Why Depression?
Prosperity can lead to depression in some cases. Having unlimited access to everything one desires could make life uninteresting and cause withdrawal symptoms. Low mood and reluctance to engage in activities are hallmarks of depression, a mental state. And all states begin with the mind in Buddhism.
The mind, in its natural state, is a pattern of consciousness that combines both dominant and subtle aspects. The dominant mental consciousness is like a controlling mind that can direct and convey actions; in contrast to the subtle mental consciousness that resembles a herd of wild horses wandering instinctively. Losing your passion or direction in life means you've become uncontrollable, like riding a wild horse.
According to Buddhism, samsāra is a place where suffering is widely experienced. This is because we have to endure the recurrences of birth, life, death, and rebirth endlessly. Our mundane life exposes us to all worldly desires or attachments, which ultimately lead to suffering. Nonetheless, desire or attachment is not a sin or a strange phenomenon that occurs in our lives. It's natural for humans to have cravings or attachments, and there's nothing to be ashamed of.
Buddhist teachings are designed to uncover the ultimate reality, which implies that any desire or attachment would lead to suffering. To stop suffering, we must have the courage to examine the origin of suffering and then work tirelessly towards ending the suffering. To alleviate suffering, the middle path is the perfect approach to life. The main idea is to pay attention to the core, neutrality, equilibrium, and righteousness.
It is necessary for our mental consciousness to explore and penetrate the core of life and all things without any bias. In the end, enlightenment would lead to the realisation that desires and attachment are not a matter of good or evil for people, but a way to experience suffering or depression. Learning to see all things and events as they really are is all that's needed.
In Buddhism, mettā bhavana, which involves cultivating loving-kindness, is considered a powerful antidote for reducing depression. This potent antidote speeds up the softening of personal ego and expedites the enlightenment of individuals. The following principle applies: -
A stream of loving-kindness and compassion would evoke empathy,
A stream of empathy would evoke boundless,
A stream of boundless would evoke voidness,
A stream of voidness would evoke stillness,
A stream of stillness would evoke sereneness,
A stream of sereneness would evoke enlightenment.
In summary, it's vital to give yourself some time to reflect on your depression and start to appreciate your blessings at the end of the day. Our mind is naturally drawn to objects and flitting around constantly. Always keep it safe and remember that your blessings may not be equally shared by others. Instead of feeling depressed, opt for enlightenment. Namo Buddhaya!
Reflections on the Four Immeasurable (brahmavihāras)
1. Mettā (Loving-kindness) – the unconditional and limitless love, goodwill, and kindness with all beings or things,
2. Karunā (Compassion) – the aspiration to remove the sufferings or misfortunes of others,
3. Muditā (Empathetic joy) – the delighting in the well-being of others,
4. Upekkhā (Equanimity) – the balancing of mind in all circumstances.