Anxiety is a universal phenomenon. There is no one who does not worry. But, there is a difference in its magnitude. Some people worry less than others. An idle mind becomes a breeding place for all sorts of apprehensions, which soon, take the form of anxiety. When we are tensed, we try to find out the way out of it, but this only adds to our level of anxiety. This makes our psyche more turbulent because thoughts alone could not resolve the tension. In fact, they are themselves, a type of tension. An over-emphasis on anxiety would only add to its severity. A thoughtful analysis would not eliminate anxiety, but would present an appropriate solution to resolve its cause. Tension is basically an imagination, which is not based on reality. So, it could be eliminated by being alert and taking appropriate action. If no action is taken and only the thought process is continued, it would not resolve, but only add to the level of anxiety. Thus, alertness is a solution to tension. The actual state of tension could be demonstrated by the anecdote of a Zen monk, Bokoju.
He lived in a cave. During the day time, often and at night, occasionally, he called out his name-”Bokoju!”, and answered himself – “Yes! I am present.” One day, his disciples asked him – “Why do you call out your own name?” Bokuju expounded – “Whenever I begin to get lost into the sub-conscious, I need to be alert again and so, I call out my name. The moment I do this and assert my presence, that very moment the apprehensions emerging from the subconscious are destroyed.” In his last days, he never called out his name. When the disciples asked, he explained – “Now Bokuju remains present always, so there is no need to call out at him. Previously, I used to be lost and overwhelmed by tension, so I had to recall myself of my existence.” It is true that our existence in the present is often over- shadowed by the memories of the past and prospects of the future, and this creates tension. Thus, if we remain alert and stay in the present, then tension, though produced, would not be able to overpower us.
People have adopted numerous ways to get rid of the tension. Winston Churchill, the former prime minister of Britain, said once – “Just focus on your work, tension would automatically stay away.” During the Second World War, Churchill worked for eighteen hours every day. He expressed his situation in the following words – “I have so much work that I have no time for tension.” He asserted that constant engagement in work is a prerequisite to stay stress-free. Those who remain constantly engrossed in their work are successful in keeping tension at bay.
George Bernard Shaw had the following views on tension – “Thinking about our joy and sadness in the spare time is the sole cause of grief. So, neither do, nor think useless things, only then could you remain free from tension.” It is unfortunate that people avoid working and retain the misconception that it would save them from getting tired. However, nothing like this actually happens. On the contrary, they fall prey to even more physical and mental fatigue.
A machine which is used daily does not get spoiled. None of its components go out of order, unless they are in friction with each other. A similar process operates within us. It is the lack of synchronization between our sense organs, which destroys the rhythm of work and turns it into a problem. Under such circumstances, tension gets its breeding ground. Bernard Shaw says – “Tension is not the cause of suffering, but it is essential to make diligence an integral part of the personality. One should perform his duty without being concerned about the consequences.”
Dr. David H. Barlow, the director of Centre for Stress and Anxiety Disorder, State University of New York, elucidates – “Actually, tension is a part of our mental process. Our mind has a special place for tension, which the individual has to deal with himself.” It is also true that tension is like a part of our body. So, it is so mixed with us that it appears before us even on getting the slightest opportunity.
All sorts of tensions are not harmful. There are some tensions which warn us against the impending dangers and make us aware of the problems. When we get tensed, we also try to come out of them and often, in doing so, we are able to think and do something different. Man could become successful only by passing through the path of struggle. If we do not worry, then probably we may not progress. So, if tension is taking us forward, then we should admit that it does have certain beneficial impact as well.
Problem arises when tension turns into an obstacle, which prevents our progress or which deviates us from our path, adversely affecting our concentration. If we are living, then tension would arise. We cannot imagine a life without it. However, it is wrong to be engrossed in it always.
Tension is like a termite, which destroys a person from within. This is the reason, why revered Gurudev Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya, has said, “Tension eats a person in the same way, as the worm eats the cloth. Those who keep worrying are not able to achieve anything substantial in their life apart from tension, and this takes them close to their death.” Tension is a menace, even more disastrous than death. This could be illustrated by an incident. Two scientists were talking to each other. One of them was old and the other young. The elder scientist said – “In spite of the grand progress made by science, it has, even till date, not been able to invent any instrument, which could aid in curtailing tension.” The younger replied with a smile – “What are you saying? Tension is an ordinary thing. Why to waste time in inventing any instrument for it?” At this, the former replied – “Tension is very dangerous, which could devastate an individual.” The latter was, however, not convinced.
The old scientist wanted to convince his younger counterpart. For this, he took him to a dense forest and stood before a large tree. The young scientist was not able to understand the reason for coming there. So, he asked – “Why have you brought me to the forest?” At this, the old scientist replied – “This tree is said to be four hundred years old.” The younger replied – “It could definitely be so.” The old scientist further revealed – “This tree has faced lightning fourteen times and numerous storms.” The impatient lad asked angrily – “What do you want to proof?” The wise man replied –
“Have patience. Come here and see that its roots have been infected by termites, which have devastated its bark.” The young scientist said – “Now reveal the inference.” The old man explained -”This tree stood the challenge posed by lightning and storms, but has been devastated by ordinary termites. Similarly, tension is a termite, which destroys a happy, prosperous and powerful person.” Now, the youth understood and was convinced.
Tension, in small proportions, makes a person alert, but when it increases beyond limits, it weakens a person from within, eventually leading to his destruction. So, one should always be aware of it and refrain from excessively indulging in it. The first signs of anxiety should be identified and subsequently, steps should be taken to resolve its actual cause. Keeping oneself engrossed in constructive work, keeping the mind full of positive thoughts and having an optimistic perspective towards life – are some of the measures, through which the correct path could be followed and the mind could be relieved of tension.
Akhand Jyoti Jan-Feb 2022