Embracing Loss – Vedantic Wisdom for Inner Strength
Don't Let A Crisis Go To Waste
I write this article as my service to my Guru Sri Ramakrishna and my mentor Swami Tattwamayananda at the Vedanta Society in San Francisco (part of Sri Ramakrishna Math & Mission, India) under whose guidance I have embarked on a serious study of Vedanta over the past 10 years.
This article is based on a discussion that I led with a small community group on June 11, 2024 at a friend’s house in West San Jose, CA. I will share the slides for more context. This article is a condensed version of the 90-minute discussion that I led.
Introduction
Loss and grief are universal experiences that touch every life at some point. While these moments can be incredibly challenging, they also offer profound opportunities for growth and spiritual awakening. Drawing from the ancient wisdom of Vedanta, this post explores how to embrace loss and find inner strength.
Stories of Grief and Loss
Loss manifests in various forms, from personal tragedies to significant life changes. Sharing our stories of grief can be a powerful way to connect and heal. For example, in Hindu mythology, King Dhritarashtra's lament to Krishna, asking "Why me?" mirrors our own struggles with loss and seeking understanding.
Dhritarashtra’s Question to Lord Krishna: “Why Me?”
(Link to detailed story)
King Dhritarashtra, blinded both physically and by his attachment to his sons, faced immense grief after the Kurukshetra war. He questioned Lord Krishna, “Why me?” reflecting on the immense suffering he endured after his 100 sons are killed in the war. Krishna explained the concepts of karma and dharma, emphasizing that our actions and their consequences are interconnected across lifetimes. Lord Krishna with his divine powers gives King Dhritarashtra a glimpse of his sins in his previous births. This story teaches us that grief and loss are part of a larger cosmic cycle, helping us accept and learn from our experiences.
The Story of Jada Bharatha
(Link to detailed story)
Another profound story from Hindu mythology is that of Jada Bharatha, a king who renounced his kingdom to seek spiritual enlightenment. Despite his commitment, he became attached to a deer, which led to his rebirth as a deer. In his subsequent human birth, he remembered his past lives and remained detached from worldly matters. This story underscores the importance of detachment and the impact of our actions and attachments on our spiritual journey.
The Core Tenets of Hinduism
The concept of Rebirth and Karma are the core tenets of Hinduism that guide us through life's challenges, including grief. The concept of rebirth and karma offers a broader perspective on life's events, suggesting that our experiences are part of a larger cosmic cycle. Understanding these principles can provide solace and context for our suffering.
The Four Types of Karma
Sanchita Karma: Accumulated karma from past lifetimes.
Prarabdha Karma: A portion of Sanchita karma that influences our current life.
Agami Karma: Karma generated by our current actions affecting future lifetimes.
Kriyamana Karma: Immediate consequences of our actions.
Recognizing these types of karma helps us understand that our present grief may be a result of past actions, and our response to it shapes our future.
The Foundational Texts of Vedanta
Vedanta, one of the six systems of Hindu philosophy, draws from foundational texts like the Vedas and Upanishads. These texts provide profound insights into the nature of reality and our place within it. For instance, the Katha Upanishad, a dialogue between Yama and the young seeker Nachiketa, explores themes of life, death, and the eternal self. There is a detailed discourse on Katha Upanishad and a short video specifically on the Story of Nachiketa on YouTube. Controlling or befriending the mind is central to spiritual evolution. The Chariot Analogy in Katha Upanishad explains this concept succinctly.
Sri Adi Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya, a revered sage, consolidated Vedanta through his commentaries on Vedic scriptures and the establishment of spiritual centers. His teachings emphasize the importance of self-realization and the transient nature of worldly attachments, providing a robust framework for navigating grief.
The Spiritual Journey
Grief often serves as a catalyst for spiritual exploration. The journey towards spiritual enlightenment is unique for each individual, yet guided by universal principles. As Shankaracharya, a revered Vedantic sage, emphasized, the support of a Guru and practices like Viveka (discrimination) and Vairagya (dispassion) are essential for spiritual growth.
The 4 Paths to Spirituality
Vedanta outlines four main paths to spirituality, each offering different approaches to inner growth:
Karma Yoga: The path of selfless service.
Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion and surrender to the divine.
Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and wisdom.
Raja Yoga: The path of meditation and mental discipline.
Engaging in these practices helps us cultivate inner strength and resilience.
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga, or selfless service, is considered the kindergarten of spirituality. By volunteering and serving others, we can transcend our ego and foster a sense of unity and compassion. My personal experiences, like cooking at a temple or organizing spiritual lectures, highlight the transformative power of selfless service.
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga emphasizes divine grace and devotional surrender. Through practices like Vedic chanting, mantra Japa, and rituals, we cultivate a deep connection with the divine. This path teaches us to relinquish control and trust in a higher power, providing comfort and strength during times of loss. I am privileged to live in the San Francisco Bay Area to be able to learn and practice vedic chanting and rituals under the tutelage of eminent priests.
Jnana Yoga
Jnana Yoga focuses on intellectual exploration and the pursuit of wisdom. Studying scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Brahma Sutras under the guidance of a knowledgeable guru helps us understand the deeper truths of existence. Engaging in reflection (manana) and deep meditation (nidhi-dhyasana) further solidifies this knowledge.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga, or the path of meditation, is the highest form of spirituality. The teachings of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras provide a comprehensive guide to achieving mental discipline and inner peace. Practices like pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation) help us connect with our true selves and achieve a state of harmony with the universe. The concept of Ashtanga Yoga in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is succinctly summarized here
Here are a few foundational discourses on mediation from YouTube that I highly recommend.
Discourse on Patanjali Yoga Sutra
By Swami Tattwamayananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math & Mission
Currently Minister-in-Charge of Vedanta Society of Northern California
By Swami Sarvapriyananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math & Mission
Currently Minister In-Charge at Vedanta Society of New York
By Pravrajika Divyanandaprana of Sri Sarada Math
Conclusion
Don't let a crisis to go to waste
Embracing loss through the lens of Vedantic wisdom allows us to transform our grief into a journey of spiritual growth and inner strength. By exploring the various paths to spirituality and engaging in practices that resonate with us, we can find peace and resilience in the face of life's inevitable challenges.
