.

Destiny : Some seekers have to undergo the fruits of the sinful deeds of the past and present births in the form of suffering. As per an adage of Sant Eknath Maharaj – ‘One should accept and adjust according to the situation. Witness the marvel of destiny’.

We must accept our destiny. The more we undergo our suffering happily, the more our distress will become tolerable. The seekers should pray to God – ‘I am suffering due to my past sinful deeds. O’ God ! Please do not allow me to perform any more sinful deeds’.

Bhagawan Shrikrushna said to Kunti, “Tell me whatever you want. I will give it to you”. Kunti replied, “Since I remember You most when facing sorrow, give me sorrows”. The seekers who have spiritual distress should not ask God for sorrows like Kunti did, but they should increase their gratitude towards God by thinking that the suffering has given them the opportunity to remember God more. Seekers should continue making efforts to chant, awaken spiritual emotion or perform satseva even when they are suffering from distress. Consequently, they will not feel sad due to the sufferings and their spiritual practice will also take place.

Impressing on the mind that experiencing distress is also spiritual practice

The sacrifice of the seeker’s mind while performing spiritual practice for God-realisation as well as serving the Nation & Dharma is as important as the sacrifice of the mind of the seeker while courageously enduring spiritual distress caused by negative energies at the subtle level in the present adverse times. God is bestowing the fruit of that sacrifice on seekers who undergo spiritual distress; but at present, their spiritual practice is being expended in combating the distress, hence, the fruit is not visible. Seekers should be assured that their spiritual progress will be proportional to their spiritual practice once the period of this suffering is over.

For this, seekers should repeatedly remember these words of Shri Sai Baba (from Shirdi) – ‘Shraddha va Saboori (Have faith and patience)’.

Thinking that suffering from distress is like a test in spiritual practice

God tests seekers in their spiritual practice. Hiranyakashyapu severely tortured devotee Prahlad, yet Prahlad never wavered. On the strength of devotion, Prahlad survived every adversity. It is as if God tested him. Anyone can perform spiritual practice in favourable conditions, but performing spiritual practice in unfavourable conditions is real spiritual practice. Regard-ing their present distress, if seekers have the attitude that ‘God is testing me through this, because He wants to take me beyond all happiness and unhappiness’, they can look at their distress with positivity. We can also keep the perspective as told by Saint Bhaktaraj Maharaj in one of His bhajans – ‘Although this embodied soul is suffering, You (God) are imparting the strength to endure it’.

Developing the strength to fight back due to distress

Seekers can be certain that if they learn from the mental struggle they are undergoing presently to overcome their spiritual distress, they will be successful in any struggle that comes later in life. If the seekers surrender unto Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale and call out to Him with yearning, they will obtain the strength to struggle.

Just as performing spiritual practice, enduring suffering to establish the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is also a duty

Just as performing spiritual practice is a duty, enduring suffering to establish the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is also a duty.

The beautiful and ideal ‘Hindu Rashtra’ cannot be established easily, but we will have to fight for it through legal means. As of now, many Sanatan’s seekers are suffering from subtle samashti (Collective) spiritual distress. This is a part of the struggle to establish the ‘Hindu Rashtra’.

In the pre-Independence period, revolutionaries fought the British. For this, they suffered many hardships in prison. The plight of Swatantryaveer Savarkar and many patriots in the Andamans knew no bounds. We can’t even think of enduring the ordeal of pulling an oil mill like an ox, grinding husk, standing handcuffed over the head for hours, etc. If they suffered so much for freedom, can we not endure hardships that are much less in severity than theirs, for the sake of Dharma and establishing the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ ?

Instead of accepting defeat from distress, constantly retaining the goal of establishing the ‘Hindu Rashtra’

Once, in the Year 2015, when I was very frustrated with various distresses, a thought came to me 2-3 times that it will be better if I can give up this body, because then spiritual practice can be performed in the subtle (dimension). Every time I overcame this thought by fighting it, but it did not go away completely. Once, when I went to meet Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale, though this thought was lingering in my mind, I did not say anything about it. Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale suddenly said to me, “Lately I have been suffering so much from physical distresses. The fact is, I would have renounced this body long time ago, but I am still here because the mission of establishing the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is incomplete”.

I became aware of my wrong thought process – Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale is suffering so much from samashti spiritual distress that my distress is nothing compared to His. Due to Guru’s grace, such a wrong thought never came to my mind again.

Why feel upset about the distress when a bright future in the form of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ awaits us ?

Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale has reaffirmed that after the establishment of the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ in the Year 2025, spiritual distress of seekers will reduce and their spiritual progress will be faster. Therefore, seekers who are suffering from spiritual distress should endure these difficult days happily without feeling tired.

Distress helps increase gratitude

A. Negative energies take advantage of personality defects and ego of the seekers and increase their distress. Sometimes this can lead to some insignificant defect taking a dreadful form. However, this helps increase the seriousness of seekers to overcome their personality defects and ego.

B. Due to the suffering brought about by spiritual distresses, the destiny of seekers gets destroyed. In future, after the adverse times, it will be easier for such seekers to overcome obstacles in their spiritual practice since they would have already finished suffering a large part of their destiny; their body and mind would have already developed high resistance to pain by enduring suffering during the adverse times. This will help them progress faster spiritually.

C. In the beginning, distress leads to dullness, the enthusiasm to perform satseva and spiritual practice reduces, one feels sad, and negativity or depression set in. If one suffers from distress only once, the mind immediately experiences sadness; but when the distress comes repeatedly, the mind gradually becomes used to it. Consequently, the grief gradually reduces or gets eliminated. In short, the mind learns to look at the distress with sakshibhav (Observer stance). In spiritual practice, the stage of sakshibhav is achieved after the spiritual level (Note) of 80%.

Seekers who are suffering from spiritual distress develop the ability to look at their distress with sakshibhav even if their spiritual level is less. Hence, it becomes easier for them to reach the stage of sakshibhav later in spiritual practice too.

Therefore, instead of feeling helpless when facing distress, seekers should feel gratitude. Due to Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale’s grace, seekers do not have to endure too much of the suffering (from distress) and His grace makes the distress tolerable. Hence, seekers should have immense gratitude towards Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale.

Note – Spiritual level : Every individual has the triguna (The three basic components – Sattva, Raja and Tama) in varying proportions. When an individual begins spiritual practice, the extent of Raja and Tama components in him reduces, and proportionately, the Sattva component increases. Higher the proportion of the Sattva component, higher is the spiritual level. The spiritual level of an ordinary individual in Kaliyug is 20%, whereas that of an individual who has attained Moksha is 100% – then he/she transcends the triguna.

– Pujya Sandeep Alshi (Compiler of Sanatan’s Texts)

(For details, read Sanatan’s Booklet – ‘Perspectives useful in overcoming spiritual distresses’)

(To be continued)

In the present phase of Kaliyug, unrighteous negative energies are trying hard to establish the demoniacal kingdom on Earth !

Be assured that spiritual progress will take place in proportion to spiritual practice once the period of this suffering is over !