MANTHAN (मंथन)

From a psychological point of view, letting go and giving up are entirely different and, in fact opposite  approaches.

Letting Go allows us to free ourselves from things that do not serve us any more. By clearing our minds of these attachments, we can release unwanted emotions more easily. Daaji gives examples of situations such as ending a toxic relationship, resigning from an unrewarding job or removing ourselves from a project. In these situations, if we fail to let go of the underlying cause, then mere distancing won’t necessarily end our attachment. So, he says, it is essential to let go of the anger and the bitterness  associated with the job or the person to feel truly liberated, increase well-being and move forward in life.

Contrary to letting go, giving up means allowing our fears and internal struggles to limit our potential by disrupting our actions. Giving up means surrendering to weakness, losing focus and ultimately failing.

Daaji explains this in the context of our own Personal Values. Our upbringing – influenced by parents, teachers, friends and other caregivers, instills values in us. As we live and learn, we refine and choose or reject those values. We experience a multitude of values such honesty, integrity compassion, trust and many more in varying degrees as we grow up. Based on these experiences and through Self-reflection and regular practice of structured contemplation we develop our own set of personal values. These Personal Values play a crucial role in keeping us on course in every aspect of life. When we are faced with difficult situations, not giving up means staying true to our aspirations and ideals, and making necessary adjustments along the way by letting go of unproductive or unhelpful elements.