Handling Stress without Strain -An Introduction to Vipassana. Prof.P.L.Dhar I.I.T Delhi

Transcription

1 Handling Stress without Strain -An Introduction to Vipassana Prof.P.L.Dhar I.I.T Delhi

2 Stress & Strain Stress as cause or effect? Stimulus or response? Stress as the stimulus and strain as the response Various types of stress: PAIN physical, emotional FEAR anxiety,apprehensions SLEEP; ROLE ; PEOPLE; WORK; FOOD; WORLD What is common to all these?

3 Why do we feel strained? Facing unpleasant situations, circumstances, people, apprehensions Loss of pleasant situations, circumstances, people Analysis shows that it is not the situation per se that causes strain, but our improper response to it What is our usual response to the stress? Fight or flight reaction..its genesis, consequences

4 Handling stress Usual response : Escapism.. Work holism, hyperactivity or busyness overeating TV,films, music Chemical dependency :tea-coffee, smoke, drinks,tranquilizers, psychiatric treatment prayer, chanting, breathing exercises Basis of these responses craving, aversion Habit pattern intensified..more misery How to resolve the dilemma?

5 Handling Stress without strain Change what you can, accept what you can not change and know the difference between the two! Acceptance ( not with helplessness) with awareness of the fact of impermanence : even this will pass away! Maintain calmness, balance of mind : how? Neither suppression nor expression, but mere observation of mental and bodily responses to Stress.attenuation in craving and aversion

6 Handling Stress without Strain Awareness of feelings has an independent perspective outside of the suffering Awareness is like a field of compassionate intelligence which serves as a source of peace within the turmoil..like a mother would be for a child who is upset. Like an ocean which is calm at the depth though buffeted by storms at the surface

7 How does the mind become strained Cognition Evaluation Feelings/ Sensations Blind reaction mind more strained {impure} Bare observation experience of impermanence, development of insight {purification of the mind}

8 Handling Stress without Strain Modern studies also agree that sensations play a crucial role in emotion but most of the time these are below the threshold of our awareness, yet the subconscious mind feels and blindly reacts to them. Develop the ability to consciously observe these feelings & concomitant somatic sensations, without any automatic{blind }reaction

9 Essence of Strain free living Complete direct & immediate mindfulness of whatever happens in the body-mind complex Most crucial : direct bare experience of the impermanent nature of the bodily sensations without any reaction - practice of Vipassana Strain free mind is imbued with loving kindness, sympathetic joy, compassion, equanimity

10 VIPASSANA TRAINING {10-day retreat} Five Precepts : Abstaining from killing stealing intoxicants false speech sexual misconduct Anapana : Non reactive observation of breath why breath as an object for concentration universal, always available, neutral directly related to mind concentration with equanimity ensures progressive increase of concentration

11 VIPASSANA TRAINING 2 Vipassana : bare observation of somatic sensations Relationship of sensations to subconscious mind examples : involuntary movements in sleep, while sitting Sensations are the living root of thought and emotion Observing sensations leads to development of insight into fundamental insignia of life : impermanence unsatisfactoriness impersonality Leads to deep equanimity, purity of mind

12 Rationale behind the Regulations of a 10-day course Observing five precepts Noble silence- no reading, writing, outside contact Abstaining from rites, rituals & other techniques Not leaving in between No dinner-exceptions

13 Benefits of Vipassana Self control of Impulses habit of non reactive observation permits -- look before you leap, mindfulness is like the brakes of a car reduction in rash, aggressive & unethical behaviour, intolerance, intemperance Equanimity in the face of vicissitudes of life reduction in escapism i.e. drugs, smoke, alcohol attenuation of greed & acquisitiveness manifestation of loving kindness, compassion, service etc.

14 Benefits of Vipassana Proper self appraisal - knowledge of strengths and weaknesses increases compassion, forgiveness, humility and reduces vanity- improvement in interpersonal relationships Insight into the basic characteristics of life comprehending the meaning of life and its goal, the way to achieve it and the confidence that it can be done!

15 Benefits of Vipassana Increase in creativity Increase in concentration avoiding day-dreaming, improved grasping power, examination-interview blues Increased efficiency Relief in psychosomatic disorders

16 Concluding Remarks Vipassana is a scientific, verifiable practical methodology of Purification of Mind Practice of Vipassana is the key to mental,emotional and spiritual health- Handling stress without strain It can bring about a Change in the world view. from chasing fleeting pleasures to abiding in the happiness of equanimity

17 Thank you! /ku;okn!