Chapter 43

DHARANEEYA VEGA

(Urges that should be suppressed)

These mental and emotional urges should be consciously controlled or suppressed to maintain mental, emotional, and social harmony.

  1. Greed (Lobha)
  2. Grief (Shoka)
  3. Fear (Bhaya)
  4. Anger (Krodha)
  5. Pride or Ego (Māna)
  6. Jealousy (Irshya)
  7. Delusion or Attachment (Moha)
  8. Hatred (Dwesha)
  9. Arrogance (Mada)
  10. Envy or Criticism (Asooya)
  1. Greed (Lobha) :
  2. Greed is the excessive desire for material wealth, power, or possessions beyond one’s needs. It disrupts mental peace and leads to unethical behavior.
  3. Importance of suppression: Restraining greed helps in maintaining contentment, balance, and compassion towards others.
  4. Grief (Shoka) :
  5. Excessive or prolonged grief can weaken the mind and body, leading to depression and other psychological disorders.
  6. Importance of suppression: While experiencing grief is natural, Ayurveda advises controlling excessive sorrow to prevent mental exhaustion and maintain mental strength.
  7. Fear (Bhaya) :
  8. Fear is a natural instinct for survival, but chronic fear or anxiety can lead to imbalances in the mind and body, especially aggravating Vata Dosha.
  9. Importance of suppression: Controlling fear helps in developing courage, mental clarity, and emotional stability.
  10. Anger (Krodha) :
  11. Anger is a fiery emotion that can disturb the balance of Pitta Dosha, leading to physical and mental ailments like hypertension, headaches, and liver problems.
  12. Importance of suppression: Restraining anger is essential for maintaining calmness, rational thinking, and peaceful social interactions.
  13. Pride or Ego (Māna) :
  14. Excessive pride or arrogance can alienate individuals from others and disrupt social harmony.
  15. Importance of suppression: Humility and modesty are encouraged, as they foster respect, compassion, and better relationships.
  16. Jealousy (Irshya) :
  17. Jealousy causes mental unrest, disrupts relationships, and breeds negative emotions.
  18. Importance of suppression: Controlling jealousy helps in nurturing positive relationships, contentment, and inner peace.
  19. Delusion or Attachment (Moha) :
  20. Moha is the attachment to material possessions or people, which clouds judgment and leads to suffering.
  21. Importance of suppression: Overcoming delusion fosters spiritual growth, clarity, and detachment from transient material objects.
  22. Hatred (Dwesha) :
  23. Hatred creates mental disturbance, anger, and disharmony within relationships and society.
  24. Importance of suppression: Cultivating love, forgiveness, and understanding promotes mental peace and healthier interactions.
  25. Arrogance (Mada) :
  26. Mada is the arrogance that arises from wealth, power, or social status, leading to selfish and unethical behavior.
  27. Importance of suppression: Cultivating humility and awareness helps prevent ego-driven actions and promotes ethical behavior.
  28. Criticism or Envy (Asooya) :
  29. Envy and constant criticism of others destroy mental peace and strain relationships.
  30. Importance of suppression: Cultivating acceptance and appreciation of others’ achievements promotes a positive mindset.

Conclusion

Recognizing and managing our natural urges is essential for leading a balanced and joyful life. By being aware of these urges and understanding them, we can maintain harmony in both our heart and mind. Incorporating humor and laughter into our lives can also play a positive role in supporting emotional and mental well-being. When we learn to control and appropriately respond to these urges, it leads to personal growth and can bring recognition, fame, and success. Mastering control over these urges frees us from negative influences and enables us to fulfill the four Purusharthas (goals of human life) — Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation).