Understanding Emotions -- Swami Tejomayananda - 12

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12. Divinizing Emotions

 

Thus we need to understand that emotion is simply a power, neither

good nor bad, and we need to learn to use that power. Not to create

any division of positive and negative is the first solution.

Secondly, let us look upon others in the same way that we look upon

ourselves, yet not to force others to be like us and to realize that

we also cannot be like someone else. Lastly, let us " divinize " the

emotions. Take the example of an ordinary wire, and what happens to

it when an electric current passes through; it becomes charged and is

suddenly transformed. Even though the wire looks the same, a

different quality has entered into it. In the same way, emotions can

bind us, but if " divinized " they can elevate us. For example,

attachment is a wonderful quality for it gives us energy, but if the

attachment is for objects or sense pleasures it will bind us. On the

other hand, if attachment is for higher ideals and for the wise

people representing them, it will lead us to spiritual fulfilment. In

this, there is no bondage. The wise master will love us without

attachment and he will also help us realize our true Self.

 

Thus the solution is to " divinize " our life! If you have desire,

divinize that desire by turning it to God and pray, " O Lord, I want

You! My eyes are longing to see You only! " In our Hindu scriptures we

are taught to divinize all aspects of life. They enjoin us to look at

our parents as God, our teachers as God, and to treat all elders and

guests as God. Cultivating such an attitude, we will slowly change

from within. In Narada Bhakti Sutras it is said that if we must have

desire, let it be desire for God. If you get angry, get angry with

God. Express all emotions to Him, pray to Him and He will liberate

you. If there is greed transform it to greet for the name of the

Lord. Instead of counting your money begin to count the name of the

Lord. That is called divinization of emotions. That devotional desire

will uplift you.