Take a moment to reflect on your personal understanding of stress before we dive deeper.
HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji was invited as the Chief Guest of an event conducted for the benefit of youth and their well-being.
The Hon. Enver Erdogan, Member of Parliament and Minister for Corrections and Youth Justice from Victoria, Australia, presided over the event. He expressed his gratitude to Swamiji for inspiring millions of people across the globe. A panel consisting of Dr. Girish Nair, Lead Neurosurgeon at Neuroaxis, Dr. Raju Yerra, Neurologist, Dr. Vani Pedi, General Practitioner, Dr. Raju Adhikari, Associate Professor at RMIT University and Dr. Harish Chikkanna, Psychiatrist. It was facilitated by Dr Ritesh Chugh, Associate Professor – Central Queensland University.
Stress, like any other condition, is a reaction to a problem, not the problem that causes the reaction. The fundamental difference between medicine and spiritual knowledge is that the former treats the reaction, while the latter provides solutions to the cause. Both need to be administered under guidance.
What causes stress?
Stress arises when we fail to understand fundamental aspects of life – what is life, purpose, your role in the world, the reasons for the limitations of the body, and the ways to overcome them.
Imagine a person holding a stick above his head, on the back of the neck in a horizontal manner like this… Now, imagine the same person trying to enter a narrow door of his house while holding the stick in the same position.
Will he be able to enter? He will struggle because the stick will be a hindrance. His friend noticed his struggle and advised him to reposition the stick. He applied that advice and succeeded to solve the issue. The person asks the advisor what mantra he used to help him.
Was there any mantra? No. Another person watching the two said, it was nothing magical or complicated. It was common sense.
It seems like common sense considering the simple nature of the issue here, but the underlying cause for any stress-like conditions is lack of proper guidance and not being able to apply the guidance when dealing with any situation. The guidance of well-wishers—parents, mentors, and the scriptures—is the essential first step.Implementing the guidance received is the second step.
Much like the person with the stick, we often find ourselves hindered by stress because we aren’t able to adjust our approach. Just as simple advice can resolve the situation, applying wisdom and guidance can help us overcome stress.
What is the guidance from mentors and scriptures for one’s well-being, i.e. without stress and other issues?
Well-being is never something that is about one individual. It is a concept that is universal. None of us can be truly well unless we play our part in universal well-being. Understand your role, purpose and limitations with respect to yourself, the family, society, nature and the supreme. All are all equally important and critical.
I don’t have time for myself and my family, what can I do for society, nature and supreme?
The practices you apply as per guidance from your parents, mentors and scriptures will automatically prepare you to play the right part in the universal well-being with respect to society, nature and the supreme. Your stress levels will stabilize when you understand that your well-being is a part of universal well-being.
Can you give me one example of such practice?
Let’s take one important practice advised in the scripture, Bhagavad Githa said by Lord Sri Krishna.
yuktha:ha:ra viha:rasya yuktha che:shtasya karmasu |
yuktha svapna:vabo:dha:sya yo:go: bhavathi duhkhaha: ||
There are many such practices that are prescribed which when followed, not only benefit yourselves, but also automatically benefit the rest of the existence. Because, these practices make sure you play within your limits, keeping you free from new bondage. Because, these practices make sure you don’t intrude with any other else’s role and purpose in the existence.
Is it practical to learn and practice all the recommendations?
Don’t wait to start applying the practices. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll see the benefits—not only in reducing stress but also in living a more fulfilled life. Seek guidance, and act on them. Yes, it is hard to practice them. Because life is going to be full of tides—big and small. That is when it is lively and engaging. We need to learn how to ride through them.
If it’s a big tide, bow down and it will pass. If it is a small tide, jump over it. But, don’t quit the recommended practices, meaning don’t quit leading life in the right manner because of the effect of tides during the ride.
Stress is not an insurmountable barrier—it’s an opportunity for growth. By seeking guidance, staying disciplined, and applying the practices recommended by your parents, mentors, and scriptures, you’ll find that the path to true well-being is not just possible, but deeply rewarding for both yourself and the greater good.
– From the address of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– Unlock the secrets to Real well-being
– 2nd Apr 2025, Melbourne Law School
Stress is nothing but difference between expectations vs present situation in hand
Meeting expectations and always trying to ensure the set expectations are met will cause stress. The other facet is having too many wants in life.
One gets stressed when they are attached to something very closely , can be triggered with an anticipation , imagination of failure , lack of confidence etc.
When we face challenges in life some people who are our relatives will degrade us and their negative speaking is stress
Only way I learned to over come this through Acharya & my parents is chanting Sri Vishnu Sahasranama stotram & taking lord divine names.
Stress is an imbalance between our desires and capacities.
Control desires or cut short according to your capacities.
Don’t live in imagination be practical.