August Theme
Vitarka Bhadane Pratipaksha Bhavanam

Vitarka Bhadane Pratipaksha Bhavanam

When disturbed by negative thoughts, cultivate the opposite

VItarka (harmful, negative)
Bhadane (afflicted by)
Pratipaksha (opposite, contrary)
Bhavanam (cultivate)

Our inner work truly begins when negative thoughts arise. While we can practice monitoring our thoughts during peaceful moments, it remains a rehearsal until applied during times of mental duress.

The word bhavanam (cultivate) implies active effort: plowing the earth, prepping the soil, and planting seeds. In our inner work, this means facing what afflicts us to build a truthful perspective, cutting through the maya (illusion) that these thoughts and emotions define us.

This aphorism is related to Sutra I:33, which teaches that we can calm the mind by cultivating:

  Maitri: Friendliness toward the happy
  Karuna: Compassion toward the unhappy
  Mudita: Joy toward the virtuous
  Upekshanam: Equanimity toward the wicked

When you find yourself mired in negative thoughts, step back and notice where they sit within you, then ponder where Maitri, Karuna, Mudita, or Upekshanam exists. We ultimately overcome duality when we extend the same grace and kindness to ourselves as we do to others.