Stress Academy Presents:

Web Series – The Story of Stress

Part 1 – Understanding Stress

Episode 6 – What Can We Control?

In the previous video, we concluded that all substances in the universe, including matter and consciousness, cannot be created or destroyed, but they continue to change from one form to another. 

To explain the cause & effect relationship of stress, we need to introduce some common attributes that are inherent within the six substances. Clear understanding of these principles would establish a foundation for various techniques to counter, prevent and eventually conquer the stress.

1. Existence (Astitva) is the attribute by which, each substance including matter and consciousness is neither destroyed nor created and it independently exists on its own without the need for an external intervention. This implies that birth does not create, and death does not end the existence of our consciousness; but rather it combines and separates body from consciousness respectively. Our ability to form awareness, beliefs, emotions and feelings of happiness or unhappiness survives with our consciousness in a different form. 

This concept can help us mitigate the fear of death which is one of worst known fears that we experience.

1. Functionality (Vastutva) is the attribute by which each substance performs its own inherent functions (as defined by its attributes) independently within itself. The matter substance (particles) has the capacity to   express changes in its own attributes of touch, taste, color and smell. Similarly, consciousness (living being) has capacity to form awareness, beliefs and emotions, but matter (like dead body, table, wall etc.) and other non living substances (like time, space etc.) cannot form awareness, beliefs and emotions due to their inherent inability to perform those functions. Due to this attribute, non-living things like TV, computer or robot can never become a living being and vice versa. 

Even one particle cannot perform the functions of the other particle. For example, unripe mangoes are kept in grass for a few days to make them ripe and sweet. In this case, where did the sweetness of the ripe mango come from? The ripening of the mango is caused by two things – the ability of the mango to ripen, and the conducive presence of grass. The role of the grass is to generate heat which is conducive to ripening but the mango has the property to ripen and turn sweet in the presence of heat. This inherent ability of mango to change modes of its attributes is termed as “Intrinsic Cause (Upadan Karan)” and the grass, which was a facilitating external factor is known as “Instrumental Cause (Nimitta Karan)”. 

Let’s take another example. In a classroom, a teacher can provide knowledge to students. But, the process of learning and retaining that knowledge depends on focus and attentiveness of the students, which is their intrinsic property. The teacher can teach but  cannot perform the process of learning for the students and that’s precisely why different students have different levels of learning. This cause and effect principle is applicable in analyzing each and every interaction in the universe.

Applying a previous example to stress, most of us feel that external situations bring stress. External circumstances and other people can only be the instrumental factors, so they can’t force anyone to be stressed. The primary causes of stress are intrinsic. We will discuss those in more detail in future videos. Since each consciousness and particle in nature perform their own actions, we cannot always control circumstances through our desires. Therefore, when we encounter an unfavorable outcome, the circumstances are not completely under our control. However, did situations force us to perceive them as unpleasant and indulge in negative feelings? No, we choose to perceive them adversely and feel sad about it thinking that we are controlling the circumstances around this outcome.

1. Continuous Change (Dravyatva) is an attribute of a substance by which the change of states within each substance is continuous without any interruption or end while the substance remains one entity. All living bodies are undergoing physical changes every moment such as blood flowing through veins, neurons transmitting signals and changing the look of the body. This means that the change is inevitable. Nothing in life will remain as is and not being able to accept change can cause stress. This principle would allow us to combat stress related to our looks and wealth because we know that these things are temporary in nature. 

These three common attributes are well observed postulates that apply to all substances in the universe. 

These common attributes, which were narrated by Jain Tirthankar Mahavir Swami during 6th century BCE, were first documented by Jain Acharya Devsen Swami during 7th century CE in his very famous treatise called “Aalap Paddhati”.

After learning about the consciousness being the source of our awareness, beliefs and emotions, you may be curious to know how exactly do they form within the consciousness. We will discuss that topic in the next video. 

Before you go, don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe. Feel free to leave your questions in the comments section.

References:

1. Acharya Devsen. Aalap Paddhati. ~550 C.E. 

Hindi translation and explanation by Bhuvendrakumar Shastri. 1989 C.E.

Available at: https://jainelibrary.org/book-detail/?srno=001365