Bhakti and mental health

 When Krishna said, "Indriyānām manaś cāsmi"(BG 10.22), that was IT for me. 

Of all the senses, the eyes, the ears, etc he very clearly says that he's the mind. Bhagavad Gita has chapters dedicated to this intricate creation and directs us to try and control it.

The scriptures and the songs written by Vaishnav Acharyas repeatedly address the mind. Then, how can we as individuals- supress, undermine and ignore mental health issues when our entire philosophy is structured around the power and strength the mind holds in our lives.

This paradoxical situation brings my face to a wistful smile.

'Don't worry and chant Hari'

Seems to be the default answer when it comes to the disturbances of the mind. When and if this continues to be the literal mood, it would only create hesitations in opening healing conversations. 

Isn't it important to create that space within our movement to help people be comfortable without grossly silencing them down with tangential references from scriptures.

Isn't that narrative absolutely contradictory?

When the entire process of Bhakti is about love. Love for Godhead and love for all souls. And, in that garden of love there is no room for the weeds of judgement. 

It is about growing and ascending to a higher purpose through healing your past and letting go.

Krishna 'consciousness' does not exclude the need for a healthy mental space. It is rather a prerequisite to invite Krishna to reside in our mind and hearts. 

Nigrahaha or repression only pulls you backwards. Knowing how valuable and rare the human form of life is, why would you choose to stump all of that progress by ignoring your mental health? A couple of posts ago I'd written about how Prabhupada emphasized on taking care of your health which includes that of the mind too. 

I'm aware that a lot of voices have been raised in regard to mental health but it's still not enough voices. I write this as an offering of request to consider and contemplate over the importance of mental health in our personal journeys.

25th March,  2021

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