In Uttar Kaand of Shri Raam-charitra-maanas, Shri Tulsidasji speaks of the diseases of the mind which afflict all of mankind. Countless are these diseases, which build a cesspool of impurities within and create problems for the individuals contaminated by them, as well as those with whom they interact. Outlined below are some of the mental ailments that abound in this age of Kalyug, which are contagious, spreading far and wide, and which, without doubt, are the plague of humanity.
- “Agyaan” or ignorance is the root of all ailments and from which all other diseases arise. Egoism, attachment to materialism, aversion and the 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 in size 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 the 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 breathes 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 like the itchy, nauseous and feverish symptoms of this disease, anger constantly inflames the breast causing a deep burning within. The practice of “kshamaa” or forgiveness immediately removes the tendency towards sharp reactions and prevents anger.
- “Mamtaa” or attachment. This can be compared to ringworm that opens the sores of instability and unhappiness and induces the rash and itchy feelings of inequality and separation. The remedy for this ailment is also contentment.
- “Irshaa” or envy is another mind disease which, like an itch, creates the 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 on seeing the joy and happiness of others, 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, spreading internally and externally, 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 swellings and tenderness of 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, which has a burning effect within that carries with it a constant shooting pain. Such is the life of the person practising this negative quality. 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 safe and cosy 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 realisation.
