The mind’s nature is to ‘think’. When the mind meditates upon the sadness of the Covid-19 pandemic as circulated on social media, it manifests fear, decreasing mental strength which in turn weakens immunity.  Ultimately, this makes us vulnerable to the virus. Therefore, one must consciously and carefully limit “unnecessary” information reaching the mind.

What can the mind ‘think’ about instead?

Dedicate a fixed time each day to do something that will take your mind away from the association of your body.

What does ‘away from body’ mean? Aren’t we always with the body?

True. However, the human mind is free and capable to think beyond the body. No matter how much we think about the body, we know that we have limited control. Do we know ‘how we got into the body’ or ‘how we will get out of it’ or ‘where are we headed after this body wears out?

Hence, it is advised to think about that which is superior to ‘body’ and ‘self’ so as to conduct ourselves in the best mode whilst in the body.

True. However, the human mind is free and capable to think beyond the body. No matter how much we think about the body, we know that we have limited control. Do we know ‘how we got into the body’ or ‘how we will get out of it’ or ‘where are we headed after this body wears out’?

Hence, it is advised to think about that which is superior to ‘body’ and ‘self’ so as to conduct ourselves in the bese mode whilst in the body.

What or who is superior to ‘body’ and ‘me’?

God, the eternal thatthva, is superior to ‘body’ (made of prakruthi, nature) and ‘ourselves’ (souls, – a:thma). Bhagavad Gi:tha is the word of God explaining these fundamental truths.

What do I get out of knowing that God is superior?

When having faith in Bhagavad Gi:tha as God’s message, He reveals to us through it – the nature of the body, the self, and ultimately how to overcome challenges with the body.

daivi: hye:sha: gunamayi:
mama ma:ya: durathyaya:|
My ‘ma:ya’ is invincible!

ma:me:va ye:prapadyanthe:
ma:ya:m e:tha:m tharanthi the:||
The way out of it is only ‘Me’

(BG Chapter 7, 14th verse)

Ma:ya is something that is beyond your comprehension. Whatever is happening with the coronavirus is not easy to comprehend. Science may crack the nature of the virus, but it may not answer the reason for its existence or its functioning. The way out of this pandemic is to inculcate full faith in the power of God, who is superior to the intellect as well as the virus.

Does this mean I trust in God and stop wearing ‘mask’?

No. When we are living in a society, it’s our responsibility to follow advised norms. However, knowledge of the virus’s nature (or any disease or anything from prakruthi), ourselves, and God will help us handle situations in a balanced and appropriate manner.

What does a balanced and appropriate way mean in the current situation?

It indicates a few characteristics as we conduct ourselves in such situations.

Surrender to God as the ultimate protector
Dedicate time daily (perhaps 60-90 minutes) in na:masanki:rthana, singing the glorious names of God such as Vishnu Sahasra Na:mam
Trust God’s word
Don’t be afraid; stay strong

Seek guidance from a practitioner, a sada:charya
Pray for the well-being of everyone
Seek forgiveness for wrongdoings
Avoid watching social media “noise”
Continue regular duties including household and
office work as per usual

It indicates a few characteristics as we conduct ourselves in such situations.

Surrender to God as the ultimate protector
Dedicate time daily (perhaps 60-90 minutes) in na:masanki:rthana, singing the glorious names of God such as Vishnu Sahasra Na:mam
Trust God’s word
Don’t be afraid; staying strong
Seek guidance from a practitioner, a sada:charya
Pray for the well-being of everyone
Seek forgiveness for wrongdoings
Avoid watching social media “noise”
Continue regular duties including household and office work as per usual

ananye:naiva yo:ge:na
ma:m dhya:yantha upa:sathe: |
the:sha:m aham samuddhartha:
mruthyu samsa:ra sa:gara:th ||

I will soon relieve those who surrender to me from the ocean of birth and death.

(BG Chapter 12, 6th and 7th verses)

Today, the country mourns the deaths of lakhs of people. It’s important to trust in God as the ultimate protector. It immensely enhances mental strength and decreases hospital admissions resulting from fear. Let us all take good precautions.  Let’s spend time reading authentic scriptures or hear from a sada:charya the nature of the body, soul, and God. Let’s act responsibly.

Is this practical to implement?

It may sound impractical, especially when facing viral symptoms. However, the purpose of Sri Krushna’s Bhagavad Gi:tha is to simplify life, including such situations. Neither the tests nor treatment for coronavirus are perfect as of today. If we believe in anything now [and ever], it must be the word of God as Bhagavad Gi:tha. Surrender to God and trust in Him in order to take care without fear.

– From the discourse of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– Parame:shti and Plava Tharakam
– JIVA, Sri Ram Nagar, Bha:rath