麻豆社

It鈥檚 nothing new to hear news of politicians and celebrities rebutting allegations. And why not? It is a human need to protect and defend ourselves. A need that is so ingrained it starts from our psyche and permeates all the way to how each country even spends its GDP.

In our minds, we develop all kinds of psychological barriers to protect our emotions: from humour to denial. We build homes for shelter and protection and then get complex alarm systems for which we then buy insurance. We invest billions in defence for our country and pharmaceuticals for our health. Sometimes we protect ourselves passively by avoidance. You see where I鈥檓 going with this........we invest a lot in unreliably protecting things which are destined to eventually change and even stop existing. I think it鈥檚 because we find the prospect of peace of mind and the freedom it brings, extremely attractive.

In fact, I find it is such a compelling force that even if we鈥檝e come to some conclusion that protecting the temporary with more temporary things is futile, it can influence the way we practice religion, with prayers being focused on asking God to protect the things we can鈥檛. And when the permanent doesn鈥檛 stop the transient from changing we may even lose faith.

In the 6th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita which is ironically set in the midst of a war, Krishna provides a possible solution to our vulnerability for hyper vigilance, by inviting Arjun to find shelter in his true self and says: Spiritual perfection is characterised by one鈥檚 ability to see the Spiritual Self and to relish and rejoice in the Self. In that joyous state, one is situated in boundless transcendental happiness. Thereafter, one never departs from this truth and being situated in such a position, one is never shaken, even in the midst of greatest dif铿乧ulty. I feel what he is emphasising here is that when we are spiritually secure then psychological and physical security become less of a concern.

I have heard people question whether this means we should stop taking responsibility for protecting ourselves or others. I don鈥檛 think it does, but I do think there鈥檚 a psychological peace in accepting that we can only protect our existence here up to a point. What Krishna is offering is a reassurance that a more permanent and satisfying sense of safety, peace and happiness can be found within ourselves. And Perhaps if we stop and let our guards down a little, I think it would be easier to experience this, even when our external actions may be in the pursuit of protection.

Show less