Niksen: Art of Doing Nothing Through the Lens of Mahabharat and Ramana Maharshi

In an age where busyness is often equated with productivity, the idea of doing nothing can seem almost revolutionary. Yet, the Dutch concept of "Niksen" challenges the drive for constant activity by advocating for deliberate moments of idleness. While this concept may seem new, the wisdom of taking time to pause, reflect, and simply "be" has deep roots in ancient spiritual traditions, including the Indian epic Mahabharata and the teachings of the revered sage Ramana Maharshi.

What is Niksen?

Niksen, originates from the Dutch word "niks," meaning "nothing", encourages people to engage in moments of doing nothing - purposefully stepping away from tasks and responsibilities to allow the mind to wander freely. Unlike relaxation, which might involve engaging in a leisure activity, or meditation, which has a structured focus, Niksen is about simply existing without any specific goal. This act of "doing nothing".

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The quieter you become, the more you can hear.

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Niksen in the Mahabharat

Mahabharat, one of India’s greatest epics, is a complex narrative filled with lessons on life, duty, and spirituality. Within this vast story, the value of reflection and stillness is subtly yet powerfully conveyed. One of the most profound moments of inactivity in the Mahabharata is seen in the character of Arjuna, the great warrior, who finds himself paralyzed on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Faced with the moral and ethical dilemmas of war, Arjuna steps back from the action, overwhelmed by doubt and confusion. This pause is not just a moment of weakness, but a crucial interval where he contemplates the deeper questions of life and duty. It is through this reflective "doing nothing" that Arjuna is able to receive the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita from Krishna. This moment of stillness before action embodies the essence of Niksen, where stepping away from activity leads to profound insight and clarity. Another example of Niksen that comes to my mind occurs when the Pandavs, after fulfilling their worldly duties, retreat to the forest in the Vanaprasth. This phase is purely dedicated to reflection and renunciation, embracing a life of simplicity and detachment. Here, the Pandavas engage in what can be seen as a collective practice of Niksen, stepping away from the hustle of royal responsibilities to reconnect with their inner selves.

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Sometimes sitting and doing nothing is the best something you can do.

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Niksen and the Teachings of Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi, a renowned Indian sage, spent much of his life teaching the importance of self-inquiry and the realization of the Self. His teachings emphasize the power of stillness and silence, which resonates deeply with the principles of Niksen. Central to Ramana Maharshi’s philosophy is the practice of Atma Vichara, or self-inquiry, where one repeatedly asks the question "Who am I?" This process is not about actively searching for an answer but rather about disengaging from the constant flow of thoughts to experience the pure sense of being. This form of introspection involves a deliberate withdrawal from the mental activities that usually occupy the mind. Just as Niksen encourages stepping back and letting the mind wander without purpose, Ramana Maharshi’s teachings suggest that true understanding arises when we allow the mind to rest in its natural state of stillness.

Ramana often spoke about the transformative power of silence. He believed that silence is the highest form of teaching, where the absence of words and thoughts allows for a direct experience of truth. Niksen, though seemingly a simple practice of idleness, can be seen as a gateway to this profound silence, a moment where the mind is free from the compulsion to think, do, or achieve, and is allowed to simply exist.

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Niksen, Mahabharata, and Ramana Maharshi: The Power of Stillness Across Cultures

Despite their different cultural contexts, the Dutch concept of Niksen, the spiritual insights of the Mahabharata, and the teachings of Ramana Maharshi all converge on the idea that there is immense value in stillness and inactivity. In a world that often demands constant action and productivity, these traditions remind us the moments of "doing nothing" and its power. This offers a space where the mind can relax and tap into deeper sources of wisdom and knowing the real truth of Self.

The Mahabharata teaches us that reflection is essential for making wise decisions, as seen in Arjuna's pivotal moment of hesitation. Ramana Maharshi shows us that in the stillness of the mind lies the key to self-realization. And Niksen, in its simplicity, invites us to reclaim the lost art of idleness as a vital part of our well-being.

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Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

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Final Reflection

Niksen is far more than an act of doing nothing; it is a powerful gateway to self-discovery and inner peace. This practice echoes the ancient wisdom found in the Mahabharata and the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. By embracing moments of intentional idleness, we can balance the demands of the external world with the need to nurture our inner lives. Just as Arjuna found clarity on the battlefield and seekers in Ramana Maharshi's presence found their true selves in silence, practicing Niksen can help us uncover the profound truth of who we are. In the end, doing nothing may be the key to finding everything.

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Let what comes, come. Let what goes, go. Find out what remains. :-)

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