In Uttar Kaand of Shri Raamcharitramaanas, Shri Tulsidasji speaks of the diseases of the mind which afflict humankind. Countless are these diseases that build a cesspool of impurities within, creating problems for the individual as well as those with whom he interacts. Outlined below are some of the mental ailments that abound in this age of Kalyug, which, spreading throughout humanity, is without doubt the plague of mankind.
- Agyaan or ignorance is the root of all ailments, from which all other diseases arise. Egoism, attachment to materialism, aversion and fear of death are derivatives of ignorance which take humans deeper into the abyss of darkness.
- Kaam or lustful desires are like the flame which, when fanned, increases and knows no satiation. Left unfulfilled, these desires lead to anger, which in turn leads to loss of reason and ultimately to self destruction. The antidote for this poison is dhairya (courage).
- Lobh or greed can be compared to an infection caused by phlegm, which blocks the smooth passage of air through the nose and throat. In like manner, expression of positive qualities is blocked. One of the suggested means of healing this disease is the practice of santosh or contentment, which breeds within the aspirant the bliss of quietude and inner peace.
- Krodh: “Anger is death,” says the astute thinker, Chanakya Maharaj. It is one of the most common afflictions of man, which can be compared to bile. Just as the nauseous and feverish symptoms of this disease, in like manner, anger constantly inflames the breast causing a deep burning within oneself. The practice of kshamaa or forgiveness removes the tendency towards sharp reactions and prevents anger.
- Mamtaa or attachment: This can be compared to the disease of the ringworm that opens the sores of instability and unhappiness and induces the rash of inequality and separation. The remedy for this ailment is also contentment.
- Irshaa – Envy is a mind-disease which, like an itch, creates a persistent effect of discomfort. The remedy for envy is santosh, contentment.
- Matsar – jealousy. The inner burning of the rage of jealousy can be compared to the disease of consumption which leaves one paralysed in hatred, consumed in a world of restlessness, distant from God and painfully unhappy. In order to ward off this disease and return to a state of inner peace, a dose of stability must be ingested.
- Dushtataa – wickedness. Like the contagious disease of leprosy, such negativity afflicts the entire being. It spreads internally and manifests itself in the bumps and lumps of unrighteous thoughts, words and actions, disfiguring the natural beauty of innate spirituality. The medicine for this ailment is peace and forgiveness.
- Asmitaa – egoism. This is compared to gout which can be very painful, leaving swelling, tenderness and a bruised spirit. Service, forgiveness, compassion and truth guide one towards healing.
- Kapat – Deceit, hypocrisy, false pride and arrogance are like the disease of sciatica that is characterized by a constant shooting pain. The practice of truth, straightforwardness and forgiveness can help to relieve one of such a painful disease.
- Trishna – Material cravings are like the disease of dropsy that induces drowsiness in the night of delusion. The cure, of course, is to remain awake and seek one’s true divinity, in the company of Bhagavan Himself.
Healing of the inner self begins from the point of acceptance of these mind diseases and the willingness to pluck them out, thereby striving to attain that condition of self-realization.
