Worries Oriya

This Jain text, titled "Worries" (Chinta) by Dada Bhagwan, originally compiled in Gujarati and translated into Oriya, is a discourse on the nature and causes of worry, and how to overcome it. The central message is that worry is a form of foolishness and a destructive force.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points:

The Nature and Impact of Worry:

• Foolishness: The book begins by stating that worrying is the height of foolishness in this world.
• Destructive Force: Worry is described as a "manifest fire" that continuously burns, prevents sleep, destroys appetite and thirst, invites diseases, and even binds one to lower realms in the next life. It spoils both the present and future lives.
• Rooted in Ego: Worry stems from not understanding the scientific principles of how the world operates. This lack of understanding leads to taking on the role of the doer and experiencer, attributing actions and their consequences to oneself. The ego is identified as the root cause of worry.
• Hindrance to Work: Worry obstructs tasks, reducing efficiency by 70% and creating obstacles. The natural law is that effort should be made, but worry should be avoided, as it pushes the work backward and makes the individual take the reins themselves, leading to blame.

The Cause of Worry:

• Misunderstanding the Doer: The primary reason for worry is not understanding who the real "Doer" is. The book explains that the "Doer" is "Scientific Circumstantial Evidence" (Sambhavit Sankalp Siddhi), not an independent entity. No one is the sole doer; everyone is merely an instrument.
• Ego and Self-Importance: Worry arises from the ego's belief that "I am in charge" or "I am the one running this." This ego is seen as the root of all worry. The belief that "I must be present for things to be resolved" fuels anxiety.
• Lack of Trust in God: Worry is also a consequence of not having faith in God or the divine. If one truly trusts God, they would leave their worries and sleep peacefully.
• External Dependence and Comparison: Worry is often a result of comparing oneself to others (e.g., seeing a neighbor with a car and worrying about not having one). It's also fueled by focusing on desires for things not yet attained.
• Attachment and "My Own": When people become excessively attached to things or people, viewing them as the ultimate "everything," worry sets in when those things are threatened or lost.

How to Overcome Worry:

• Attain Self-Knowledge (Atma-Jnana): The ultimate solution to worry is to attain self-knowledge and realize one's true self, which is the Soul (Atma). When the Soul is separate from the ego, worry ceases.
• Surrender to God: Trusting God and surrendering all responsibilities to Him is crucial. God is the ultimate controller, and worrying about things beyond one's control is futile.
• Understand "Who is the Doer?": Understanding that all actions are governed by "Scientific Circumstantial Evidence" and that one is merely an instrument will eliminate the feeling of being the doer and thus, worry.
• Live in the Present: Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future is unproductive. Focus on the present moment and fulfill your current responsibilities. The future is governed by divine arrangement.
• Acceptance and Non-Attachment: Accept whatever happens as a result of past karma. Do not become overly attached to material possessions or the outcomes of actions.
• Seek the Company of the Enlightened (Satsang): Associating with those who can provide relief from worry (enlightened beings) is beneficial. If a particular Satsang doesn't help, it's advised to find another.
• Action Without Worry: It is important to strive and make efforts, but to do so without worry.
• Detachment from Results: Focus on the task at hand, but detach from the results. The outcome is not solely in one's hands.
• The Power of Gnani Purush: The book emphasizes that a Gnani Purush (Enlightened Being) can help one attain self-knowledge and, through their grace, completely eradicate worry, even within an hour.

Key Principles and Analogies:

• The "Leaf Fall" Analogy: Just as a leaf cannot fall without the divine will or the causal chain, so too are our actions and their consequences.
• The "Fire" Analogy: Worry is a consuming fire that damages the body and hinders progress.
• The "Accident" Analogy: Worrying about a potential accident when driving is counterproductive; it's better to drive carefully and let the rest be.
• The "Guest" Analogy: We are guests in nature's abode. Instead of complaining and worrying, we should accept what is provided.
• The "Law of Nature": Nature has established order. If something is meant to happen, it will, regardless of worry.

Distinction Between Worry and Carefulness:

• The book distinguishes between worry and alertness. Alertness is awareness, while worry is like burning the heart.
• Worry is considered a form of "extra-normal ego," leading to negative consequences like animal rebirth.

In essence, "Worries" by Dada Bhagwan offers a profound spiritual perspective, guiding readers to understand that worry is an illusion created by ego and a lack of self-awareness. By embracing self-knowledge, surrendering to the divine, and living in the present, one can achieve a state of freedom from worry and attain inner peace and liberation.