What happens when everyone is at home and isolation is the ...

What happens when everyone is at home and isolation is the law?ISOLATION THE FIRST MAGAZINE OF PHILOSOPHY TODAY GROUP
What happens when everyone is at home and isolation is the law?
B Y P H I L O S O P H Y T O D A Y
Content
By: - Jibin Paul
By: - Piyali Mitra
By: - Swati Arora
Isolation as Liberation By: - Supriya Sahu
Philosophy, a hope in Covid 19 pandemic and effect of the concept of kaivalya
By: - Nidhi Yadav
'Kaivalya' in Indian Thought By: - Swyam Mehrotra
"Isolation in COVID -19 era" - A major cause for mental illness
By: - Anjali Rajora
The Concept of Isolation in the context of COVID -19
By: - Dr. Jayashree Konar
()
By: - Pooja Sinha
By: - Rajan
1
Abstract:
The isolation becomes one of the most conventional concepts at the present context.
The self-isolation from the world as well as sensual pleasures (Vairagya) and the
ensconcement in the Supreme Isolation (Kaivalya) is squarely entrenched in Indian
thought system. Therefore, Kaivalya is defined as the aloofness from everything else
and remaining in the pure existence of the Self. This essay is an attempt to expose the
concept of isolation in Indian tradition. The deeper understanding in the essay finds
that isolation is not the state of eloping from the social responsibilities. Instead, it is
the responsible performance of duties without entangling towards either action or
fruits of actions. It is perfected through the practice of detachment and contemplation.
The rare but evident combination of the Supreme Isolation and Social Responsibility
is presented in the essay as the distinctive and unique feature of Indian tradition. The
self-discovery in the quarantine without snubbing the social responsibility is the
relevancy of the thought.
2
INTRODUCTION:
self-isolation and quarantine becomes
and corner of the universe. To mitigate
and flatten the pandemic, the self-
isolation and quarantine functions as
one of the proactive exit-strategy. The
fear, anger, and anxiety over the grief
of the isolation embroil one to distress
and depression. But, an Indian mind
that deeply rooted in its own rich and
prolific tradition can never succumb to
it, because the concept of self-isolation
and quarantine has positive and
liberative motif in Indian tradition. The
detachment from the world as well as
sensual pleasures (Vairagya) and the
ensconcement in supreme isolation
Indian thought system without
or escapism from the responsibilities.
Understanding the real sense of
isolation incrementally nurtures and
society. This is an attempt to expose the
concept of isolation in Indian tradition,
which significantly bolsters to face the
grief of pandemic with a positive and
2 Kaivalya Upaniad . 2.2.
begins with the understanding and
interpretation of the concept of
isolation in Indian thought system and
this interpretive understanding
implications of the concept of isolation.
THE CONCEPT OF ISOLATION
the absolute isolation is identified as
‘Kaivalya’ or Kevalajñna. Kevala in
Sanskrit means ‘mere’. Kaivalya is the
noun form of kevala and, therefore,
‘mereliness’ which means homogenous
‘Supreme Isolation’ or ‘Supreme
Aloneness’. Kaivalya Upaniad (2.2)
absolute oneness which destroys the
endless experience of change and
multiplicity (sasrravananam).
attains the fruit of liberation (kaivalya
phalamaunate); indeed, one attains
of kevala which means ‘single’ and jñna
which means’ knowledge’. Thus, the
etymological meaning of kevalajñna is
Philosophy Today Vol. 1 2020
3
isolation is perfected through the
practice of detachment and meditation,
according to Indian tradition.
Prakti and Kaivalya is the state of
liberation.3 It is the state of
reimbursement of the original status of
guas (Sattva, rajas and tamas) in Prakti
and ensconces Purua in its purity
which will be resulted in the extinction
of the sufferings (dhytmika,
discriminative enlightenment (between
Kaivalya. According to Yoga, the
suffering and ignorance (klea and
avidya) is due to modifications of citta
and therefore, Yoga aims at “the
suppression of the modification or
fluctuations of citta”4 by ‘the practice
(Abhysa) and detachment (Vairgya)’.5
3 Skhyakrika: 17. 4 Yogastra: 1.2. 5 Yogastra: 1.12.
transform nature by restricting his/her
citta. With the self-restriction,
Kaivalya is the state of ‘the Self (Purua)
in itself.’7 It implies that ‘the supreme
consciousness is established in its own
self and remains all alone because it is
dissociated from Buddhi.’ Therefore,
self-imposed containment
potencies and actuality of the self (Self-
resilience and self-reliance).
Absolute Brahman. Vedntasra says,
the Absolute Brahman, the Supreme
Isolation, and the embodiment of Bliss,
in which there is not even the
appearance of duality.”8 Tattvabodha
and tmabodha enumerate the
pedagogy for the inheritance of the
6 S. Radhakrishnan, (2008), p. 309. 7 Yogastra: 4.26; 34. 8 Vedntasra: 226.
4
of withdrawal from adjectival identities
such as caste, clan, family, individual as
well as material possessions, body, and
sensual pleasures etc. and is firmly
ascertained ‘I am not these
multiplicities of identities but I am
unattached and of the nature of
Saccidnanda (Existence-
Consciousness-Bliss), effulgent
Brahman alone (brahmaivhamasmiti)’.9
oneself from all these multiplicities and
realises the pure oneness within.
tmabodha briefs out the nature of
pedagogy of isolation or negation
(atadvyvttirpea) like this; “Realise
(advayam), indivisible (akhaam), one
substratum, realised after negation of
all tangible objects
9 Tattvabodha: pp. 110-111; tmabodha: 31-38. 10 tmabodha: 57. 11 Sayuttanikya: 153.
realisation is the immediate knowledge
(aparokajñna) which leads
one who is perfect in virtues
(savvagua), fully accomplished
(paripua), all-powerful (savvayoga)
actuality (kevalajñna) is the
Jaina dogmatic and philosophical
does not coexist with any other type of
knowledge.13 When the omniscience
because the omniscience evolves only
when all the knowledge covering
karma is totally eliminated. There is
another explanation for kevala in Jainas
tradition.14 The first four types of
knowledge are procured by the
corresponding karmic suppression as
well as the augmentation of
12 Indra Candra Shastri, (1990), p. 365. 13 Tattvrthastra: 1.31. 14 Indra Candra Shastri, (1990), p. 366.
5
kevalajñna is all alone the self. Hence,
‘the Supreme Isolation’ has two
implications in Jainas philosophical
omniscience in the self at the time of
liberation and the sole role of the self in
the genesis of the omniscience.
THE EXQUISITE CONVERGENCE
isolation and the social responsibility
seems to be little bit paradoxical in
appearance. But, the convergence is
well evident and true in Indian
tradition. The concept of Nikmakarma,
Lokasagraha, Boddhisattva, Arhat,
epitome of such model. It echoes social
responsibility of the liberated people.
Social distance and self-quarantine
containment and which fleeing away
from social responsibility. It never asks
to ostracise others (dvea). According to
the approaches of Indian tradition, the
15 Bhagavatgta: 3.5. 16 Bhagavatgta: 3.8. 17 Bhagavatgta: 2.47.
quarantine cannot be considered as the
constrainment or suspension of activity
but stimulation of activity. Bhagavatgta
(3.5) teaches that there is no one who
can remain without action, even for a
moment. Indeed, all beings are
compelled to act by their qualities born
of material nature (the three guas).15
Gta propels, “niyata kurukarmatva
karmajyyo hyakarmaa”, which means
should always perform duty without
the desire of fruits (Nikmakarma).17
Therefore, it is not renunciation of
action but renunciation in action. The
pure soul (yoga-yukta viuddhtm) after
restricting his mind and senses
(vijittm jitendriyah) work for the
universe (sarva-bhttma-bhttm)
for the betterment of the universe (loka-
sagraham), leads one to perfect state of
life. It set an example for the rest of the
universe to follow which creates ‘a new
normal life’.19 Thus, those actions of a
liberated being are without any
subliminal imprints.20 The concepts
18 Bhagavatgta: 5. 7. 19 Bhagavatgta: 3.20. 20 Yogastra: 4.6.
6
social responsibility of a liberated being
to help the common people to cover the
ocean of sufferings (sasra) and to
help for the benefit of humanity. All of
the concepts unanimously profess the
performance of social responsibility
and devoid of delusion (moha).
THE TRAJECTORY TOWARDS THE
COMPLETE ISOLATION: A PATH
OF PRACTICE AND DISCIPLINE
attachment (vtargaviayam) has its
towards liberation. Yogastra proclaims
detachment (vairgya) are necessary
state of mind through mental and
physical discipline which leads to
concentrate ‘the self in itself’. It is
perfected through the state of utter
desirelessness (Paravairgya).22
21 Yogastra 1.12. 22 Yogastra: 1.13-16
of detachment (vairgya) like this,
“ihasvargabhogeu icchrhityam which
and in heaven.’23 The self-regulated
withdrawal from the sensual pleasures
(Pratyhara) nurtures dispassion in our
carvings as well as mastery over the
senses and animates the process of self-
discovery.24 Buddhism and Jainism
and Guasthna respectively which
tradition ensures that by the practice of
detachment and isolation from sensual
desires as well as self-absorption
through concentration and
a victim of destiny but becomes a
maker of destiny.
quarantine’ have already dealt in
Indian tradition before ages. From the
above discussions, it is well evident
truth that the isolation has a liberative
motive in Indian tradition. At the point
23 Tattvabodha: pg. 16. 24 Yogastra: 2. 48; 55.
7
realise the Supreme loneliness or
Isolation. It is corollary to
discriminative enlightenment and
liberation. The transcendental
to be practiced in the transactional level
through the life of detachment and
concentration. The detachment from
trajectory towards Kaivalya. The
desire and unleashed from delusion
work in tandem for the betterment of
the universe. Therefore, kevalin is not
the state of eloping from the social
responsibilities. Instead, it is the
responsible performance of duties
without entangling towards either
practiced in daily life even by the
common people through the
the concept of isolation in Indian
tradition has never entails one to
distress and depression because it has
soteriological (liberation), practical,
constantly remind one to lead a
meaningful worthy life.
8
REFERENCES
Narasingha. (2011). Srinagapatanam:
Banarsidass Publishers.
Epistemology. Varanasi: P.V Research
University Press.
1
from Indian context Piyali Mitra1
Abstract:
Community forms a crux of human living. In the wake of pandemic like Covid-19 to
avoid community transmission what is most required of a responsible community
member is to follow physical distancing to curb the spread of the infectious disease
and this may lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness. But this essay speaks of
isolation with a positive connotation. It talks of isolation as solitude as the Indian
philosophy also speaks extensively about this sense of self-contemplation and
reflection to understand others as we need to know our own selves. The say speaks of
isolation as understood in Skhya philosophy. This essay talks of isolated
consciousness and the three gunas particularly of the sattvic predicaments that
enables positive mental development in human beings which is much needed in these
tested times as the present pandemic.
1 [email protected]
2
Introduction:
community is that it enables us to welcome
and help people in a way we couldn’t as
individuals” --- Jean Vanier2
to avoid community transmission what
is most required of a responsible
community member is to follow
physical distancing. In the wake of the
outbreak of any contagious disease,
state as well as local officials may
exercise measures and may also require
the public to adopt measures to curb
the spread of the infectious disease.
Now, what is physical/social
of having physical contacts with both
known and unknown people and this
definitely impact the contaminations
and affect population.
Despite the public health benefit of
physical distancing in curbing
storm of social disruptions
of aged people, adolescents and even
adult people. Loneliness leads to
increased depression rates and suicide.
Loneliness perpetuated by prolonged
human of their dignity, but how? For
those, who are denied of basic
amenities of life this self-isolation and
distancing are putting them from their
origins, their families and denying
them of basic human rights and self-
dignity. Such situations expresses
‘isolation.’
on its association with deleterious
psychophysical effects. ‘Isolation’ and
Isolation has also been studied as a
structural position potentially capable
3
isolation is an important factor in the
religious ferment that may produce
several monastic orders. Isolation
Choosing to be alone and enjoying that
experience is not loneliness rather this
is isolation that has a positive
connotation.
is a chosen solitude. When spending
time in solitude we are constantly in
confrontation with our own selves. In
this alone time, when we are aloof in a
positive sense we have our own
thoughts, doubts, emotions to
contemplate and understand ourselves
contemplation and reflection to
our own selves.
laid by the virtues of solitude. From the
various meditative practices of
Buddhism to the contemplative
3 (Krishnamurti, 1995)
forms a significant component of
practice and reflection. In fact Jiddu
Krishnamurti while reflecting on the
essence of isolation as solitude claimed,
“It’s beautiful to be alone. To be alone
does not mean to be lonely. It means the
mind is not influenced and
contaminated by society.”3 To delve
deep and understand the polymorphic
influence of the solitude upon the inner
life of the soul it is required to
understand the significance of self in
the Indian philosophical thought.
Self in Indian Philosophy
thought which is essential to
understand consciousness, self-
of isolation. Self-contemplation or
gap between knowledge of inner self to
the knowledge of outer self. According
to the Bhadavanyaka Upaniad, self or
atman that makes a seat within one’s
being is the same atman that is
considered as the light of the sun. As a
learned scholar interpreted, "Man thus
becomes the meeting point of the gods
4
The highest controlling force was the
Atman, the source of light, both
internal and external… In any case the
Upanishads accept the idea that God is
the inner most spirit within man. The
philosophical thoughts of the
explanations.”4
understanding of the nature of man as
a spiritual and psycho-physical entity.
Skhya view of philosophy holds the
inner realm of man (antahkaraa) is
consisted in mind (manas), ego
(ahamkara), and reason (buddhi).
from the Upanishads. According to the
Upanishads, the vital principle is a
variant of the mind whereas according
to the Samkhya, the vital or the life
principle is the common functionality
of the three forms of the inner
instrument or “antahkarana”. And
reason but in combination they
perform the function of biological
4 (Radhakrishnan & Raju, 1960, p. 217)
activity5. The centrality of the Skhya
idea of psyche conceives of man as
being instantaneously "active"
"organs of action" and "receptive"
through the five "organs of perception".
Skhya comes very close to
Upanishad when it opines that ‘ego’
which is central to the psyche is the
‘prime motivating force of illusion’
(abhimn). But drawing a contrast to
the monism of Upanisad Skhya
philosophy accepts a dualistic view of
reality. It makes a categorical
differentiation between the primeval
collectivity of irradiant but inactive life-
monads called Purua. The Prakti
embracing the three gunas of tamas,
rajas and sattva are all aspects of who
Brahman or greater Self is. These gunas
is pervasive of everything, not just the
greater Self but also morality, character
traits and food. In Skhya there is
neither a personal God nor an
impersonal one, neither monotheism
5
related to the manifestation of
subjective and psychological
gains visibility in the presence of
consciousness. The ‘producer element’
categorized the mental phenomena is
unconscious or acetanam and fails to
discern (aviveka). And when
consciousness succeeds in isolating
itself thoroughly from cognitive-
lost again from perception and thus the
manifested categories would
regard; the purua encompasses and
recognizes the presence of an
unalterable consciousness, absolved
(drar), who is impartial (mdhyastha)
and remains inactive or akart and is
witness (skin) to the unfolding of
events (SK 19)6 (SK: Skhyakrika). The
moment consciousness isolate itself
an individual, even if we fail to
recognize the differentiation between
thoughts cluttering the mind and the
impassive that which remains as an
isolated observer and that which is
operative.
to continue our self-research towards
the final subsistence that endures and
supports and give way to all possible
mental contents. Thus the mental life
seems to be a protraction of us.
Isolated consciousnesses and trigunas
Skhya is a pre-scientific analysis of
mind that takes into account the lived
experience and delineates
potential to transcend experience. In
the ambit of Skhya studies, this
‘isolated consciousness’ is not only a
mere distinct traits of mental realms
6
but also has a definite aspect as it is the
determining reason for cognition. We
have earlier spoke of three guas--
sattva, rajas and tamas. The mind is the
mixture of the three guas.
If the sattva (purify) elements is strong
in a person one is expected to have a
positive and meaningful attitude
train himself to remain calm, relaxed
and resistant to high stress. This kind of
attitude is highly recommendable in
the present stressful pandemic
level of rajas, tamas they would be
highly detrimental to human health for
people with these attributes tend to
remain stressed. ‘Isolated
underlies all our being and knowing.
Sattvik bhvas helps to enrich life and
make it fuller. Emotions closely
associated with sattva are precluded in
happiness, joy, love, freedom,
friendliness, creativity, fulfillment and
sattva. These triguna are connected
well with our quality of life.
Quality of life (QOL) is a dynamic
synergy between the external factors
comprising an individual’s life and the
internal perceptions and this forms a
significant component in healthcare
p-389). The traits that define life are
responsiveness to environment,
care, encompassing emotional,
being. WHO defines QOL as an
individual’s perspective of life in the
context of the culture and value
systems in which one sustain in relation
with their aims, standards,
expectations and concerns (WHO,
Tamasic disposition is the densest of all
character traits and include laziness,
hurt, apathy and ignorance. It is said
people with tamasic disposition tend to
suffer depression. With rajasic
7
tamasic factors were closely related
with impaired QOL in human
experience.
and tamasic qualities in persons with
anxiety disorders in contrast to normal
subjects as well as the prevalence of
sattvic predisposition in the latter. The
pre-eminence of rajas or tamas is
concerned with ill health. QOL
indicates rajas and tamas qualities are
related with illness and this negative
QOL is connected with mental
disorders. These psychological
verbal aggressiveness would be
that life satisfaction would dovetail in
consonance with sattva and negatively
with tamas9 (Dasgupta 1961).
consciousness’ or pure consciousness
predicaments which are necessary for
9 (Dasgupta, 1961)
Yogic practice including asanas,
prymas, kriys, mudras and
transformation within the entire
involving only academic puruit or
philosophical discourse rather this is
philosophy put to ‘practice’. It is like
delving deep into the subjective
experiential level.
blossoming of wisdom and
increase sattva within the entire
personality thus diminishing the
that merely transgress into sattvic
predicaments. Such an approach leads
to holistic development that takes into
cognizance the multidimensional
8
Reference
philosophy. Great Britain: Cambridge
Daily Meditation with Krishnamurti.
New York: Harper Collins.
statics and information systems.
Health Organization WHOQOL:
Johnson Publishing Company.
K. (2012). Sattva, Rajas and Tamas
Factors and Quality of Life in Patients
with Anxiety Disorders: A Preliminary
Investigation. Psychological Studies , 57
varaka. (L. Villegas, Trans.)
1
deal with COVID crisis Swati Arora1
Abstract:
The Indian philosophical thought from Samkhya to yoga to Jainism and Buddhism
have always advocated the positives of a liberated soul. They have outlined the paths
and directions that one should follow to overcome the suffering which one
experiences in her entire life. Our philosophies have always inculcated us to value the
‘self’ which we all possess. The COVID -19 crisis has forcefully made us think about
the sense of isolation. We could have never imagined that such a situation could affect
us. Many of us have succumbed to this pressure and are now facing mental stress and
anxiety. This article focuses on how the spiritual journey laid by our traditional
philosophers could be utilized to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. One of the key
solution to deal with such stresses, and many stresses that are yet to come is to
inculcate a sense of 'spirituality' in our education systems.
1 [email protected]
2
dualistic philosophy that represents
Purusha. Samkhya text is an approach
to free man from the realm of suffering
(internal, external, and supernatural)
existence of Prakriti (matter) is ‘form’
which is matter and always is in its
unmanifested form. The Purusha (self)
is stable, and is the ‘seer’ or the
‘observer’(Virupakshananda, 2015, pp.
rather I shall discuss more of its
philosophical impact which is relevant
for the article.
evaded from a man’s life. Samkhya
believes that the suffering is the result
of one’s ignorance. The man uses
external resources to remove suffering,
for instance, by taking medications or
precautions but the need is to find a
permanent solution. Samkhya
help serve the aim of liberation. The
Purusha (self) is not the doer, but it is
the one who sees the effect of the
manifested forms. When one realizes
the real action of Purusha in this sense,
one attains the idea of liberation that
Samkhya talks about. A disturbed
mind will always see the negativities of
its actions. But when one realizes with
the aid of knowledge, that Purusha is
distinct and superior from Prakriti,
then the detachment of soul from the
matter causes liberation. Awareness of
one’s ability to bring a change in his
life, and awareness on the qualities
where one should consciously put
efforts to improve will create a sense of
liberation in one’s life (Gramann, 2016,
p. 389). This is where Yoga Sutras of
Sage Patanjali plays their part.
Sage Patanjali lays a great deal on the
idea of Chitta and Vrttis to demonstrate
the concept of liberation which can be
accomplished by all. For Sage Patanjali,
the use of an organ can only be possible
when the mind attaches to it. For
instance, the eyes are not able to see
things solely, if the information is not
carried in the brain through nerve
signals. The mind after taking the
impression of a sensation, carries
further to the faculty of Buddhi which
3
presented in the mind area which is
called Chitta (Patanjali, 2012, pp. 9-12).
Human mind is complex and is always
in search for new thoughts. These
thoughts present us with certain force
which enforces us to react against it.
The flow of these thoughts in Chitta are
called as Vrttis. The mixture of this
action - reaction is then presented to the
real soul which is called Purusha. This
illustrates with what Newton third law
asserts- every action has an equal and
opposite reaction (Feynman, Leighton,
& Sands, 2011, p. 12).
Patanjali mentions about in his Yoga
Sutras? This whole universe is guided
by the activities of humans, and some
actions benefit them, and some are
against them. For instance, the COVID-
19 affects a man in a lot of negative
ways. A human mind creates a lot of
Vrttis during this process which are
always in flux, and are temporary. The
‘real’ man is the person which stands
behind these Vrttis, observe them
carefully and does not react to them.
The Vrttis seems like the whole
universe for us, but in reality, the Chitta
is one which needs to be understood
(Agrawal, 2013, pp. 53-58). The Chitta
must be brought to the state of
intelligence where it could be
controlled and guided towards the
path of liberation which is called as
“Kaivalya” in Indian philosophical
194). The practice of Yoga asanas and
the meditative techniques are now
widely discussed and used in public
heath domain (Manjunath & Telles,
of the article, as to how liberation in
form of ‘separation’ or ‘isolation’ ‘can
be seen as positive in regard to the
COVID-19 crisis, I will briefly discuss
Jainas and Buddhists views of
liberation. The Jainism philosophy is
broad and discusses lots of question
from philosophical point in view. But
in relation to this article, I shall discuss
the concept of ‘Kayotsarga’ which is
composed of Kaya means ‘body’ and
Sarga means ‘attachment’. The extent of
attachment is something which is
endless. One attaches oneself to his
body, his clothes, his food, his utensils,
his furniture, his car, and so on and on.
The role of ‘tapasya’ is to liberate one
4
the idea of ‘moderation’ to suggest that
one should perform ‘aparigraha’ -
2011).
that Sage Patanjali, Sage Kapila, Lord
Mahavira or Gautam Buddha talks
about? It is not a divine action, nor it is
a mere word play. The calmness of
one’s mind, the removal of doubts, and
the existence of ‘Real Being’ which is
attained by the practice of following
doctrines is what liberation is all about
(Garland, 2010, p. 93). One might
question the existence of ideas of Chitta,
Vrttis, or soul, but it is essential to see
what role these factors play in our
human life. The commonality is to
follow the idea of ‘atra dhyana’ and
‘rodra dhyana’- to free the mind of the
anxieties and stresses, and to build
one’s immune system stronger to fight
the problems which a man faces in his
life.
again created a sense of isolation in
everybody’s life. Let me illustrate this
with a short story. Presumably till
March of this year, everybody was
engaged in one or the other tasks of
his/her own life. Some people travelled
from Noida to Gurgaon for their office
work, children spent much of their time
in schools and tuitions, the old age
people were busy in fulfilling social
ties, and people of my generation, even
if doing ‘nothing’ were busy eating
outside, meeting friends, attending
when the government announced a
complete lockdown. The situation
families. Obviously, some people
home, but a majority of them felt that
loneliness of not doing those activities
which they once performed daily. The
addition of loss of jobs specifically for
those who sustained on a daily wage
basis hardened the life of those
workers.
aware of the fact that a majority of us
will spent time with ‘oneself’ rather
than the others. This is somewhat an
5
Prime, or whether it means to install
applications like Facebook or
Government statistics globally many
people experienced anxiety, depression
many cases. The tragic death of actor
Sushant Singh Rajput is one of a classic
example. All the above instances force
us to question whether living with
oneself in isolation is so difficult?
How our Indian philosophical concept
of liberation might be helpful to deal
with these stresses. It is important for
us to recognize that dealing with
mental thoughts is the first and
foremost thing that one should attend
to. It is essential to keep one’s mind
calm and be aware of the Buddhist
thought that everything is temporary
and is in flux. The tough moments
which one experiences in their life will
fade away as the time passes. One
needs to detach from the ongoing
materialistic stress where one has no
control over them. Second, it is
important for us to understand the real
meaning of ‘self’. We are not the doer,
but we are creator, the creator of our
worries and ill mental thoughts.
Everything is in the mind. Once we can
control the turbulence of our mind, the
turbulence of the world can then be
dealt with. We need to dedicate to the
so-called spiritual journey not only
when the crisis arises, but daily some
time should be spent on doing yoga
and meditation. It is important for us to
concentrate on what we are and what
we can be rather than what we have
become.
situations that has affected us today,
however, for thousands of years of
human evolution, we all have dealt
with some or the other issues and there
are more to come. One cannot become
weak and intolerant towards these
situations. The concept of solitude that
is embraced in our Indian
philosophical thought is to make one
aware of the ‘happiness’ and
‘contentment’ which one experiences
detachment from the material world,
job, money or car are pity things to be
worried about. Every human faces
these detachments in one way or the
other. The important point is to find
6
COVID has brought us in all is
something which we would have never
deliberately caused for us. Nobody
could have ever thought of sitting with
‘oneself’ among all the responsibilities
which one has to fulfill. But this
moment should be taken as positive to
understand what we are really and
how can we become better.
One solution to the above problem is to
inculcate in our education system the
sense of calmness which one can attain
during meditation. We always raise our
children to be competitive, to fight for
themselves. But in addition to this, we
have to inculcate a spiritual aspect
among all. We cannot be together
always, and one cannot always find
himself with others. There are tons of
situations which will come in one form
or other where we will find that
isolation. But in those situations, one
must seek to find ‘oneself’.
7
Bibliography
Psychological benefits of Yoga.
Allied Sciences, 2, 53-58.
Buddhism as enduring historical
streams. Journal of the
Anthropological Society of Oxford,
practice: University press of
John Wiley & Sons.
Sands, M. (2011). The Feynman
lectures on physics, Vol. I: The new
millennium edition: mainly
dharma, and the helping
necessity of self-care.
Processes, and Significance:
Improved performance in the
and pharmacology, 45(3), 351-354.
Of Patanjali-The Book Of The
Spiritual Man (Annotated
Edition): Jazzybee Verlag.
Tattva Kaumudi of Sri Vacaspati
Misra: Lulu Press, Inc.
1
Abstract:
Actually, A crisis whether it plays out at the level of a whole world at a larger scale,
or whether it is more localized to just society or a single person, affects the emotions
and psyche in a quite similar way. With this premise, our essay starts and discuss that
when a crisis leads to a rapid and extensive change in the patterns of our life it is quite
disorganised which causes panic, traumas and conflicts and analyse how solitude and
self-realisation can help us tackle such situation. As Michael Mahoney explains: “It is
not easy to maintain a coherent sense of identity, self-worth, or competence in the face
of multiple and chronic challenges to old patterns.”2i During a world-wide crisis, a
mass will tend to fear most the threats that precipitated the catastrophe, but
depending on the nature of these fears and predicament, it is this existential crisis to
our sense of self that may prove most dangerous. Fortunately, with some wisdom of
the process that leads to a breakdown, we can find some steps and ways to fortify our
psyche and can retain the world and its progress on the path. Present sense of
isolation which emerged due to Covid-19 pandemic and all-around shock which it
gave us a good opportunity to re-think and reflect on the whole purpose of Isolation
and detachment in the psycho-philosophical paradigm to help the humanity and to
prevent any future pandemic. The present essay is focused upon the Indian
philosophical exposition of solitude and self-realisation resonating to the
contemporary scenario and how the virtue of solitude can help us to overcome so
many problems throughout the world
1 [email protected] 2 Mahoney, Michael .Human Change Processes, Basic Books, 1991,preface
2
has become conformity that Human
beings are intrinsically social by nature
and isolation is a cause to many mental
illnesses in him. If they are kept alone
for too long their mental faculties can
get disturbed, leading to states of
traumas and despair. The use of
solitary confinement and exile are
practised with ancient roots such as
Indian and Greek thoughts, suggest
that our saint and sages have long
grasped how deeply the fear and
anxiety of isolation runs through the
veins of humans …so they sought some
ways to fight this fear and came up
with a solution that solitude is
something which helps us to heal
ourselves and connect to our deepest
self .it help us to realise our true nature
… as Anthony Storr while writing
about the solitude stressed over the
need for interpersonal relationships in
the maturing of personality and
character. He wrote ‘‘... I still believe
this; but I want to add a rider to the
effect that maturation and integration
can take place within the isolated
individual to a greater extent than I had
3 Storrs, Anthony. Solitude: A Return to the Self, Simon and Schuster, (2005 ) , p. 147
allowed for…introverted creators can
define identity and achieve self-
realization by self-reference, that is, by
interacting with their work rather than
by interacting with other people.’’3
When we try to introspect (manan) the
lesson of solitude from Indian
philosophical perspective we find that
the Solitude is way to holistic self-
change and rebirth of psyche and spirit
as it sets a way for us to free ourselves
from the needs and false expectations
of other and which turns our attention
inward which can be a better way to
learn who we are. And as the concept
note of this essay competition suggests
that – ‘‘‘solitude’ is not a novel concept
for Indian philosophical and religious
traditions. Conversations about
also known as ‘Kaivalya’ in various
religious systems. According to
from prakriti which provides liberation
from the cycle of rebirth. Even in
Buddhist and Jaina thoughts isolation
and detachment are the central pillars
to attain Moksha Current state of
3
opportunity to re-think and reflect on
the whole purpose of Isolation and
detachment in the philosophical
approach to explore to strengthen the
self with solitude.
well as a way to perfection of self as
suggested by Indian sages such as
mahatma Buddha and Patanjali but
also play a constructive role in our
reflective faculties and it is our
philosophical reflections that
possibilities and which opens up the
way to what we could become or what
we destined to become. This is not just
a utopian idea rather an affirmed idea
successfully accepted by science and
another practical discipline which
used constructively then it not only
promote personal growth abut also
manifest a more meaningful life.
Anthony Storr put it “The capacity to
be alone is a valuable resource when
4 Concept note of “Concept of ‘ISOLATION/ Kaivalya ’ in Indian Thought” , https://philosophytoday.in/index.php/1st- philosophy-today-essay-competition-2020/
changes in mental attitude are
required. After major alterations in
circumstances, the fundamental
meaning of existence may be needed. In
a culture in which interpersonal
relationships are generally considered
distress, it is sometimes difficult to
persuade well-meaning helpers that
emotional support.”5
to solitude
thoughts played a very crucial role in
the different stages of life which
provide training and environment for
realising the true –self and its
potentiality. The Four ashramas which
are Brahmacharya (the learner’s life),
Garhasthya (family life), Vanaprastha
Sannyasa (renunciation).Indian
thoughts show a beautiful balance of
Pravrtti Marg and Nivrtti Marg and
even though holds the space for
solitude. The first and foundational or
5 Storrs, Anthony. Solitude: A Return to the Self, Simon and Schuster, (2005),p-29
4
and prepare the learner for the later
part of life so that he/she can hold the
weight of responsibility without
self-realisation. Cleanliness, Celibacy,
love, Self-Free from lusty pleasures and
any other social conformity and
mediocrity etc. are the main teaching of
this Ashrama which deeply imbibe the
notion of solitude.
can be traced in other ashramas also.
Vanaprastha, the third ashrama, it’s
etymological means suggest “forest-
social Life and begin to meditate his or
her mind on philosophical questions
such what is the highest aim of life,
what is our position in the world, who
we are or who am I and many other
moral and spiritual introspections.
spends more time to austerity and
penance and spiritual matters that
concern to solitude or the individual
self …after the Vanaprashta ashrama this
process of self-seeking ends in the
Sannyasa (renunciation) in which an
individual whole renounce oneself
Supreme. The beauty of Indian thought
is that the notion of supreme is quite
liberal and can be interpreted in
numerous ways hermeneutically …
one reality has been called by many
names- “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahuda
Vadanti” As various rivers head
towards to one ocean in the same way
the end of all schools, faiths and
religions is the same. All lead to
salvation or liberation or solitude
(Samadhi). Thus if all school and
approaches lead to the same truth and
they are just the different pathways to
that their remains no reason for the
disparity.
beauty where everything has been
speculated with enough logic and
epistemology so that there may not
preside any lacuna of confusions and
5
had been prized and pursued not for its
own sake, if we may so put it, but for
the sake, and as a part, of religion. It
was sought as the means of self-
realization, as the means to the highest
end of life viz. Mukti or Emancipation’’
6. Ancient Indian insight lies in the fact
that it considers that reflection and
imagination must contribute in this
self-development and fulfilment, and
knowledge which is nothing more than
intellectual mediocrity. Here every
(purpose) that is to lead an individual
to the highest aim of life which is self-
realisation and called by different-
different names Moxa, Nirvana, Apvarga
and so on by different –different
schools. It is to be noted that every
approach in Indian thought imbibes the
idea of solitude …Karma, Gyana, Bhakti,
Ashramas, Purushartha, Varna all have
hidden notion of solitude which aims
to self-realisation. The notion of
Nishkama Karma, Gyana in its highest
form that is Atmangyana, and Bhakti in
itself is way to solitude in which an
6 Mukherjee, R.K., Hindu Civilization Longman, Green and Co. London, 1936,p. 111
individual connect himself to one
consciousness or to one thing …a total
absorption. Similarly, as we discussed
above the path of Ashramas and
Purshrtha is also philosophical
preparedness to solitude and
birth-death cycle.
cleared that the self-knowledge is the
highest aim of Indian thought and it
has been also the purpose of solitude.
This notion of self –knowledge is not
limited to the spiritual and
philosophical domain only rather
psychology and many psychological
this philosophical legacy (the concept
of knowing thyself) and consider self –
knowledge to be one of the essential
elements of a happy, tranquil and
fulfilled life. Faculty this thing can be
traced in the philosophy of antiquity
such as Greco-Roman philosophy
6
is one of the essential paths for
liberation and freedom of the self
.almost every Indian school have come
up with that notion of self-knowledge
as a way to liberation. Now the
question is genuine to philosophical
mind what does it mean to know
thyself or Atma Gyan? What sort of state
it is? Etc. The historical study of
cultures, thoughts and analysis of this
concept can give us a sense of progress
towards this idea of ‘know thyself’ or
‘Atma-Gyan’.
epistemological and self-actualised
truly aware of oneself. It is the position
of Buddhist atmadipobhav, Advata's
modernity of this approach is that we
don’t have to look for it outside rather
this self- Knowledge is inherent in man,
not outside it is one of the primary
condition or presupposition for this
path or gaol. It is not a hallucination,
mesmerisation or anything, this
through the philosophical approaches,
soul and itself ... means it holds a
philosophy of solitude. An individual
who is in the quest of this goal needs to
be in the role of questioner, as an
attendant emotional, psychological,
method of the philosophy of the
antiquity is very ancient and pristine as
well. Quest for the goal and keeping the
notion that solitude can help its
followers to discover the truths they
have in them.
a transformation of self and seeing the
world with new philosophical insight,
the ancient philosopher or the
philosophy of antiquity suggested
becoming an autonomous individual,
knowledge or awareness. This thing
has very applied strength which can
help an individual to become what one
truly is and can be easily formulated
from the philosophy of antiquity where
the concept of knowing thyself or
Atmagyan is broadly discussed. The
modern psychological theory known as
emotional intelligence that focuses
7
judiciously and empathetically. Not
holistic approach or solitude and self-
realisation have a great reach to other
approaches too such as psychoanalysis,
Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud who
explored and analysed the factors that
promote human flourishing, are the
personality who chose the path of
solitude.“It is surely remarkable that,
when they came to write their
autobiographies, the two most original
analysts of the 20th century devoted
scarcely any space to their wives and
families, or indeed anything save the
development of their respective ideas.
Both Freud’s An Autobiographical
Study and Jung’s Memories, Dreams,
Reflections are exceptionally
their discretion, and sympathize with
their desire for privacy, but we may
also justly conclude that their accounts
of themselves demonstrate where their
hearts were centred.”7
7 Storrs, Anthony. Solitude: A Return to the Self, Simon and Schuster, (2005),p-75
The utility of this concept is very
applied as well as important too for the
flourishing of the world and humanity.
Ethical crisis or issues like
environmental ethics,
issue can easily be tackled if an
individual can attain this self -realized
state of solitude. The golden principle
of morality, Atmadipobhava,
and moral values which have been an
integral part of Indian thought
culminates the conception of Atmagyan
or self-realization. If we are not aware
of true self then due to false
knowledge(Avidhya) we will guide
motivated by the immoral acts and
desires and do not take others and
anything into consideration, which
also needs to remember that this
approach of solitude and self-
realization is not life-negating or
otherworldly rather affirms all area of
life … affirms the holistic formula
8
Beauty And Goodness) which can help
the whole world live happily and
peacefully… but in the whole process
of solitude, practice and some other
virtues such as self-control, moral life
and pure conscience is prerequisite …
as Patanjali put it in yoga sutra –
abhysa-vairgya-bhy tan-nirodha
between practise (abhyasa) and
imperturbability (Vairagya).8 In a
8 TAIMNI ,I. K. (1961),The Science Of Yoga ,The Theosophical Publishing House ,sadhan pada 9 Bhagavad-gt -6.35
similar sense lord, Krishna tells to
Arjuna the importance of self-control
and practice for the sake of well-being
and positivity, lord Krishna advocates
– ‘‘…abhysena tu kaunteya vairgyea ca
ghyate. 9
traditions are rich enough in the
teaching of those values and
phenomenon which modern science
being and positivity of individual
solitude and self-realisation.
1
concept of kaivalya Nidhi Yadav1
Abstract:
Indian Philosophical Thoughts are flooded with the idea of Isolation/Kaivalya.
Though Isolation is not a novel concept in Indian thought but it is determined as the
only way to attain 'moksha'. The three classical systems of Indian philosophy namely
- the orthodox(Astika), the heterodox(Nastika) and the Indian materialistic(Charvaka)
broadly describe the concept of 'Kaivalya'. Hinduism describes the separation of
Purush(soul) from Prakriti (matter)as 'kaivalya'. Buddhism describes 'Nirvana' (true
knowledge) as the path to attend 'moksha'. While Jainism refers Kaivalya or kevala
Jana(omniscience) as supreme wisdom or complete understanding. The current
Covid-19 pandemic had also created situation of isolation but it is broadly different
from the theory of Kaivalya. Covid-19 had created separation of individual from
community and humans (being a social animal) can't live without community. Thus,
philosophy can be used to show correct path to humans so that they can utilise this
separation to attain true knowledge.
1 [email protected]
2
People in India are religious though
religion in India is not dogmatic but
Indian philosophy in not totally free
from the fascination of religious
speculation. India has a rich and
diverse philosophical tradition dating
Darshanas, the classical system of
Indian philosophy are categorised into
three broad groups namely- the
orthodox (Astika) , the heterodox
6 in number namely - Nyaya, Vaishesika,
Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta.
These orthodox systems are based on
the authority of the Vedas. Buddhism
and Jainism are heterodox systems
which are based on the authoritative
spiritual experiences of their prophets.
Charvaka is an atheist,materialistic
the forms. According to Hinduism,
four objectives in man's life are Dharma
(right conduct), Artha (right wealth) ,
Kama (right desire) and Moksha (right
exit).
greatly discussed in all the three
classical systems of Indian philosophy.
Samkhya or Sankhya (the oldest form
of orthodox system) and Yoga ( one of
the six orthodox system) had described
Kaivalya as a state of liberation
(Moksha) from rebirth where Purusha
is separated from Prakriti and vice
versa.
craving for visible and scriptural
enjoyment. - Patanjali Yoga Sutras 1:15
Although this thought of separation of
Purusha or soul (the consciousness of
an individual) from Prakriti (matter)
looks controversial due to the
predominant view that it is impossible
to isolate Purusha from Prakriti.
That non-attachment is the highest when
there comes in the desirelessness for the
qualities of the Purusha.- Patanjali Yoga
Sutras 1:16.
cosmology. Both Prakriti and Purusha
are mortal and of distinct natures.
While Prakriti is always changing itself
3
and Tamas)and Purusha is constant.
Due to ignorance of its true nature
Purusha identifies itself with products
of Prakriti and because of Karma( the
effect of both good and bad actions)
found himself bounded to this
materialistic world and thus undergoes
a series of reincarnations and
sufferings. However once the
distinct from Prakriti, the Purusha self
is no longer subject to transmigration
and 'Kaivalya' arises. Solitude ,
"moksha" is the way of isolation and
detachment. In some Upanishads
and considered as the most superior
form of Moksha. It can grant
liberation(salvation) both within the
(Videhamukti) . Moksha has various
and philosophical thoughts. Many
schools of Hinduism considered
Moksha as a "state of perfection" and
suggests that self- discipline is the path
to Dharma and Moksha is self-
discipline that it becomes unconscious,
second nature . Hence, Dharma is a
means to Moksha, however this
concept of Dharma and Moksha is
highly challenged by Nagarjuna , Adi
Shankara and Vaishnavas.2
as they all refer to the 'state of
liberation' from all causes of sorrow
and sufferings. But in modern era
literature, these words have different
premises in different religions.
Buddhism which is known as the 'state
of realisation' that there is no self (no
soul) and emptiness. While Moksha in
Hinduism, refers to 'acceptance of self
(soul),realisation of liberating
the self(soul). According to Yoga school
in Hinduism, kaivalya is the realisation
that Purusha is distinct from Prakriti
and can unite with the spiritual
4
texts use the term 'kevala or kevala
Jana' and the liberated souls are known
as 'Kevalin' . According to Digambara
tradition in Jainism, "only male can
attend spiritual liberation and women
must live an ethical life and gain karmic
merit to be reborn as a male to achieve
spiritual liberation. However in
considered important ,their main focus
is "devotion to God". We can say Sikh
concept of Moksha is same as
Hinduism and refers to spiritual
liberation.3
a novel concept in Indian Philosophical
Thought as there are many
controversial views regarding
given a chance to re-think according to
philosophical paradigm on this topic.
Isolation caused due to Covid-19
pandemic is totally different from
philosophical isolation. It had created
3 Moksha-Wikipedia. Retrieved from en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moksha(Last updated:18 August 2020)
loneliness and 'opinion battle
society will lead to the distortion of
human mind. People are finding hard
to practice social distancing and stay
inside their houses because
detached from society ) , is a severe
punishment for anyone. Aristotle, a
Greek philosopher in his book 'Zoon
Politikon' referred human beings as
political animals. Covid-19 had
worldly boundations by taking their
lives without any realisation of
liberating knowledge. While, the
Philosophical Thought deals with the
acceptance of self (soul) and this
knowledge can also be gained within
men's lifetime.
5
human mind that 'what is the correct
path to attain Moksha'? But as closely
we examine the thoughts of Hinduism
, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism we
get to know isolation or detachment is
the only way to gain true knowledge
and this knowledge leads to the path of
Moksha. Also Western philosophers
try to attain true knowledge that is
Kaivalya then only negative effects of
Covid-19 pandemic can be removed.
This is the need of hour when people
should attain mental pleasure or peace
and start looking inside their minds.
Many theories say human mind
contains whole universe , therefore
Philosophy teaches us new thoughts
and techniques which can help
humanity to evolve efficiently in whole
mankind community. During current
situation of pandemic doctors,nurses,
also help people mentally and can be
addressed as "backline warriors". As
you can see there are wide range of
schools of thought that can help you get
through. Philosophy can guide, help
and explain things easily. You will
always have a philosopher as an
answer whether you question about
government, individual choice
conclude philosophy can evolve as an
only hope in current pandemic
situation where people are deprived of
life in a community. And it can show
the correct path to humans to attain
true knowledge in this state of
isolation.
1
Abstract:
The objective of essay is to define and explain the connotation of ‘kaivalya’ according
to diverse philosophical and religious theories and differentiate it with present.
Beginning with a quote followed by small description of current situation in addition
to how we obliterated our ancient theories. It succeeds by explanation of primordial
dogma of ‘isolation’ as stated in different philosophical theories and religions. This
essay analyzes present circumstances along with how this concept has changed
overtime. Essay also mentions the motive to re-evaluate this concept of isolation. Why
it is necessary? In addition, how it benefited? Then the essay, gives a distinction
between past and present theory of isolation. Lastly, it concludes by defining how our
negligence leads to revise historical teachings and role of individual in attaining self-
realization to set free from the cycle of suffering.
1 [email protected]
2
are doomed to repeat it”
~George Santayana.
and tossed Homo sapiens’s in their
dens! No one ever thought that
'humans' would be caged, isolated, and
paralyzed.
amelioration, we obliterated the
prerequisite of human life.
"Isolation" sounds horrifying! As
into beings that are more gregarious.
We terminated our ancient
solitude, detachment, or separation,
cycle of birth-rebirth and thus
eventually are the central pillar to
attain Moksha.
means the segregation of Purusha from
Prakriti and liberation from rebirth.
Diverse philosophical and religious
theories distantly illustrate the
‘isolation/Kaivalya’ and that is
attaining liberation from the cycle of
rebirth. Let us conceive disparate
philosophical and religious theories linked
with isolation/Kaivalya --
The 34 yoga sutras Of Patanjali
elucidate-‘Kaivalya (perfect
latent. Or the power of consciousness
gets established in its own nature’i
Yoga sutras suggests~
(ignorance),
the material world,
— YOGA SUTRA (Sadhana Padas) 2:
24-25"ii
of yoga into 4 chapters of “Yoga
3
Padas.
is a collection of 34 sutras that tells the
result of yoga or the concept of freedom. iii
Upanishads:
most superior form of Moksha and the
essence of all Upanishads, higher than
the four types of Mukti. In section 2 of
the same Upanishad, Rama mentioned
that Kaivalya-Mukti is the ultimate
liberation (both jivanmukti and Videhi-
Mukti) from karma and it can be attained
by everyone through studying the 108
authentic Upanishads thoroughly from a
realized guru, which will destroy the three
forms of bodies (gross, subtle and causal) iv
In the early verses of the Yogatattva
Upanishad, the simultaneous
mutually complementary and
for destruction of errors;
knowledge set the Atman free?
Inversely, how could the practice of yoga
alone, devoid of knowledge, succeed in the
task?
energies to both simultaneously.
in Ajnana (ignorance);
– Yogatattva verses 14–16v
The text defines "knowledge",
the real nature of Kaivalya (Moksha) as
the supreme seat, the stainless, the part
less, and of the nature
of sachhidanand" (truth-
knowing/ omniscient in Jainism it
somewhere around mean as complete
understandingvi . Jain scriptures speak
attained kevala jnana, apprehended as
kevalins. According to the Jains, only
kevalins can comprehend objects in all
aspects and manifestations; others are
only capable of partial knowledgevii.
4
Whereas in Buddhism The words
Moksha, nirvana (nibbana) and Kaivalya
are sometimes used synonymously, viiibecause they all refer to the state that
liberates a person from all causes of
sorrow and suffering.
Buddhism, is a state of realization that
there is no self (no soul) and Emptiness;
while Moksha, a concept common in
many schools of Hinduism, is
acceptance of Self (soul), realization of
liberating knowledge, the
the Self.ix
Moksha, rather than nirvana begins in
some schools of Hinduism such as the
Yoga school. Kaivalya is the realization
of aloofness with liberating knowledge
of one's self and union with the
spiritual universe. Example- the yoga
sutras of Patanjali suggests isolation
leads to liberation.
Indian thoughts. Overtime this concept
of “isolation” has transformed
span, there appears a generation gap
which has altered the connotation of
the concept.
Contemporaneous catastrophe:
pandemic, this treacherous disease has
no cure yet. The whole of humanity is
at risk. Mighty humans got confined
into their dwellings moreover detached
from their social live and this induced
grievous mental and physical health
complications. This virus proved to be
a threat to the lives and had
oppressively perpetrated other
overtime.
accomplishments and wealth, which
5
they hardly spent quality time with
their close ones and this had
unpleasant effect on their mental health
including children as well as adults.
This hectic life prompts to family
breakdown, mental health issues, and
zillions of problems. Hence, Current
state of isolation emerged due to
Covid-19 pandemic gave us time and
opportunity to re-think and reflect on
the whole purpose of Isolation and
detachment.
“isolation”:
many activities that in real they never
have had time for them to introspect
and rethink about their own benefit. In
this hustle and bustle, humans
underestimated themselves; they
religious preachers and philosophical
due to COVID-19 pandemic, gave us
time to reevaluate about these
concepts.
humans introspects in solace,
cooking, painting, yoga, concerns
regarding mental health etc.
named “keeping quiet” explains how
moments of silence can create mutual
understanding among humans and can
benefit them.
“Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still
for once on the face of the earth,
let's not speak in any language;
let's stop for a second,
and not move our arms so
much”………….. (paragraph1)
would not harm whales
would not look at his hurt
hands”……………….. (paragraph3)x
wants moment of silence on the earth.
In the moment of inactivity “Fishermen
in the cold sea would not harm whales”,
this line is suggestive of the thought
that humans would not destroy nature.
6
would not look at his hurt hands” this line
is suggestive of the thought that salt
gatherers will be able to tend to his
wounded hands for which he had no
time earlier. Thus, both nature and
human will be able to recoverxi.
The poet mentioned only few moments
can change so much, then envisage the
outcomes of this “isolation” probably
due to COVID-19 may have had?
Distinction betwixt past and present:
The archaic theory of “isolation /
kaivalya” in uncomplicated words
actualization and self-realization.’
is necessary to attain Moksha. The only
motive behind people seeking Moksha
is that they are aware of the fact “The
world is transient (anica) and constantly
changing; it is soulless (anatta) as there is
nothing permanent or eternal in it.”xii
These theories of kaivalya, Moksha, or
isolation are beyond the intellect of lay
persons. They do not possess the
mental ability to self –realize the need
to rise above these worldly things as
they entrap in the cycle of sufferings
We have closely analyzed how
generation gap resulted in transition in
essence of “ancient isolation theory”.
Firstly, the very fact that humans have
transmogrified into a ‘social butterfly’
and now they will loathe refurbishing
into ‘an antisocial and isolated bug’.
Secondly, in present scenario this
isolation do not mean so-called
‘complete separation/detachment’ as
other through different means,
worldly things have hypnotized all of
us and so forth the real connotation of
isolation was vanished.
isolation and today they are bound to
revise them, as these conceptions are
already there in our subconciousness
but constantly ignored because we are
so engrossed in the worldly pleasures
or due to generational gap. The dogma
of isolation has diverse theories that
vary from religions to philosophers.
The basic theme of ‘isolation’ mentions
to detach and isolate oneself from the
world in order to attain liberation from
the cycle of sufferings. Over time, this
7
situation of COVID-19 gifted us a while
to really think and introspect on the
concept again but in present scenario
the real meaning of kaivalya or
isolation did not prove the basic ancient
theory as people are still connected to
the worldly things and had not attained
enlightenment. Thus, it is difficult for
lay-persons to understand the meaning
i (shivanand, kaivalya, 2011) retrieved from
http://sivanandaonline.org/public_html/ ii (johnston, 1912) retrieved
fromyogasutrasofpata00pata iii (ashish, 2020) retrieved from
https://fitsri.com/yoga/patanjali-yoga-sutra iv (Warrier).Retrieved from
(https://archive.org/stream/thirtyminorupani00xxxx
uoft) Archive Organization. vi( Sharma, Candradhar 1991) “Critical survey of
Indian philosophy p168,173,256”. Retrieved from
https://books.google.com/books?id=Y3gQVd5Wog
(Jaini, Padmanabh S., 2001).
individual effort which is really needed
to attain self- actualization, and
without self-realization no one can
attain it. xiii
must work out your own liberation”
~Gautama Buddha
retrieved from
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=HPggiM7y1a
y_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false,
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ZlyDot9RyGc
(https://archive.org/stream/thirtyminorupani00xxxx
Adhyatma Upanishad uses all three words nirvana,
Kaivalya and Moksha (Verses 12, 16, 69, 70) ix (David Loy ,1982) “enlightenment in Buddhism”
(Vedanta): “ Are Nirvana and Moksha the Same?,
International Philosophical Quarterly” x Ncert, flamingo class 12th (2006) xi (Arihant,2017-18) xii (Ncert, 2007) “class 12th ancient india” xiii (Bodhanand,2012) “ jivan mukti”
1
https://philosophytoday.in
“Isolation in COVID-19 era”- A major cause for mental illness Anjali Rajora1
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis affecting many countries. Several
deaths have been reported so far. Such widespread prevalence is associated with
isolation and mental health consequences. With this in mind, the current literature is
on the COVID-19 eruption related to mental health. As social distancing, lockdowns,
curfews and quarantine are the most common practices during this pandemic. Thus,
“isolation” should not get converted to “loneliness” which may affect human beings
badly, either directly or indirectly. This study is an effort to look the affects of isolation
on mental health along with its solutions. It also gives a brief about psychosomatic
intervention and category of people which are at increased risk of facing mental
problems. This work is done to find the possible solutions for psychological problems
which are majorly seen in youth nowadays.
Keywords: Isolation; mental health; COVID-19; coronavirus; psychology; trauma;
cognitive behaviour
1 [email protected]
2
INTRODUCTION:
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. As of
January 31, 2020, the epidemic has
spread to 19 countries including 213
deaths. Thus, World Health
health emergency. The COVID-19
the priorities of the general public, but
it is also challenging the agenda of
psychiatrists and other mental health
professionals. As they are updating
their training to ensure care and
assistance to those suffering from
mental health problems. As well as to
the people suffering from mental
illness and experiencing the
The functional regions of brain are
shown in Fig 1 to give a valuable
insight on the current problem. The
loneliness that people now experience
is unprecedented, and it is
2 Wang, C., Horby, P. W., Hayden, F. G., & Gao, G. F. (2020). A novel coronavirus outbreak of global health concern. The Lancet, 395(10223), 470-473. 3 Serafini, G., Parmigiani, B., Amerio, A., Aguglia, A., Sher, L., & Amore, M. (2020). The psychological impact of COVID-19 on the mental health in the
accompanied by other pressures such
as fear of disease and financial
difficulties. But more than ever, it is
important to be aware of the
consequences of social loneliness and
the potential for relief. Stress caused by
chronic loneliness can lead to a
decrease in the size of the hippocampus
in the structure of the brain, as well as
changes in the expression of genes
associated with chemical signalling
Figure 1- Functional areas of human brain (The image is
free for commercial use, no attribution required)
NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF
found to cause physical inactivity and
sedentary behavior in people which in
general population. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. 4 Hiremath, P., Kowshik, C. S., Manjunath, M., & Shettar, M. (2020). COVID 19: impact of lock-down on mental health and tips to overcome. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 51, 102088.
3
cardiovascular diseases5. Other than
mentally ill. Further worsening the
condition of those with pre-existing
mental illness and causing pain to those
people also who are caring for the
affected person. Regardless of
exposure, people may experience
mental disorders have been found to be
associated with somatic symptoms,
heart attack, insomnia, post-traumatic
stress disorder symptoms, anxiety,
depression, fatigue, mental illness,
early age6.
Psychology:
sudden loss of a loved one can lead to
anger and resentment in certain people.
They may feel ashamed, guilty and
stigmatized by those who are sick or
5 Holmes, E. A., O'Connor, R. C., Perry, V. H., Tracey, I., Wessely, S., Arseneault, L., ... & Ford, T. (2020). Multidisciplinary research priorities for the COVID-19 pandemic: a call for action for mental health science. The Lancet Psychiatry. 6 Copeland, J. R. M., Davidson, I. A., Dewey, M. E., Gilmore, C., Larkin, B. A., McWilliam, C., ... &
may have some chances of illness.
Studies show that post-traumatic stress
disorder is associated with an increased
prevalence of depressive symptoms
damage. At the community level,
mistrust may arise regarding
the spread of the disease to other
individuals. As the closure of
community services and the collapse of
industries negatively affect the
and unemployment, increasing the
negative emotions that individuals
majorly found to affect youth and elder
generation. As the teenagers are in their
growing age, they face several
hormonal changes within them. This, in
turn may make them emotionally and
mentally weak. Several studies show
increased number of child and
Sullivan, C. (1992). Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, depression and pseudo-dementia: prevalence, incidence and three-year outcome in Liverpool. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 161(2), 230-239.
4
old generations have a habit of
interacting people and visiting worship
places or community centers. This
isolation or separation from outer
world may make them feel lonely.
Health authorities also identified
high risk for mental illness due to early
psychological interventions. Although
COVID-19 are rapidly accumulating,
the psychological impact of this
disease. The study highlights that
students are suffering from high levels
of depression. It may be due to the
indefinite closure of schools at all
levels8.
to reduce the spread of the virus from
7 Urbina-Garcia, A. (2020). Young Children’s Mental Health: Impact of Social Isolation During The COVID-19 Lockdown and Effective Strategies. 8 Sibley, C. G., Greaves, L. M., Satherley, N., Wilson, M. S., Overall, N. C., Lee, C. H., ... & Houkamau, C. A. (2020). Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown on trust, attitudes toward government, and well- being. American Psychologist.
face-to-face treatment through video
national needs in this epidemic, online
or smartphone-based psychological
should be promoted, mental health
should be promoted and psychological
intervention initiated (e.g.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy [CBT])9. In
patients who overstress the risk of
dying from the virus, for them
cognitive therapy challenges their
therapy teaches relaxation techniques
activities to prevent depression. By
increasing stress management, CBT can
also reduce coping up of people with
others. This includes avoiding people,
blaming ourselves and fear to confront
others10. Support should also include
accurate information and, if necessary,
appropriate material for items
9 Khoury, B., Lecomte, T., Fortin, G., Masse, M., Therien, P., Bouchard, V., ... & Hofmann, S. G. (2013). Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 33(6), 763-771. 10 Brodeur, A., Clark, A., Fleche, S., & Powdthavee, N. (2020). Covid-19, lockdowns and well-being: Evidence from google trends.
5
care providers. Providing
morbid’ and ensures the well-being of
victims12. The relation of COVID-19
isolation with psychological problems
provide mental health services.
Providing mental health care
patients maintain mental well-being
acute health needs13.
11 Zhou, X., Snoswell, C. L., Harding, L. E., Bambling, M., Edirippulige, S., Bai, X., & Smith, A. C. (2020). The role of telehealth in reducing the mental health burden from COVID- 19. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(4), 377-379. 12 Sun, S., Hou, J., Chen, Y., Lu, Y., Brown, L., & Operario, D. (2020). Challenges to HIV care and psychological health during the COVID-19 Pandemic among people living with HIV in China. AIDS and Behavior, 1.
Figure 2- COVID-19 isolation causing mental
breakdown (The image is free for commercial use, no
attribution required)
• Break your loneliness to
Video chats or group calls with
family members can help reduce
loneliness and risk. In the case of
inadequate social networks,
professional helplines are
by qualified trained
which causes stress;
13 Aravena, J. M., Aceituno, C., Nyhan, K., Shi, K., Vermund, S., & Levy, B. R. (2020). 'Drawing on Wisdom to Cope with Adversity:'A Systematic Review Protocol of Older Adults' Mental and Psychosocial Health During Acute Respiratory Disease Propagated-Type Epidemics and Pandemics (COVID-19, SARS-CoV, MERS, and Influenza). medRxiv.
6
with a normal sleep rhythm and
diet intake. Addictive behaviors
relapse, so intellectual, physical,
and social (even virtual)
activities can be useful14.
that this is a fleeting time. We
need this isolated time to protect
our health and protect others in
order to shape our future15;
• Seek professional help. If the
effects of stress are very
aggressive, it is always
promising to seek psychological
variety of ways. Almost all
psychiatric clinics are now
equipped to provide support,
problem solving strategies,
14 Stubbs, B., Wu, Y. T., Prina, A. M., Leng, Y., & Cosco, T. D. (2016). A population study of the association between sleep disturbance and suicidal behaviour in people with mental illness. Journal of psychiatric research, 82, 149-154. 15 Layard, R. (2018). Mental illness destroys happiness and is costless to treat. Global Happiness, 63, 19-31. 16 Kazdin, A. E. (2015). Technology-based interventions and reducing the burdens of mental illness: perspectives and comments on the special
emotional detoxification and
them involved or busy. They are
magnifying glass with light,
Crosswords Classic, skype etc16.
highlighting the role of
telehealth (via e-mail, telephone,
have a long-term impact on mental
health and the well-being of the
health professionals, general public
will soon have the opportunity to
look after patients in a better way18.
series. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 22(3), 359-366. 17 Pincus, L. E. (2020). Telemental Health During a Global Pandemic: Clinical Lessons from Guided Self-Help, Telephone Therapy Case Studies. Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy, 16(1), 118-123. 18 Lee, J. (2020). Mental health effects of school closures during COVID-19. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 4(6), 421.
7
CONCLUSION:
prepared to deal with the COVID-
19 eruption with improved
manpower, medical technology and
infrastructure. However, it is
psychological impact of the
outbreak on individuals and
country from overcoming the crisis.
The psychological effect of isolation
may lasts long even after the
infection gets over. The eruption
highlighted the weakness of mental
resilience and the need for
coordinated psychological
intervention system and minimize
negative consequences of isolation.
1
Concept of Isolation in the Context of COVID-19: A medical
Science perspective Dr. Jayashree Konar1
Abstract:
philosophical and spiritual in addition to physical and mental. Indian philosophy has
dealt with the 'Isolation' in different aspects. Garuda Purana, Charaka Samhita and
Sushruta Samhita suggested the 'Isolation' or 'Quarantine' in relation to physical
wellbeing. This is relevant in context to contagious pandemics like Corona Virus
Disease (COVID-19) for breaking the chain of transmission. Vedas, Upanishads and
Puranas depict about yogas to attend the Kaivalya or detachment from materialism.
Understanding of 'Isolation' in Indian thought will help to stand strong during the
hardships of COVID-19.
2
Introduction:
towards the Divine that renders us capable
of regarding life with a smile and remaining
in peace whatever the external
circumstances." (Words of the Mother-
II, 1980, p.-232)2
awareness. The keynote of Indian
philosophy is self-consciousness.
described the human race as social
creatures, often social distancing and
isolation become inevitable for
World history, including Corona Virus
Disease (COVID-19) have reminded us
about this reality. The concept of
'Isolation' in Indian philosophy and
lifestyle is absolutely phenomenal. A
central hymn of Indian thought is
Kaivalya i.e, 'Solitude' or 'Detachment'.
It is not merely the 'Isolation' defined in
modern medicine. Kaivalya, rather,
rebirth. It offers liberation of self
(Purusa) from all the mundane
2 Words of the Mother-II. 1980. Pondicherry,Sri Aurobindo Ashram Press :14(2)232. 3 Warrier,Dr. A.G. Krishna, Muktika upanishad, Chennai Theosophical Publishing House.
bondages (Prakriti) and attainment of
the highest conscious state (Warrier,
2018)3.
Objective(s):
perceived in different timeline of
Indian philosophy. Second, I will argue
that the study and understanding of
Kaivalya in Indian thought help to stand
strong during depressing hardships.
scavenger mechanism to survive and
assimilate all the torturing invasions
into Indian culture over the centuries.
Though time is a continuous
dimension, the philosophical
follows (Flood, 1996)4 :
1500-500BC- Vedic period
period of epics
500CCE-1500CE- Medieval period
1500-1757CE- Pre modern period
1757-1947CE- British colonial period
4 Flood, Gavin D. An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.
3
independent India.
Salvation:
different socio-political and religious
physical as well as mental health was
very foggy in pre Vedic India though
meditation might be practiced
(Mandavilli, 2009)5. The seals
recovered during the archeological
indicate so. The role of 'Isolation' in
Harappan civilization is not clearly
documented.
considered as the golden era of
philosophical and spiritual enrichment.
The terminations like Kevala or
Kaivalya-Mukti are found in Svetasvatra
5 Mandavilli, Sujay Rao. (2009). Syncretism and Acculturation in Ancient India Part One ICFAI Journal of History and Culture. ICFAI Journal of History and Culture. 6 Larson, Gerald James; Potter, Karl H. (1970). Yogatattva Upanishad (Translated by NSS Raman), in The Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies: Yoga:
(I and VI), Kaivalya (25), Amrtabindu
(29), Mandukya and Muktika (1.18,26,31)
Upanishads. The Yogattattva Upanishad
nature of the inner being and the term-
Paraman Padam is encountered there
(Larson,1970)6. To achieve this goal,
meditation and yoga are required
(Adiswarananda, 2007)7.Thus, the
Upanishads.
This is the period of Puranas and epics
like Ramayana, Mahabharata. Lord Rama
has explained the Muktika Upanishad
(sloka1.18-29) to Hanuman. Moksha is
defined to be the superior to four types
of Mukti. Mahabharata also describes the
concept of Nirvana. Both in Ramayana
and Mahabharata, detachment from
gloriously portrayed in the form of
Vndaprastha, a form of isolation opted
in elderly life. The thirty four yoga
sutras of the fourth chapter of Patanjali
India's philosophy of meditation. Motilal Banarsidass. 7 Adiswarananda, S. (2007). Meditation and its practices: A definitive guide to technniques and traditions of meditation in Yoga and Vedanta. Woodstock: SkyLight Paths Publishing.
4
impressions which endlessly cause a
vicious cycle of birth and death. The
attainment of true consciousness or
Ritambhara Prajna as described in
Samadhipada erases such impressions.
meditation are free from karmic
impressions" (Kaivalyapada: sutra 6). As
per Samkhya schools of Hinduism, it is
considered that the ultimate freedom
from the bondages of the material
world represents isolation or solitude
(Deutsche, 2000)8. All these scriptures
encourage attending supreme peace in
the form of Kaivalya and this state can
be accomplished by yoga practices,
performing austerities and disciplined
death(Patak) has been documented
the 'Isolation' or 'Quarantine' in relation
to physical wellbeing during
8 Eliott Deutsche (2000). In Philosophy of Religion : Indian Philosophy (Editor: Roy Perrett), Vol 4,Routledge, 245-248 9 Patil,DA(2015). On Some Alien Plant Species: Gleanings from Garuda Purana, Scholars Academic Journal of Biosciences. 6(2):163-166. 10 Sharma, Pragya & Kaushik, Raman. (2020). A REVIEW ON JANPADODHWANSA -CONCEPT OF ANNIHILATION IN AYURVEDA. 8. 66-70.
Janapadodhwansa or Maraka i.e, disease
outbreak (Sharma, 2020)10.
'Isolation'.
senses. The suggestion is, "Wander
alone like a rhinoceros". In Jainism,
Kevala Jnana signifies the omniscience
or complete understanding. Again, it is
to be gained by disciplined self-
containment (Jaini, 2002).11 The concept
of supreme freedom was accepted in
these two religious doctrines.
powerful Vijayanagara empire, southern
fourteenth century. Shankaracharya
(Chattopadhyay, 2000)12. In the
11 Mette, A.. (2002). Jaini, Padmanabh Shrivarma, Collected Papers on Buddhist Studies with a Foreword by Paul Dundas. Indo-Iranian Journal. 45. 377-381. 12 Chattopadhyaya, S. K. (2000). The philosophy of Sankara’s Advaita Vedanta. New Delhi: Sarup & Sons.
5
book, the final chapter was written on
Kaivalya, liberation from tormenting
detachment was redefined in this
period.
of Mughal invasion, era of assimilation
and amalgamation. Pract

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