A few things recently happened in my life and I was re-visited by my old friends; Disappointment and Despair. I then read this passage by Joseph Campbell that (as is often the case) came to me at just the right moment. I hope this blog does the same for you.
Old friends or enemies?
Let’s start with the quote…
“Nietzsche was the one who did the job for me. At a certain moment in his life, the idea came to him of what he called ‘the love of your fate.’ Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, ‘This is what I need.’ It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment—not discouragement—you will find the strength is there. Any disaster that you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow.
Then, when looking back at your life, you will see that the moments which seemed to be great failures followed by wreckage were the incidents that shaped the life you have now. You’ll see that this is really true. Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not. The crisis throws you back, and when you are required to exhibit strength, it comes.”
~Joseph Campbell
Disappointment and despair are deeply human emotions, often intensified by feelings of loneliness and isolation. Whether it’s the collapse of dreams, the loss of a loved one, or an overwhelming sense of not belonging, these feelings can spiral into a profound sense of desolation. However, from a yogic and Hindu philosophical perspective, these emotions and experiences are not random afflictions but lessons on the path of spiritual growth.
In yogic philosophy, life is seen as a series of opportunities for growth, purification, and self-realization. Yogi Ramacharaka, a key figure in bringing Eastern teachings to the West, suggests that every experience, whether pleasant or painful, holds the potential for inner transformation. This understanding aligns with the broader Hindu belief that life, in its entirety, is a journey toward moksha—liberation from the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth.
When we experience disappointment and despair, it is easy to feel like victims of circumstance. However, from a yogic standpoint, these moments are teachers. The pain we feel often arises from attachment—our desire for things to go a certain way, our hopes and dreams tied to a particular outcome. Raja Yoga teaches that we can transcend these attachments through mindfulness, self-discipline, and meditation, seeing every experience as a stepping stone to greater awareness.
Hindu philosophy, especially within Vedanta, holds that the sense of separation is an illusion, known as maya. The Atman, or individual soul, is never separate from the Brahman, the universal consciousness. This means that, at the deepest level, we are never truly alone. Loneliness is born from the mind’s illusion of separateness, but in truth, we are all interconnected. The practice of yoga aims to dissolve this illusion, allowing us to experience the unity of all life.
In times of loneliness, it is vital to remember that the Divine resides within us and in all beings. When we feel isolated from others, we can turn inward to reconnect with the eternal presence that is always with us. This awareness shifts the perspective from one of abandonment to one of divine accompaniment.
Both Hindu and yogic philosophies encourage us to embrace life’s difficulties as lessons. Karma, the law of cause and effect, plays a significant role here. The challenges we face, including disappointment and loneliness, are often the results of past actions or choices—either in this life or previous ones. However, these challenges are not punishments but opportunities for growth.
By accepting life as a constant teacher, we can start to see our struggles with new eyes. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we begin to ask, “What can I learn from this?” This shift in mindset opens the door to transformation. Every setback becomes a stepping stone to greater wisdom and inner peace.
In moments of deep despair and loneliness, the repetition of a mantra can help center the mind and connect us with the deeper truths of existence. One powerful mantra is “Aham Brahmasmi” (अहं ब्रह्मास्मि), which translates to “I am Brahman” or “I am the infinite reality.”
Here is a link to this Mantra repeated 108 times if you were Japa Inclined!
This mantra serves as a reminder of our true nature. By repeating it, we affirm our unity with the cosmos and the Divine, dissolving the illusion of separateness that fuels loneliness. It helps us transcend the narrow confines of the ego and experience the vastness of our existence.
When you find yourself overwhelmed by disappointment or the weight of isolation, try sitting quietly, closing your eyes, and repeating “Aham Brahmasmi” aloud or in your mind. Let the words resonate within you, gently reminding you that you are part of something far greater than your individual circumstances.
Disappointment, despair, and loneliness are powerful emotions, but they are also opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. The yogic and Hindu philosophies teach that these experiences are not punishments or signs of failure but lessons on the path of spiritual evolution. By embracing the teachings of unity, self-inquiry, and the use of mantras like “Aham Brahmasmi,” we can transcend the illusion of separateness and discover the infinite, divine presence that is always with us.
In this journey, we come to realize that we are never truly alone, and even the most painful experiences are stepping stones on the path to spiritual awakening.
Explore some of our online programs and the upcoming meditation retreat. We are excited to assist you in continuing your path of self-discovery!
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Thank you for this.