In my last blog, I shared how my journey as a yoga instructor has been a humbling adventure-like peeling an onion, with each layer revealing something new and profound about yoga’s deeper, spiritual purpose. I also talked about how, for many, yoga has become all about asanas (poses), often missing the deeper philosophical wisdom it offers. But as I’ve explored the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, I’ve realized that yoga isn’t just about bending your body; it’s about bending your mind toward peace, clarity, and self-discovery.
Today,
let’s dive into a question that has fascinated seekers for centuries: Why do
the Gods in ancient scriptures always have those calm, blissful smiles, even as
we struggle with life’s chaos and suffering? What is their secret? And more
importantly, how can we find that same divine smile within ourselves?
The answer lies in understanding the three types of suffering (Tapa) and the ancient practice of chanting Shanti (शान्ति) three times. This isn’t just a tradition; it’s a guide to finding peace. Let’s explore this together!
The Threefold Suffering: Why We Chant “Shanti”
Three Times
In Sanatan Dharma, the repetition of Shanti (peace) three times is a profound acknowledgment of the three types of suffering that every human being experiences. These struggles are universal, timeless, and deeply rooted in our existence. By understanding them, we can begin to unravel the mystery of why life feels so chaotic and how we can find peace amidst the storm.
Let’s
explore these three types of suffering, as described in ancient texts:
Man vs. Man: The Clash of Egos
The
first type of suffering arises from our interactions with others. Whether it’s
a heated argument with a loved one, a power struggle at work, or even an all-out
(full-blown) war between nations, the root cause is often the same: the ego.
Think
about it—how many times have you found yourself in a conflict simply because
you wanted to prove a point? Or because someone else’s ego clashed with yours?
This Man vs. Man struggle is everywhere. From petty quarrels in daily life to
devastating wars between nations, it all stems from the human ego refusing to
surrender.
Take
the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine or the tensions
in the Middle East. At their core, these are battles of beliefs, power,
and ego. The outcome? Suffering on a massive scale.
Man
vs. Nature: The Uncontrollable Forces
The
second type of suffering comes from our struggle with the forces of nature.
Earthquakes, floods, pandemics, and economic crashes all serve as reminders
that no matter how advanced we become, there are forces beyond our control.
Remember the COVID-19 pandemic? Overnight, the world was turned upside down. Businesses collapsed, lives were lost, and fear gripped the planet. This is what ancient scriptures refer to as Adidaivika (आदिदैविक) — suffering caused by divine or natural forces. These events shake us to our core because they remind us of our vulnerability. No matter how much we plan or prepare, life can change in an instant. But here’s the silver lining: accepting that some things are beyond our control can be incredibly liberating. It teaches us to adapt, to flow with life, and to find peace even in the face of uncertainty.
Man
vs. Himself: The Battle Within
The
third and most profound type of suffering is the one that happens within us.
This is the struggle we often ignore, yet it’s the most destructive. It’s the
voice in your head that says, “You’re not good enough.” It’s the fear of
failure, the self-doubt, and the constant tug-of-war between what you
want and what you do.
This
internal conflict, known as Adhyatmika(आध्यात्मिक)-spiritual
suffering, is the root of all other struggles. Even when everything in our
external world is perfect, we can still feel empty, restless, or unfulfilled.
Why? Because the battle within continues.
The
ancient Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu once dreamed he was a
butterfly, joyfully fluttering from flower to flower. When he woke up, he was
struck by a profound question: “Was I Chuang Tzu dreaming of being a butterfly,
or am I actually a butterfly now dreaming that I am Chuang Tzu?”
This question highlights the confusion and uncertainty that plague our minds. We struggle with identity, purpose, and reality itself. Until we resolve this inner conflict, true peace will always remain elusive (intangible).
The
Root of All Suffering: The Anxious Mind
In Hindu philosophy, the mind (Manas) is described as the root of both joy and suffering. A restless mind creates stress, anxiety, and fear, while a calm mind brings clarity, peace, and happiness. The Bhagavad Gita beautifully captures this duality in the verse:
उद्धरेदात्मनाऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः।।
(Bhagavad Gita 6.5, as cited in Fosse, 2007)
It means: “The mind can be your greatest enemy, but it can also be your best friend.” This profound truth reminds us that the mind holds immense power—it can either trap us in suffering or liberate us into peace. The choice lies in how we master it.
The Hidden Power of Your Mind: How It Shapes
Reality
Have you ever felt your heart race during a dream? Or cried while reading a book? Your mind is so powerful that it can create vivid experiences out of nothing. Let’s explore how different dimensions of input shape your reality.
‘1’ D: The Power of Words
A
single line of text can transport you to another world. Think of a gripping
novel—you can see, hear, and feel the story as if it’s real. For instance, when
I read The Alchemist, I couldn’t detach myself from the story. It
felt so real, as if I were right there, experiencing everything alongside the
shepherd.
‘0.5’ D: The Magic of Sound
Music has no physical form, yet it can make you cry, dance, or feel deeply connected. For example, as Nepalis, when we hear “Rato ra Chandra Surya Jangi Nishan Hamro…” we feel an overwhelming sense of patriotism. Or when I hear “Give me some sunshine, give me some rain…” from Three Idiots, I’m instantly transported back to my college days.
‘0.25’ D: The Mind’s Tricks
You know that feeling when you suddenly think, “Where’s my phone?” Your heart hops a beat, and your mind starts racing—Did I leave it in the car? Was it on the table? and your body tenses up like it’s a real emergency. But then you find it in your pocket, and you’re like, oh, it was here the whole time. That’s 0.25D: your mind playing tricks on you. A single thought can make you sweat, panic, or even feel relief—all without anything actually happening. Your brain is wild like that. It can turn a tiny idea into a full-blown reaction. Ever wonder how much control your thoughts really have over you?
‘0’ D: Dreams—The Ultimate Illusion
Dreams feel real while they last. You might wake up breathless from a nightmare, your heart racing as if it actually happened. Dreams are zero-dimensional—they create full sensory experiences out of nothing. Some people have even died from heart attacks in their sleep because their minds believed the dream was real.
The Path to Peace: Mastering the Mind
So,
how do we overcome these three types of suffering? The answer lies in mastering
the mind. Whether it’s a conflict with others, the unpredictability of nature,
or our inner turmoil, everything ultimately comes down to how we perceive and
respond to situations.
The Bhagavad Gita calls this Yoga—the art of skillfully managing life’s challenges. By practicing mindfulness, self-discipline, and emotional intelligence, we can train our minds to remain calm and centered, no matter what life throws at us.
Here
are a few practical steps to get started:
- Observe Your Thoughts: Notice when your mind is creating unnecessary stress. Ask yourself, “Is this real, or is my mind exaggerating the problem?”
- Let Go of the Ego: In conflicts with others, pause and ask, “Am I fighting for what’s right, or just to prove I’m right?”
- Accept What You Can’t Control: When faced with natural or external challenges, remind yourself, “This is beyond my control. How can I adapt and move forward?”
- Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you have, not what you lack. Gratitude can change how you see everything.
The
Gods’ serene smiles aren’t just a symbol of their divinity—they’re a reminder
that peace is possible, even in the midst of suffering. By understanding the
three types of suffering and learning to master our minds, we too can find that
divine smile within ourselves.
So, the next time you chant Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, remember: it’s not just a ritual. It’s a powerful affirmation of peace—peace with others, peace with nature, and peace within yourself.
Master
your mind, and you will master your life. And who knows?
Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself smiling like the gods, untouched by the
chaos of the world.
What
do you think? Have you experienced these three types of
suffering in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to
hear about your journey toward peace!
References
United Consciousness. (n.d.). Patanjali Yoga Sutra | Session #1 | by Dr. Vikrant Singh Tomar | Yoga and Life | Chapter 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36ZJrPXw68Y&t=1184s
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