Five types of miseries faced by human beings

CHENNAI, JULY 20. We can hardly find anyone in this world who has not been subjected to suffering of some type, at one time or the other. Whether he be a millionaire or a poor man, a top executive or a farmer, everyone has to face five types of miseries. The first is that of ignorance (Avidya Klesa) for which attachment to the body is the root cause. Today, man gives importance to his body and takes enormous efforts to sustain it. He aspires for so many comforts and if he fails to achieve them, he gets frustrated which leads him to despondency. On the other hand, if he develops attachment to the soul, he will enjoy peace within. A proper type of education will provide satisfaction to the spiritual needs.

The misery caused by mind is the second in the order as it is constantly goading a man to acquire everything in the world. If a man's mind is not troubled by such desires, he will be free from worries and anxieties. The third is ``Asthitha Klesa'' due to limitless wants, combined with body attachment and fickleness of the mind. Man is not able to understand the nature of desires he should entertain. Invariably, he yields to sensuous cravings and hence is unable to tame the mind. Scriptures have told us about the method to check its influence, viz., by incessant chanting of divine names, keeping the tongue under control and refraining from indulging in meaningless practices. Silence is a powerful tonic.

The fourth affliction of man is the craving for excessive wealth and property. A weak minded person who does not have the capacity to satisfy his needs will go after the rich and powerful people. If they do not respond to his request he will start hating them and thus arises the fifth type of misery (Dwesha). Answering how one can avoid these sufferings, Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in a lecture mentioned how in ancient days, sages used to retire to forests and enjoy peace there. They were wedded to ``silence'' which enabled them to rein the mind. But this type of renunciation is not possible now. Therefore it is the duty of parents to train their children from their formative years and guide them so that they avoided resorting to sinful deeds. Even as a stone tied to a snake-gourd makes it grow straight, parents should attach the ``weight of discipline'' to their children, who should be trained to possess the firm conviction that God resides within and around them. Before undertaking any action, men should question within themselves whether it is right or wrong and stick to the correct path, even if someone criticises them.

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