THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 25. DISPASSION & RENUNCIATION - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.Chapter 25 of Swami Sivananda's The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control delves deeply into the transformative power of dispassion (Vairagya) and renunciation (Tyaga), which are essential for attaining spiritual liberation. These concepts are cornerstones of Vedantic philosophy and provide a roadmap to overcoming attachments and transcending the limitations of the mind. Through a series of profound insights, Swami Sivananda explains the true essence of dispassion, how it arises, the enemies that hinder it, and how it leads to liberation.Understanding Vairagya (Dispassion)Dispassion is not merely abstaining from pleasures or material indulgences; it is the inner renunciation of attachment to these pleasures. Swami Sivananda illustrates this concept with the example of a person addicted to tea. True dispassion is not just giving up tea physically but also renouncing the attachment and craving for it mentally. In the Yoga Vasishtha, a comprehensive description of dispassion is provided through the example of Lord Rama. Rama, despite being surrounded by worldly pleasures such as wealth, palatable food, soft beds, and the affection of his family, found no joy in them. Instead, these worldly attachments caused him pain, illustrating the mental state of true dispassion. Dispassion is closely tied to celibacy. In its purest form, it demands control over thoughts, words, and actions to remain untainted by sensual pleasures or desires.Types of DispassionSwami Sivananda distinguishes two types of dispassion:Dispassion born of suffering or miseryThis form of dispassion arises when a person faces significant challenges or pain. However, it is often fleeting. Once the circumstances improve, the attachment to sense-objects and pleasures resurfaces with even greater force, pulling the individual back into worldly bondage.Dispassion born of discriminationThis form of dispassion is rooted in the realization of the impermanence and illusory nature of worldly pleasures. It arises from a deep understanding of the difference between the real (the eternal Brahman) and the unreal (the transient material world). Such dispassion leads to lasting spiritual progress, as it is based on inner wisdom rather than external circumstances.How Dispassion ArisesThe realization that all worldly experiences are fleeting and perishable ignites dispassion in the seeker’s heart. This understanding leads to a natural withdrawal from attachments. For example:A person who truly understands that wealth and luxury are transient will not be attracted to a life of opulence.Similarly, a person who recognizes the pain inherent in indulgence will naturally turn away from desires and sensual pleasures.This inner transformation occurs when the mind is guided by discrimination. When the seeker realizes that the finite cannot satisfy the infinite yearning within, the journey toward spiritual freedom begins.The Role of Dispassion in Spiritual PracticeDispassion is a prerequisite for meaningful spiritual practice. Without dispassion, meditation, self-inquiry, and other yogic disciplines fail to bear fruit. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that spiritual practices conducted without dispassion are like planting seeds in barren soil—they yield no results. Dispassion opens the door to:Divine wisdomAspiration for higher truthsDetachment from worldly distractionsConcentration and meditationSelf-realization and liberationJust as a bee carefully extricates itself from sticky honey before flying away, the seeker must detach from worldly attractions through dispassion to soar toward the Supreme Cosmic Spirit.The Enemies of DispassionSeveral mental tendencies obstruct the development of dispassion, and Swami Sivananda provides practical insights to overcome them:1. Attachment through affection Affection, rooted in ego and attachment, is a significant obstacle. For example, people grieve deeply over the loss of their loved ones but remain indifferent to the suffering of strangers. This selective attachment binds the soul to worldly sorrow. To overcome it, one must recognize the impermanent and illusory nature of relationships and view all beings with equanimity.2. Hope and anticipation Hope for future pleasures sustains worldly desires and stands in opposition to dispassion. A true seeker must transcend hope to cultivate inner contentment and freedom.Developing DispassionSwami Sivananda outlines practical methods to cultivate dispassion:Reflect on the transient and painful nature of worldly life. Contemplate the inevitable struggles of existence, such as hunger, thirst, old age, disease, and death. This meditation acts as a “nim-paste” to wean the mind from sensual attachments.Constantly repeat the teachings of sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, which highlight the suffering inherent in birth, old age, and death.Practice ...
