Living in our contemporary society entails relentless competition and intricate challenges. Whether one willingly embraces societal dynamics or finds themselves thrust into its complexities, the reality remains that individuals of all ages are susceptible to an array of mental ailments, prominently among them, stress. It is imperative to address this pervasive issue and proactively offer viable solutions. The crux of the matter lies in the demanding nature of our daily endeavours. The expectation to shoulder an overwhelming workload within compressed time frames becomes an onerous burden, one that surpasses the mind’s capacity for endurance. In light of this, it becomes crucial to explore and implement strategies that not only recognize the inevitability of stress but also provide effective and compassionate solutions to alleviate its impact on our mental well-being.
Exploring the insights of Western psychologists who have extensively delved into and conducted experiments on such conditions provides valuable perspectives and potential solutions. Notably, Canadian physician Hans Selye defines stress as the physiological response triggered in the body when faced with a challenging situation. In parallel, Robert S. Feldman echoes this sentiment, characterizing stress as the observable reaction individuals exhibit in response to demanding or threatening occurrences. From these viewpoints, it becomes evident that our bodies respond to external pressures, leading to the manifestation of stress. The occurrence of stress is, therefore, a natural consequence when confronted with formidable or traumatic events.
Reasons for stress are as follows;
Traumatic events: traumatic events encompass extraordinary, shocking, and perilous incidents that disrupt an individual’s everyday life. Examples include tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes, war, and accidents. Such disasters expose individuals to intense and unprecedented experiences, leading to profound emotional distress. Heartache can result from the separation from loved ones and the loss of personal belongings.
Major life changes: significant life changes are another source of stress. Everyone aspires to lead a life aligned with their expectations, but unexpected upheavals can be exceptionally distressing. Events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, infertility, and sudden job loss represent unforeseen and impactful life changes that can cause profound emotional pain.
Daily challenges can precipitate stress, creating a struggle to allocate time between professional responsibilities, familial commitments, financial constraints, and interpersonal discord. Furthermore, an individual’s temperament plays a pivotal role in their response to stressors. While some succumb to the weight of their problems, resorting to extreme measures like suicide, others exhibit remarkable resilience, emerging even stronger in the face of adversity. The impact of stress varies greatly from person to person, with factors such as a quick temper, perpetual irritability, an insatiable desire for triumph, and impatience rendering certain individuals more susceptible to its debilitating effects. In essence, both the daily hassles and an individual’s personality contribute significantly to the experience and management of stress.
Both short-term and long-term stress can exert a profound impact on an individual’s physical well-being. According to the World Health Organization, true health encompasses not only the soundness of the physical body but also the well-being of the mind. The intricate connection between mental and physical health implies that the deterioration of one inevitably affects the other, consequently reverberating through society.
A conspicuous manifestation of stress is often found in the form of headaches, particularly when individuals attempt to accomplish substantial workloads within compressed time frames. Habituation to such a lifestyle tends to foster a disconcerted state of mind, hindering the seamless execution of daily tasks. Moreover, heightened stress levels impede restful sleep, potentially culminating in severe health issues, including the risk of heart attacks.
In light of these observations, it becomes imperative to address the origins of stress and its adverse repercussions. Seeking solutions draws inspiration from both Western psychology and Buddhist psychology. The former advocates for two primary techniques to alleviate stress: behavioral techniques and cognitive techniques.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a widely utilized therapeutic approach in Western psychology for addressing stress-related conditions. This method involves presenting the patients with images associated with distressing incidents they are attempting to forget, while facilitating eye movements. EMDR serves as a means to alleviate stress by enabling patients to process and reframe traumatic experiences.
For those affected by the traumas of war or other distressing events, group therapy, particularly in the form of Rap Groups, has proven effective. By bringing together individuals who have undergone similar harrowing experiences, this collective approach allows participants to openly express their emotions. The shared sense of understanding and empathy fosters a supportive environment, reassuring the patient that they are not alone in their struggles. This communal connection plays a crucial role in alleviating stress and promoting emotional healing.
Buddhism, with its profound teachings on alleviating suffering, offers various methods to address stress, with meditation standing out as one of the most successful. Meditation not only brings about mental clarity but also induces physical relaxation. It serves as a healing practice for the mind, which is often in a state of crisis during periods of stress. The scattered and distressing thoughts that plague a stressed mind gradually subside through meditation, allowing for increased focus and the expulsion of unnecessary, tension-inducing thoughts.
Central to the Buddhist approach is the cultivation of silence within the mind. This tranquility is essential for a person to effectively engage in their daily activities. Maithree meditation, in particular, plays a significant role in achieving mental clarity. The benefits of Maithree meditation extend beyond mere stress reduction, encompassing a range of positive outcomes for those who practice it regularly.
Here are the benefits of Maithree meditation;
‘Sukan supathi sukan patibhujjathi na papakan supinan passathi manussanan piyo hothi amanussanan piyo hothi devatha rakkanthi naassa aggiva visan va saththan va kamathi thuvatan chiththan samadhiyathi mukavanno vippasidhasathi asammulho kalan karothi uththari appativijjantho brahmalokupagatho hothi (Anguththara Nikaya- Meththanisansa Suthra)
In the Meththanisansa Suthra, it is asserted that a serene mind is the key to experiencing restful sleep and a peaceful awakening. A disturbed mental state, characterized by anger, irritability, and mood swings, is disfavoured by both deities and humans, leading to social alienation. Conversely, engaging in Maithree meditation is extolled as a remedy for mental afflictions, promoting sound sleep, harmonious waking, and societal acceptance. The transformative power of mindfulness is emphasized, discouraging dwelling on past grievances or worrying about future adversities, both of which contribute to heightened stress levels.
In the profound teachings of the Maha Sathipattana Suthra, the Buddha imparts the wisdom, ‘Gathe tithe nisinne suththe jagarithe bhasithe thunhihave sampajanakari hothi’ (Majjima Nikaya, Sathipattana Suthraya). This counsel encourages the cultivation of mindfulness, urging individuals to remain fully aware and concentrated on the present moment. By avoiding preoccupation with past traumas and future uncertainties, one can alleviate stress and attain a state of profound mental tranquility. Such mindfulness not only serves as a balm for the mind but also, according to the Meththanisansa Suthra, holds the promise of a blissful existence beyond, potentially leading to rebirth in the elevated realms of the Brahma world.
According to the teachings of the Buddha, cultivating mindfulness in the present moment is paramount for alleviating mental distress. This awareness, as elucidated in the Sabbasava Sutta of Majjhima Nikaya, is encapsulated by seven principles that serve as a guide to manage mental stress.
The first principle, Dassana Pahathabba, underscores the importance of perceiving the present moment with clarity. By eliminating the distractions of past regrets or future anxieties and fostering a profound understanding, one can dispel the forces that disturb the mind.
Sancara Pahathabba, the second principle, advocates for the practice of restraint. In the face of recurrent emotions such as lust, greed, and aversion, one is encouraged to withhold undue importance and instead concentrate on the mindful observance of the present.
The third principle, Patisevana Pahathabba, emphasizes the transformative power of practice. It involves recognizing the imperfections inherent in one’s own existence and cultivating a mindset that does not worry about those imperfections. Stress often stems from comparisons with others, and this principle encourages individuals to appreciate their own journey without succumbing to envy for what others possess.
When confronted with natural disasters, people often experience heightened stress. According to the Sabbasava Sutta, the principle of “Adhivasana Pahathabba” advocates forbearance-a call to face calamities with patience. At times, we find ourselves compelled to collaborate with people we may harbor aversions towards or find ourselves in environments that are less than ideal. The solution lies in the practice of “Parivajjana Pahathabba,” signifying avoidance. This implies distancing oneself from such people and places to alleviate stress.
Certain types of stress have a tendency to persist if not addressed promptly. “Vinodana Pahathabba” emphasizes the importance of removal-eliminating stress as soon as it arises to prevent its prolonged existence. Within the realm of the human mind, the interplay of Kusala (wholesome) and Akusala (unwholesome) thoughts is inevitable. The prescription outlined in the Sabbasava Sutta, referred to as “Bhavana Pahathabba,” encourages the cultivation of wholesome thoughts while eliminating unwholesome ones. This involves meditation. In that Suthra the Buddha provides seven steps to effectively manage and control stress.
The Girimananda Sutra imparts wisdom on effectively managing stress. According to this sutra, when faced with mental or physical stress, responding with patience is key. The sutra emphasizes that many mental challenges arise from our responses to them, urging us to identify these issues and address them appropriately to mitigate their impact.
Girimananda Sutra prescribes several approaches:
Nadhivasethi – Avoiding interactions with people, situations, and places that contribute to stress.
Pajahathi – Letting go of associations, environments, and circumstances that induce stress.
Vinodhathi – Eliminating individuals, locations, and factors that are stressors.
Bhyanthi Karothi – Uprooting the root causes and thoughts that give rise to mental stress.
Anbhavan gamethi – Extinguishing the sources and environments that generate stress.
In essence, it underscores the importance of understanding certain truths. In the contemporary world, humans exist in a competitive society where immediate fulfillment of needs is anticipated, leading to heightened stress levels. Western psychology offers numerous treatments post the occurrence of mental ailments. In contrast, Buddhism provides teachings on averting stress before it arises. It illuminates the path to a lifestyle that naturally prevents stress, highlighting the significance of proactive stress prevention over seeking remedies. Buddhism imparts subtle yet crucial insights for stress prevention.
Summary
In the fast-paced modern society, people face relentless competition and intricate challenges, leading to a heightened susceptibility to mental ailments, prominently stress. The demanding nature of daily endeavours, characterized by overwhelming workloads within compressed time frames, exceeds the mind’s capacity for endurance. To tackle this pervasive issue, proactive solutions are essential. The text explores the impact of stress on physical and mental well-being, highlighting the connection between the two. Both Western psychology and Buddhism offer valuable insights, with the former focusing on post-occurrence treatments, and the latter emphasizing proactive stress prevention through mindfulness, meditation, and lifestyle choices. The narrative underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the origins of stress to foster a society where well-being prevails.
The Girimananda Sutra specifically provides practical approaches to managing stress, emphasizing patience in the face of mental or physical stressors. The sutra advocates avoiding, letting go, eliminating, uprooting, and extinguishing factors that contribute to stress, offering a comprehensive guide to stress prevention. The comparison between Western psychology’s post-occurrence treatments and Buddhism’s proactive stress prevention illuminates the significance of cultivating a lifestyle that naturally prevents stress, emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and the cultivation of wholesome thoughts. In essence, the text advocates for a shift towards proactive stress prevention over reactive remedies, drawing on the profound teachings of Buddhism and practical strategies from the Girimananda Sutra.
© satipatthana magazine
