Are You Hiding Behind a Cloak of Spirituality?

Have you ever heard of the term, Spiritual Bypassing? It is also known as Spiritual Sublimation. They are relatively new terms in the field of psychology. They are one and the same thing and in brief, they refer to using ’spirituality’ as a tool for escape in the same way that you might use alcohol or drugs. In this way, you never confront your negative traits. The term, spiritual bypassing was coined by the late John Welwood, a prominent psychotherapist. In his classic book, Toward a Psychology of Awakening, he defines the term as using “spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep personal, emotional ‘unfinished business,’ to shore up a shaky sense of self, or to belittle basic needs, feelings, and developmental tasks.” The goal of such practices, he claims, was enlightenment. 

But, real spirituality is about walking one’s talk and not treating people or the environment badly. Real spirituality is about building positive traits like integrity, respect, transparency, kindness and compassion, and even punctuality. It is not for hiding behind a veil of meditation or whatever your practice happens to believe in. It is about facing your negative tendencies and finding resolutions for them.

Spiritual bypassing can be mentally more dangerous than drugs and alcohol. This does not mean that I am condoning these, but it can push the negative tendencies so deep down that one does not even realise that one has them. In other words, people who experience spiritual bypassing continue to smile and ‘be positive’ and bottle up what is deep down. It is like they enter into a deep denial of what is really there. This can culminate in a heavily burdened subconscious state which, in turn can lead to a ‘split’ personality’ or psychosis or repressed emotions. It leads to an inability to share negative aspects of their personality for fear of not appearing’ good’ in others’ eyes. 

As an Ayurveda and Yoga practitioner, I have seen these cases from time and time. People in such a ‘category’ can also be very divisive and can develop anti-social behaviour to those they perceive as ‘ nonspiritual’.

To prevent spiritual sublimation or spiritual bypassing, the individual can perhaps make an attempt to be more honest about what is really going on inside his head or in his thoughts. 

My advice to people who suffer from this is usually to develop kindness, integrity, respect, transparency and punctuality in day-to-day life in a way that they may be able to achieve these goals.

Ayurveda says that we need to analyse our actions daily so that we do not repeat the same mistakes repeatedly.

There is a way out, however. If ever you find yourself in this predicament, seek a good guide or counsellor to help yourself unravel what lies deep below the surface.

Renu Gulati

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The Ayurveda Way with Covid

There is a big discussion going on now about the application of Ayurveda in Covid. Whilst Ayurveda clearly recognises COVID as a critical medical issue there are potentially many treatments for it.

Ayurveda is an individualised science and does not, in general, believe in a one-off cure for all. Each individual is treated differently in Ayurveda and although we recognize COVID as a virus, the pathogenesis for the condition is different for all and so, therefore, is the treatment.

Whilst there might be much research going on in Ayurveda for the Panacea to Covid, there is none.

There are 8 interconnected limbs of Ayurveda. We will go into the most relevant ones here.

Kayachkitsa is the treatment of diseases affecting the whole body. Covid affects the whole organism.

Salakyatantra is the treatment of diseases affecting the head and neck region. Covid affects these areas.

Agadatantra is the treatment of poisons. Covid is a poison borne of poison.

Rasayanatantra deals with rejuvenation and prevention of diseases in other words immunity.

All can be relevant in Covid treatment and Ayurveda, in any event, relates to the whole and works on the concept of balancing the 5 elements, space, air, fire, water and earth.

Regarded in India as an alternative system of medicine standing in its own right and not a complimentary one. Other countries describe Ayurveda as a complementary system and in India, we do use Ayurveda in association with modern medical drugs where the need be.

Ayurveda has a diagnostic process for the patient involving sparshanam, darshanam and prashanam which means touch, sight and questioning respectively. We, as Ayurveda practitioners are supposed to go through one or more of these processes to come to an analysis of how the disease manifests. Without this, we cannot reach the root of the disease and therefore provide an appropriate treatment course using internal medicines, external treatments and diet and lifestyle changes.

The fundamental principles of Ayurveda are dharma which is in its raw state is Ahimsa(non-harm) and also that the universe is an interconnected organism. When one part is harmed so is another and this is an unending process which can lead to disease of the entire universe and all within it.

Had we lived based on ahimsa, we all know we would not be afflicted by Covid. We have harmed the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

Ayurveda has a different way of looking at the world compared to modern science. The five elements of space, air, fire, water and earth are the building blocks for the entire universe, innate or non-innate. There are different proportions of the elements contained in everything which in turn accounts for diversity. That which is innate is described to also have prana/chi, an unseen life force.

When we harm the 5 elements, we harm ourselves. What have we not harmed? Each of the 5 elements is toxic and now so is the world at large. Space, the container of life is contaminated by what lies within it. The Air, the breath of life is contaminated by unhealthy fumes. Is so much travel necessary now that we have the virtual world which in turn has its effect on the air we breathe? Are we going to reduce our carbon footprints or go on tour and have work meetings abroad?

Let’s look at the fire, an element that is responsible for transformation. Transformation in modern scientific terms can be looked at as chemical reactions. The chemical reactions that take place to produce harmful products in turn poison the other elements.

Moving on to water, the sustainer of life, how much poison have we put into her through the unhealthy chemical processes we have performed. Mostly, we have to filter or UV most of our drinking water which in turn has its adverse consequences.

Finally mother Earth, the densest of all elements Well, we all know what we have done to her. Pesticides, fertilizers, monocultures etc. We have damaged the soil and the food we eat.

The whole ecosystemic universe has been damaged at the cost of consumerism. We, therefore, live in a toxic environment, where further toxicity can breed.

Done is done but from now on we have to live a life of ahimsa, to prevent and heal Covid, let alone all the other diseases.

Modern medicine has not yet found a solution for Covid.

There are solutions in Ayurveda but as said earlier, we need to treat on a case by case basis.

Who is willing to come to Ayurveda for treatment. Which Ayurveda Doctor is willing to treat according to traditional methods of diagnostics and pure medicinal formulas written in our ancient texts. More importantly, which patient is willing to come to Ayurveda with full Trust that he/ she can be healed through this process. Where there is no trust, there is no healing.

Trust in Ayurveda can be established through knowledge of its scientific methodology. The best place to start building trust in Ayurveda is by introducing it in our schools and homes at an early age.

Renu Gulati

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Psycho-emotional Health During Lockdown

I heard that the UK is being afflicted with more psycho-emotional conditions during COVID. This could be the same in India but because of the social taboos, they don’t get recorded. I can’t comment on other countries.

According to Ayurveda, social health is integral to overall health. For those of you who are getting affected by loneliness, social media is one option but even better is talking to people close to you and those whom you trust rather than strangers on social media. Video calls are good as they give you some contact. For others, they enjoy the solitude of aloneness.

For those living in a family-like setup or with others, isolation may not be the problem. Having your buttons pushed is the issue. Indians and perhaps slum areas in other countries, the people u live with are in your face is an issue.

Isolation is a killer and so is conflict. What’s the answer?

Isolated people could do more chatting online with loved ones. Those in group situations could do more in the way of deeper conversation and setting boundaries for personal space and time.

Counsellors are also available online. Take your pick if you can afford it.

There are a whole load of other methods to alleviate suffering.

In the end, u r born alone, suffer alone and die alone.

Be with your aloneness and not with your loneliness.

We don’t want a mental health crisis on our hand’s post-COVID.

Renu Gulati

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Charity From The Heart

Does the charity have to be given from the heart? In the Vedic scriptures, we were told to donate a percentage of our income to charity whether we liked it or not. It was also said that we are not to make a show of our charity, that it was wise to do it anonymously.

I imagine some people did not want to donate but this was discipline. Disciplines are not always comfortable but when advised by the wise elders, they usually bear good results.

The donation system ensured that the land was not poor, that no man would starve.

Currently, in the COVID Crisis, we have been requesting funds to feed the poor here in India, women, children and migrant workers.

Stree Team Distributing in Rishikesh

Did the British Raj not say that no man starves in India and they were yet to see a country like this. I have also heard that donating a percentage to charity is also recommended in other cultures.

Nowadays I am not sure how many people donate. My belief, on the one hand, is that donations given from the heart are more beneficial for the donee and donor. On the other hand, will all hearts be inclined to give? Giving can be in the form of time and work and goods, not necessarily money.

Some interesting quotes I picked up today from a friend which sum up a lot of what I have said above.

‘Many people find the hardship of others a burden! They prefer not to know. Many reserve love for their immediate family. That is how it is’

‘You only want money from those that want to give. Otherwise, it is not wholesome’

Obligation can encourage à sense of responsibility towards others. After all, parents feel an obligation to protect and support their children. It is a naturally occurring phenomenon; generosity is also naturally occurring and should be encouraged where possible. Everything else on the spectrum of greed to generosity is just that: on the spectrum. I ask myself, which end do I prefer to be on!

Nevertheless, a discipline of giving may open the heart and a feeling of connectivity with the society which is in itself integral to the health of the individual, family and society.

Renu Gulati

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‘Be Good, Do Good’

This is the motto of Swami Shivananda, a great saint who was based in Rishikesh.

We have so-called spiritual organisations and charitable organisations. Can u tell me one where there is no political conflict? If we are really working for the greater good, the utilitarian perspective, as promoted by John Stuart Mill, then why the internal organisational conflicts. We all have a desire for name and fame, let’s face the truth. In regular organisations this is faced; there is no guise of ‘ I am a better person than you’. Though I do have to say in this age of political correctness this too has been creeping in.

When I was a corporate lawyer, over 12 years ago we walked our talk, be it good or bad. Since then I have event managed and worked with ‘philanthropic’ organisations. To be honest, I have never experienced so much politics and desire for the name in these organisations. These corporate organisations may not be doing’ good things but at least they are walking their talk. I personally think ‘ to thine own self be true is more important than being a fake philanthropist. Its what is in your own heart that matters most. it is that which gives u internal heaven or hell.

In conclusion and it might be a long one:

Walk your talk

Don’t try and be politically correct if you are not.

Use your highest intellect to decide your action.

Look at the longer-term consequences of your actions, not just the short ones.

If you want name and fame.. don’t be ashamed of it.

Don’t do fake philanthropy.. you are only deceiving yourself and others.

To deceive yourself will lead to inner struggle, pain, suppression and perhaps illness.

Don’t be motivated by guilt as then you will never find out who you really are. Is this not the purpose of spirituality.. do find out who u are on a relative plane and an absolute plane?

Don’t worry about what people might think if you are not philanthropic.

‘To thine own self be true and fair’

And in the words of my mum

‘ Call a spade a spade’

Renu Gulati

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Prayer in Practicality

Prayer is not the only way to freedom from suffering. Many people, both new age and traditional are praying for the welfare of the planet.

Prayer has its place say the sages but so does practical action. The latter is also prayer and meditation though I personally think practical action at a time like this, the COVID crisis, is more important than sitting and letting your mind wander, which sadly to say is what many of us do when we meditate. You may be the exception, so do let me know if you are.. would love to meet you.

Action in this time of crisis is necessary. The world or the individual is always in some sort of crisis but COVID is a huge one affecting all.

It is said in Ayurveda, that we should help those who are suffering in the following way

‘Those who have no means of livelihood, who are suffering from disease and who are afflicted with grief should be helped to the utmost extent( to get over their troubles). ‘ Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutra Sthana. chapter 2, verse 27.

Furthermore, it is said that

‘’Beggars should not be disappointed, abused or objected to.’’ Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutra Sthana chapter 2, verse 24.

Interestingly these verses come in the chapter on daily routine for prevention of disease.

So one could say helping others could increase our immunity.

There is much more advice on healthy conduct to ward off diseases.

I have chosen these two as these seem to be the most poignant and more applicable right now. Selflessness is also mentioned.

At the end of the chapter, it is written that those who follow the rules of ethical conduct given will have a long, happy, healthy life.

I am not saying prayers don’t help as prayers are an integral part of the universal knowledge systems entrenched in the Vedas and for that matter in most religious or spiritual traditions. Prayer is a more subtle form of healing for oneself and the universe at large.

What is prayer though? A dialogue with or request/plea to the higher powers for healing or begetting something.

Some say, praying is only effective when u are at the end of your tether and begging to the almighty from the bottom of your heart. Others say it is an affirmation of sorts. Whatever it may be to you, then do it with full conviction.

I am a believer that prayer done with as much positive, selfless action as you are able will make some change. And do remember that action is no lesser a prayer.

Communication with the almighty has many shapes and forms. The more heart in the communication the more effective the prayer.

It is my Ayurveda and Yoga Guru, Vaidya Vasudevan, who emphasized that I read Sutra Sthana of Ashtanga Hridayam to understand all the basic principles of Ayurveda and it is he, who imparted this wisdom to me through his lineage.

When you study from a genuine lineage of Ayurveda, the wisdom imparted is more authentic and powerful.

Renu Gulati

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