NAMASMARAN AND DEFEATING STRESS: DR. SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR

Even as there are many apparent causes of stress, which we refer to as stressors, our stress is fundamentally produced due to the tussle and tug of war between; the innate attraction of our soul and the dragging forces of temptation!

Thus we keep getting attracted and engrossed in apparently pleasant activities; glorified in literature; or elsewhere; e.g. ferry tales, romantic associations, the utopian radicalism, charity, indulgence, physical sex, fashions, glamour, glitter, power, fame, entertainment and even academic successes, while simultaneously trying to fulfill our soul!

There are a conglomeration of perspectives and practices in various traditions; which utilize and channellize; the physical, instinctual, emotional and intellectual needs and activities; and cognitive, psychomotor and affective capabilities; for simultaneous blossoming of self and all, i.e. self realization!

But whether we agree with them or not; the fact is that; when the forces assisting our inward return following the call of our soul; are unable to decisively conquer the forces dragging us away from our soul, then it is called a state of GLANI of DHARMA i.e. the principle that sustains everything and everyone! This leads to unbearable stress, in and around!

The solution traditionally provided is NAMASMARAN.

Whether we consider NAMASMARAN; good, bad, scientific, unscientific, logical, absurd, rational, irrational, theistic, atheistic, religious, irreligious or anything; it is the chief or most important way; other means being adjuvant; suggested for reorienting our perspective, thinking, instincts and our whole existence towards the quest and the thirst of our soul!