Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece around the 3rd century BCE. It later became popular in ancient Rome and has experienced a resurgence in modern times.While Stoicism is known for its practical and pragmatic approaches, Stoicism's enduring appeal lies in its tools which emphasize on:
- personal responsibility
- resilience in the face of adversity
- the pursuit of a virtuous and contented life
The subject, titled "Stoic echoes from the East," aims to examine shared principles within dual philosophical traditions especially from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Learning about similar studies and their impact on our character can offer valuable insights in the fields like -
- Cross-Pollination of Ideas
- Holistic Understanding
- Adaptability
- Personal Growth
- Global Citizenship
Stoicism and the Bhagavad Gita are two distinct philosophical and spiritual traditions, but there are some similarities and points of intersection that can be explored.
Stoicism is a Western philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece with Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius as the three principal philosophers. Seneca's essays and letters, Epictetus's "Enchiridion" (Handbook), and Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" are some notable works in the stoic pantheon and provide valuable insights into Stoic philosophy and practical advice for daily life.
While, the Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a revered sacred text within Hinduism. It is a 700-verse scripture found in the Indian epic Mahabharata. The Gita is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, covering profound philosophical and spiritual teachings. It addresses concepts like duty (dharma), righteousness, and the path to spiritual realization, making it a cornerstone of Hindu philosophy.
The Gita's timeless wisdom continues to guide and inspire millions of Hindus worldwide.
Upholding integrity in a complex world
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of virtue and living in accordance with reason. The Stoics believe that one should focus on what they can control and accept what they cannot. Take this quote for instance-
Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: some things are within our control, and some things are not — Epictetus
This quote provides insights in the following ways:
- Stoicism focuses on finding a balance between control and acceptance.
- It teaches people to control their thoughts, feelings, and decisions while accepting things they cannot control externally.
- The goal of Stoicism is to achieve serenity and resilience.
- Stoics prioritize directing their energy towards what they can influence.
- They gracefully accept situations that are beyond their control.
- Ultimately, Stoics strive to attain inner tranquility and a sense of calmness in life's unpredictable and uncontrollable circumstances.
The Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes the importance of righteousness and duty (dharma). It teaches that individuals should fulfill their duties without attachment to the outcomes. The following points from the second chapter's forty seventh verse talks on the science of work highlighting the importance of fulfilling your duties:
- Focus on your responsibilities, not on the results.
- Don't seek personal pleasure from the rewards of your actions.
- Let go of your ego while working and don't think you're the only one doing everything.
- Avoid being inactive and passive; instead, actively fulfill your duties.
karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana l mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi ll
karmaṇi—in prescribed duties; eva—only; adhikāraḥ—right; te—your; mā—not; phaleṣhu—in the fruits; kadāchana—at any time; mā—never; karma-phala—results of the activities; hetuḥ—cause; bhūḥ—be; mā—not; te—your; saṅgaḥ—attachment; astu—must be; akarmaṇi—in inaction
There are several means of realizing the Truth. The path of selfless work is one among them. This book contains eight lectures delivered by Swami Vivekananda on the practical application of the teachings of Vedanta to the affairs of daily life, showing how it is possible to lead the highest life and ultimately realise the Self without abandoning the duties and avocations of one’s life in the world.
It shows the readers the technique of converting the mundane activities of everyday life into a means of attaining supreme felicity.
Self-Improvement by embracing Stoic resilience
Resilience is the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Resilience is a term often viewed positively but challenging to cultivate. In my perspective, resilience boils down to the capacity to withstand and conquer adversity while minimizing its detrimental effects on one's mental well-being.
Part of building this trait is perspective. It’s seeing opportunity in adversity, accepting situations as they are, and moving forward instead of wishing they were better. It’s also learning to be comfortable in the knowledge that you have the tools to endure. Both traditions emphasize self-improvement and self-mastery as a path to virtue and spiritual growth.
While Stoicism encourages individuals to constantly work on their character and develop wisdom, Gita advocates self-realization and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge as a means of self-improvement.
Seneca makes an observation here that is key to the development of resilience.
We are more oftened frightened than hurt; and we suffer more in imagination than in Reality.
We often worry about things that won't harm us. Our imagination blows things out of proportion and concerns itself with things that might not happen. In truth, we don't experience as much pain or harm as we think. Keep in mind that our imagination is powerful but not always accurate. Don't allow fears to control you because they are often just creations of your imagination.
Stoic practices like journaling and mindfulness help manage stress and maintain emotional balance and cultivate a mindset which empowers us to embrace resilience.
In the Bhagavad Gita verse 2.63, Bhagawan Krishna imparts a crucial teaching on self-control and the consequences of failing to exercise it. From anger arises delusion, and from delusion arises confusion of memory. When memory is confused, the intellect gets destroyed, and when the intellect is destroyed, a person is ruined.
क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोह: सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रम: | स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति ||
krodhāt—from anger; bhavati—comes; sammohaḥ—clouding of judgement; sammohāt—from clouding of judgement; smṛiti—memory; vibhramaḥ—bewilderment; smṛiti-bhranśhāt—from bewilderment of memory; buddhi-nāśhaḥ—destruction of intellect; buddhi-nāśhāt—from destruction of intellect; praṇaśhyati—one is ruined
In essence, this verse underscores the destructive chain reaction that begins with unchecked anger. It leads to confusion, clouding one's judgment and ultimately resulting in personal downfall. Sri Krishna emphasizes the importance of mastering one's emotions, particularly anger, to maintain clarity of thought and make wise decisions.
Controlling anger through yoga involves a holistic approach that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness techniques. Here are some yoga practices that can help you manage and control anger:
- Asanas (Yoga Poses): Practice yoga postures that help release physical tension and promote relaxation, such as Child's Pose, Cat-Cow Pose, and Savasana (Corpse Pose), engage in dynamic yoga flows or sequences to channel and release pent-up energy.
- Pranayama (Breath Control): Practice deep breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 breath or diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system and reduce stress. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) can balance your emotions and clear your mind.
- Meditation: Regular meditation can improve emotional regulation. Focusing on the breath or a calming mantra can help you detach from anger-inducing thoughts. Loving-kindness meditation (Metta) can cultivate feelings of compassion and reduce anger.
- Mindfulness: Develop mindfulness by staying present in the moment. Observe your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. Mindful walking or eating can also be effective practices for grounding yourself.
- Yogic Philosophy and Self-Reflection: Study and reflect on the philosophical teachings of yoga, such as the Bhagavad Gita, which offers insights into managing emotions like anger.
- Regular self-reflection and journaling can help you understand the root causes of your anger and work on resolving them.
- Yoga Nidra: Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a deep relaxation practice that can reduce stress and calm emotional turbulence.
- Regular Practice: Consistency is key. Make yoga a part of your daily routine to experience lasting benefits in managing anger.
- Seek Guidance: Consider attending yoga classes or working with a qualified yoga teacher or therapist who specializes in anger management.
The twins: Memento Mori and Amor Fati
Both Stoicism and the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the impermanence of life and the importance of detachment from material possessions while also advocating living life fully. Let us explore this apparent contradiction by deconstructing some core principles from both systems of philosophy.
Memento mori: is a Latin phrase that translates to "Remember that you will die." In Stoicism, this phrase plays a significant role as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. Stoic philosophers often used this concept to encourage individuals to reflect on their mortality and to live in accordance with the Stoic virtues and principles.
The idea behind "memento mori" is not to induce fear or despair but rather to inspire a sense of urgency and perspective. By keeping in mind that life is fleeting, Stoics believed people could:
- Prioritize what truly matters in life, focusing on virtue and wisdom.
- Avoid being consumed by trivial concerns and distractions.
- Cultivate gratitude for the present moment and the opportunities it offers.
- Face adversity and challenges with resilience and equanimity, knowing that difficulties are a part of life.
In essence, "memento mori" is a Stoic practice that encourages individuals to embrace the reality of mortality as a means to live a more meaningful, virtuous, and fulfilling life. It invites us to make the most of our time, cultivate wisdom, and be prepared for the uncertainties that life presents.
In the Bhagavad Gita, there is a concept similar to "memento mori," emphasizing the impermanence of life and the importance of focusing on one's duty and inner development. This concept is often woven into the broader themes of the Gita. One who has taken his birth is sure to die, and after death, one is sure to take birth again. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament. Chp 2, Verse 27
jātasya hi dhruvo mṛityur dhruvaṁ janma mṛitasya cha l tasmād aparihārye ’rthe na tvaṁ śhochitum arhasi ll
jātasya—for one who has been born; hi—for; dhruvaḥ—certain; mṛityuḥ—death; dhruvam—certain; janma—birth; mṛitasya—for the dead; cha—and; tasmāt—therefore; aparihārye arthe—in this inevitable situation; na—not; tvam—you; śhochitum—lament; arhasi—befitting
Here, Sri Krishna reminds Arjuna of the cycle of birth and death, highlighting the inevitability of mortality. He advises Arjuna to fulfill his duty without lamenting over the natural course of life. In these verses, the Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to acknowledge the impermanence of life, accept the cycles of birth and death, and remain steadfast in their duties and actions, much like the sentiment of "memento mori" in Stoicism.
The Bhagavad Gita frequently emphasizes that the physical body is temporary and subject to decay. It teaches that the true self, the atman or soul, is eternal and transcends the physical form. The Gita discusses the concept of Samsara, the cycle of birth and death as to how all living beings undergo this cycle until they attain liberation (moksha). This understanding encourages individuals to detach from the material world and focus on spiritual growth and self-realization.
While "memento mori" is a direct reminder of one's mortality, the Bhagavad Gita's teachings encourage individuals to recognize the impermanence of life and the importance of focusing on spiritual growth and inner transformation to transcend the cycle of birth and death. Both concepts serve as reminders to live a life of purpose and virtue in the face of life's impermanence.
Amor Fati: is a Latin phrase that translates to "love of fate" or "love of one's fate." It is a concept often associated with the Stoic philosophy of embracing and accepting everything that happens in one's life, whether positive or negative, as a necessary and meaningful part of one's journey.
The idea is to cultivate a deep appreciation and love for all aspects of life, including adversity and setbacks, believing that they contribute to personal growth and a fuller understanding of one's path.
In the Bhagavad Gita, there are verses that resonate with the concept of "amor fati," emphasizing the importance of accepting one's fate and performing one's duty with equanimity. You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty. (2.47)
karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana l mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi ll
karmaṇi—in prescribed duties; eva—only; adhikāraḥ—right; te—your; mā—not; phaleṣhu—in the fruits; kadāchana—at any time; mā—never; karma-phala—results of the activities; hetuḥ—cause; bhūḥ—be; mā—not; te—your; saṅgaḥ—attachment; astu—must be; akarmaṇi—in inaction
O son of Kunti, the contact between the senses and the sense objects gives rise to fleeting perceptions of happiness and distress. These are non-permanent, and come and go like the winter and summer seasons. O descendent of Bharat, one must learn to tolerate them without giving rise to despair (2.14)
mātrā-sparśhās tu kaunteya śhītoṣhṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ l āgamāpāyino ’nityās tāns-titikṣhasva bhārata ll
mātrā-sparśhāḥ—contact of the senses with the sense objects; tu—indeed; kaunteya—Arjun, the son of Kunti; śhīta—winter; uṣhṇa—summer; sukha—happiness; duḥkha—distress; dāḥ—give; āgama—come; apāyinaḥ—go; anityāḥ—non-permanent; tān—them; titikṣhasva—tolerate; bhārata—descendant of the Bharat
- Recognize the impermanence of life, where joy and sorrow are fleeting like changing seasons.
- In the pursuit of your duties, remember that you have the right to act but not to cling to the fruits of your actions.
- Embrace your responsibilities with equanimity, knowing that outcomes are beyond your control, and
- live with the understanding that life's fluctuations are as natural as the passing of winter and summer.
Both Stoicism and the Gita share principles of virtue, inner peace, and acceptance of fate. While distinct in their origins and cultural contexts, these philosophies offer valuable guidance for personal growth and ethical living, encouraging individuals to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and equanimity.
Their teachings can serve as guides for leading a more meaningful and virtuous life, with Stoicism offering a secular approach and the Gita providing a spiritually infused path to self-realization and moral conduct.
Integrating the wisdom from these traditions can contribute to a holistic and resilient approach to life's challenges.