The Dalai Lama once said, “The only temple that matters can be found within oneself.”
Spirituality is not only the pillar of one’s evolution, but is also the essence of one’s life. In the unfortunate circumstances of the COVID19 pandemic, many people are suffering from not only anxiety, but also from severe depression and extreme stress. However, we, as individuals cannot control the external circumstances but can definitely control what is going on within us.
In light of this pandemic and its extreme consequences in people’s lives, Manthan SVK organized a Webinar titled नींव - How to Cope up with Depression through Spirituality - Panacea To Your Problems. The session was conducted by Dr. Shivani Bharti Ji, Preacher and Representative, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan on 10th October 2020 (Saturday).
The event started with a comic conversation between two Manthan SVK volunteers, Brother Tushar and Brother Nimish. They portrayed a conversation between a patient and a psychiatrist and set the stage for the event’s theme for the attendees. Knitting the event by creating curiosity about what a real psychiatrist must help with, how often mental issues get overlooked, and highlighting how widespread mental health ailments are, these Manthan SVK volunteers then handed the webinar to Dr. Shivani Bharti ji.
Dr. Shivani Bharti ji began with a relatable explanation of what mental health is, what disease means, and the difference between being healthy and being free of ailments. She talked about what health includes, and how society must normalise mental health and issues related to it in order to get the best help possible to people suffering from various mental conditions. The COVID19 pandemic has caused all sorts of mental health issues among people of all ages, genders and socio-economic backgrounds. Sadhvi ji highlighted how these can be tackled in such difficult times.
By connecting with our inner consciousness through Brahm Gyan, one can lead a positive life. Sadhvi ji talked about how the various parts of the brain are affected due to mental health conditions and various allopathic medicines prescribed to suppress these issues. She explained the working of various sections of the brain and also presented a very interesting video that explained how the brain’s working fades out when mental health is neglected.
Towards the latter part of her presentation, Sadhvi ji cited the Srimad Bhagwad Gita and told the attendees how Shri Krishna acted as the perfect counsellor for Arjuna when he hesitated in participating in the war (Mahabharata) and fighting for Dharm (righteousness). Sadhvi ji also cited Kathopanishad's famous ‘chariot’ diagram which depicts how the Higher Intellect, through the mind, controls our senses and helps us interact with the world. This chariot like setup, with the Higher Intellect (Buddhi) as the charioteer, takes the Aatma (Consciousness) through the course of life. With the awakening of the Consciousness in a human, one can transform one’s thoughts, actions, reactions, and ultimately life.
But how is this possible? Sadhvi ji then explained how Brahm Gyan activates the various feel-good hormones in the brain. During meditation, the individual’s pineal gland gets activated and thus, through the secretion of Serotonin, Melatonin and Endorphin hormones, this results in the inculcation of positive thoughts and actions in the individual. The chain effect of regular meditation using the scientific technique of Brahm Gyan results in a mental healthy human.
Spirituality as we all know, not only helps us live a better life, but is a life within itself. The session shed light on various insights about how spirituality can help you cope up with the hardships faced in life due to the pandemic. Through meditation, inner exploration and the zeal to find peace within oneself, one can overcome any struggle in one’s life.
The overwhelming session brought a smile to everyone’s faces. It also provided a feeling of comfort that the answer to all our problems lies within just one word: spirituality.
