How Emotional Turmoil Evolves into Larger Conflicts

Drawing from the profound insights of Vedic philosophy, we can explore the evolution of emotional turmoil into larger conflicts. The ancient wisdom of the Rishis provides us with a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between emotions and conflicts, guiding us on how to navigate these challenges from a Vedic perspective.

The Nature of Emotional Turmoil – The Play of?Gunas

According to Vedic philosophy, emotional turmoil arises from the interplay of the three fundamental qualities of humans, called?Gunas,?namely:?Sattva, Rajas,?and?Tamas.?Here,?Sattva?represents purity, clarity, and harmony,?Rajas?embodies passion, desire, and activity, while?Tamas?symbolizes inertia, ignorance, and darkness. When these?Gunas?are imbalanced or misaligned within an individual, emotional disturbances can arise, leading to turmoil and conflict. The only way to balance these?Gunas?is by knowing, understanding and following the sage teachings of?Rishis?(sages) or wisdom. As?Vyasa’s Mahabharata?says:

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Where sage teachings are not followed, there is no righteousness. Where there is no righteousness, there is no victory. Where there is no victory, there is no harmony. Where there is harmony, there is eternal bliss.

The Individual and Collective Impact –?Karma?and?Samsara

In Vedic philosophy, the concept of?karma?and?samsara?plays a significant role in understanding the impact of emotional turmoil. Each individual carries a?karmic?imprint, accumulated through actions, thoughts, and emotions from past lives. Emotional turmoils, if not addressed, can perpetuate the cycle of?samsara,?leading to further conflicts and challenges in future lives. It is therefore important that we all mind our thoughts for they become our actions and be cautious with our actions for they can have severe consequences in the world we live in. The easiest way to do it is by doing our duty bereft of lust, anger, greed, infatuation, ego and envy.?Krishna?suggests better:

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Do your Dharma but without being attached to the desired results. For if you are attached to the desires you may not be able to do what is right.

On a collective level, when individuals collectively experience emotional turmoil, it creates a ripple effect, amplifying negative energies and contributing to a cycle of conflicts within families, communities, and societies. The collective karmic imprints interweave, reinforcing the patterns of emotional disturbances and conflicts.

The Role of?Ahamkara?(Ego)

Vedic philosophy emphasizes the role of?ahamkara,?the egoic sense of individuality and identity, in the escalation of emotional turmoils into conflicts.?Ahamkara?creates a sense of separateness and attachment to personal desires, opinions, and beliefs. When individuals become overly identified with their egos, conflicts arise as they seek validation, control, and dominance over others who hold differing perspectives. This?Ahamkara?is the key reason for the chaos reeling in the world today where nobody wants to listen to others let alone emphatize and are busy pulling every other person disagreeing with them down. The following?Shloka?explains it better.

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One who is deluded by the ego thinks, ‘I am the doer.’ The ignorant person confuses the inert body with the conscious self.

Moreover, the identification with external labels such as caste, social status, and religious affiliations further perpetuates division and conflicts. These identifications strengthen the ego’s hold, reinforcing a sense of “I” versus “others,” hindering harmony and cooperation.

The Path to Resolving Emotional Turmoil and Conflicts –?Dharma?and Self-Realization

Vedic philosophy offers a path to resolve emotional turmoils and conflicts through the principles of?dharma?and self-realization.?Dharma?is a vast subject to understand and our lives are small. Yet in this case it can be understood as one’s duty, righteousness, and ethical conduct. By aligning our actions with?dharma?and cultivating virtues such as compassion, integrity, and non-violence, we can transcend emotional disturbances and contribute to collective harmony.?Rishi Ashtavakra?says it best:

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Always follow Dharma, for it not only protects but also nurtures. Even while others are destroyed, the Dharmic ones not only survive but thrive.

Self-realization is the ultimate goal in Vedic philosophy. It involves realizing the eternal nature of the self and transcending the illusion of separateness. Through spiritual practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion to the divine, individuals can expand their consciousness, dissolve egoic identifications, and experience unity with all beings. This realization leads to inner peace, wisdom, and the ability to navigate emotional challenges with equanimity and understanding.

Conclusion

From a Vedic perspective, emotional turmoil evolves into larger conflicts due to the interplay of gunas, the cycle of?karma?and?samsara,?and the influence of ahamkara and identification. By embracing?dharma,?cultivating virtues, and pursuing self-realization, individuals can transcend emotional disturbances, contribute to collective harmony, and ultimately attain liberation. The wisdom of Vedic philosophy guides us on a path of self-awareness, compassion, and spiritual growth, offering insights to transform emotional turmoil into harmony and peace.