Emotion
The role and impact of emotions in human life is a complex and fascinating subject. Vedanta, the ancient Indian philosophy, offers a profound understanding of the nature and dynamics of human emotions. It recognizes that emotions are an integral part of the human experience, but also cautions against the pitfalls of unrestrained emotionalism.
Facets of Emotion
The subsections Facets of Emotion, Effects of Manifestation, and Root of Emotion will be written later and do not need to be elaborated here.
Emotion and the Intellect
Vedanta emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between emotion and intellect. The human mind is composed of a wide range of emotions, ranging from the gross and impure to the subtle and divine. However, for these emotions to be truly beneficial, they must be under the guidance of the discerning intellect.
People wrongly believe that a person imbued with Vedanta is devoid of emotion. This is a misconception, as Vedanta only cautions humanity against the onslaught of uncontrolled emotions.
Emotions can be likened to medicine - when administered in proper dosage, they can cure, but in excess, they can be harmful and even fatal. The same applies to human emotions. You must keep your emotions well under the control of your intellect. Be a master, not a slave, of your passions.
Love and Attachment
One of the most fundamental emotions explored in Vedanta is love. True love, as understood in Vedanta, is the realization of your oneness with the world. It is a feeling of harmony and unity with all beings. However, this concept of love is often confused with the more common notion of attachment.
Attachment is the perversion of love. It is a selfish, possessive emotion that binds you to the object or being of your affection. Whereas love is all-embracing, attachment is exclusive and divisive. Attachment leads to sorrow and suffering, while love brings about peace and bliss.
As you move up the spiritual ladder, your emotions become more refined and inclusive. You learn to transform your narrow, personal attachment into a universal love that encompasses all of creation.
Kindness and Pity
Another important emotion explored in Vedanta is kindness. Kindness is a noble trait that distinguishes humans from other creatures. It is a compassionate, benevolent attitude of the mind that is essential for spiritual evolution.
However, Vedanta cautions against the misunderstanding of kindness, as exemplified by the Hindu doctrine of ahimsa (non-injury). Some have interpreted this doctrine to mean abstaining from any form of injury, even if it leads to their own destruction. Vedanta emphasizes that true kindness is not about blind adherence to rituals or dogmas, but about using one's intellect to discern the right course of action.
Pity, on the other hand, is a weaker emotion that stems from ignorance of the universal law of cause and effect, known as the law of karma. Pity may lead to indiscriminate charity and the creation of "respectable beggars" in society. Vedanta encourages the development of true charity, which benefits both the giver and the receiver.
In the journey of life, emotions play a crucial role, but they must be tempered by the guidance of the intellect. Only then can they become a powerful tool for personal growth and the betterment of society.