The Coronavirus pandemic has awakened us all from our collective slumber and ‘everything goes as usual’ kind of indifference. It is a warning that unless we change our lifestyle to a planet-friendly, socially conscious and personally healthy regime, things are going to go out of control, and no government or amount of dollars will be able to rescue us from an ever-worsening situation.
Therefore it is high time for collective reflection and action.
Authorities have asked us to practise social distancing and social isolation. The Bhagavad Gita exhorts us to practise vivikta desa sevitvam (court solitude), aratir jana samsadi (avoid crowds) and adhyatma jnana nityatvam (self-abidance) — 13.10–11.
I am going to do precisely that — one month of social isolation and solitude. I may not reveal my Timbuktu location, but I will be communicating my reflections to you periodically. I will be checking my emails every day, but appreciate no phone calls.
My initial reflections on the raging Coronavirus pandemic: I propose the philosophy of Don't-Worry-ism.
Nothing is created or destroyed — there are only transformations — meaning the objective world of forms is only appearance, a linguistic expression, of one great reality, the Brahman. You are that Brahman. Therefore don't worry!
No virus can affect the brave, bold and self-abiding, whose immunity is high. Therefore don't worry! Even if your immunity is low, worrying only depletes your immunity even further. Therefore don't worry.
There is enough space in the world for the 7.2 billion individuals to keep five feet distance from each other. Therefore don't worry!
There is enough food and provisions for all of us in the world, provided we care — and we do care in crisis situations. Therefore don't worry!
With fewer vehicles on the road, fewer aeroplanes in the sky, fewer factory fumes in the air, fewer footfalls in the malls, less spending on non-essential items, less junk food in the stomach, fewer nervous and feverish activities, less violence on the streets — human beings can now take a much-needed break. Therefore don't worry!
With humility and faith in our hearts, discernment and clarity in our minds, with relaxed muscles and a cool nervous system, with detached engagement, we now have ample time to contemplate the future of humanity, make the necessary course correction, envisage the road ahead and see an opportunity in this calamity. Therefore don't worry!
Human ingenuity, courage and spontaneity manifest like an emergency light under an existential threat, pushing humanity to a higher level of culture and community. Therefore don't worry!
Our unfortunate brothers and sisters, living on the margins of society, below the poverty line, in city slums and outposts of villages, will need substantial material and financial (even emotional) support to tide over the ill effects of shutdowns and lockdowns, due to loss of jobs and income — and we who can afford it must step forward to bear that extra burden, as the government makes money transfers to them.
It is time for us to turn to the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, yajna dana tapah karma na tyajyam (18.3): promote collective action dedicated to God and fellow beings, share scarce resources, lead a minimalist life.
Don't worry! Keep your cool! And awaken the intelligence of the Spirit!
Nothing is impossible for a determined humanity, with their collective intelligence, compassionate hearts and soaring imagination, ready to get down to tackle a stupendous challenge like Covid-19.
May all be happy. May all be healthy. May all come to see and hear what is auspicious. May no one ever suffer. Let those words of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad inspire our thoughts and actions.
Much love and prayers.
Swami Bodhananda Sarasvati
Chairman, Sambodh Foundation India & The Sambodh Society Inc. USA