How to Overcome Anxiety
This article is about general, or 'normal' anxiety. For severe anxiety disorders please see a professional doctor.
The short answer is to cultivate gratefulness and gratitude. One can simply choose to be grateful, this takes intelligence. Fear is a reaction, courage is a decision. To react takes not much effort, to make a decision, especially a good decision requires intelligence. One needs to decide to surrender to do the right thing.
Fear or anxiety is the result of lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride and envy.
This is expressed by Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his Siksastaka, song 5, verse 2, as follows: lust, anger, envy, greed, illusion, and madness. They are causing me great fear (bhaya or bhoy).
While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises.
(Bhagavad-gita As It Is 2.62 )
From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool.
(Bhagavad-gita As It Is 2.63)
From what Bhaktivinoda Thakura states one could conclude that lust, includes all the other vices, and that all vices originate from lust and Bhagavad-gita certainly seems to confirm that in the above statements as well as 3.37: It is lust only, Arjuna, which is born of contact with the material mode of passion and later transformed into wrath, and which is the all-devouring sinful enemy of this world.
However, Lord Krsna is addressing Arjuna's apparent confusion which is addressing confusion that one might occasionally have.
Lord Krsna is talking from the outside-in, in other words, he is addressing the, seemingly, confused Arjuna, in order to enlighten the conditioned living entity.
The conditioned living entity has an inclination for the sense objects. Therefore to engage the senses in sense objects that are connected to Lord Krsna is the ultimate solution.
What this means is to engage in serving Lord Krsna, who has appeared in many ISKCON temples in His transcendental form, made of marble or wood. Or to read, listen, lecture and share knowledge and information about Krsna, His devoted followers, and the process to reconnect with Him and His devotees. Or so many other ways to serve Lord Krsna, and engage the body and senses, in His service.
As confirmed by the Katha Upanisad:
"In the Katha Upanisad [...] it is said that the objects of sense gratification are superior to the senses, and mind is superior to the sense objects. If, therefore, the mind is directly engaged in the service of the Lord constantly, then there is no chance that the senses will become engaged in other ways." Bg 3.42 Purport
It is explained, in the Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya-lila, chapter 20, text 117, that one somehow or other turned one's face away from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krsna, this being the root cause of the living entity's fall down from Vaikuntha (Vaikuntha - a name of the spiritual world, meaning - without fear). Material lust is completely absent in the spiritual world, as well as material anger, envy, greed, illusion, and madness, which causes all kinds of fears (or anxieties), however from the above quote it seems that the root cause of all one's problems is envy.
Even though devotional service to Lord Krsna, which gives an experience of a higher taste, is the ultimate solution, as explained in Bhagavad-gita, chapter 2, text 59: "Though the embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness."
It is important to understand that the root cause of anger, in the ultimate sense, is coming from greed. Even though when one lust for something and don't get it, the conditioned mind, becomes angry (2.62), the original cause for this anger is greed, as confirmed by Bhaktivinoda Thakura in the above quoted magazine Sajjana Tosani 4/7 he states, "Lust and anger are included in greed".
Ofcourse, for the modern mind, these things are rather difficult to understand, as the modern mind has a tendency to think linear, instead of a more rounded or circular understanding, in other words the vicious circle concept; the different vices increase each other; sometimes one might be more lusty, sometimes one might be more angry, sometimes one might be more greedy, and any of these vices, or negative emotions, increases the other ones. But the root cause is envy, leading to pride, illusion, greed, anger and finally lust.
It can be compared to different islands connected with different sized bridges. Lust largest bridge connects to anger and vice versa, and anger's largest bridge is greed as well, and all the other vices are similarly connected.
The complication is that the conditioned mind is now entrenched and drenched in all of these vices. And even though the solution is devotional service to Krsna, it does not mean that one should not have a proper understanding of what is causing the problems, what is causing anger. Yes it's lust, but it's also greed. And both are the cause, lust being many times the direct cause, but it stems from greed, being the indirect cause, or root cause. In other words; if one can uproot greed, automatically lust and anger will subside.
In conclusion:
Lust leads to anger, and anger leads to greed, and greed leads to illusion (confusion, intoxication, madness), illusion leads to pride, and pride leads to envy. But the cause is envy.
Thus from envy, one develops pride, from pride develops illusion (one is very small, and pride is a confusion or illusion), from illusion develops greed (if one is confused he can become selfish), from greed develops anger, and from anger develops lust.
Or in other words, the cause of lust is anger, the cause of anger is greed, the cause of greed is illusion, the cause of illusion is pride, and the cause of pride is envy.
"A sober person who can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals is qualified [...]"
It is particular noteworthy that the tongue, belly and genitals are in one line, and if one controls the tongue, by eating spiritual food (prasadam) and only talking about spiritual matters (Krsna katha), one controls the belly, as well as by not eating too much and too exuberant, and by controlling the belly one can control one's genitals more easy. Which ultimately leads to overcoming lust, which would be the purification of the first enemy.
Give up the propensity to criticise others, as Lord Bhishmadeva says in the Mahabharata:
"If one does not become angry when insulted by another, then he takes away all the pious merit that person may have accumulated by good deeds. In addition he transfers to the abuser his own sinful reactions. After all what is the value of praise or blame when uttered by a vulgar fool? A person who praises someone in his presence but criticises him behind his back is no better that a dog."
And Lord Krsna tells Uddhava:
"Whoever indulges in praising or criticising the qualities and behaviour of others will quickly become deviated from his own best interest by his entanglement in illusory dualities." SB 11.28.2
For more quotes on how to overcome criticising please click here.
Here is the whole of that section of the Mahabharata:
BHISMA SPEAKS OUT: HOW TO DEAL WITH ENEMIES
Yudhisthira inquired, "How should one react to people who insult you by their rudeness and arrogance?"
Bhisma replied, "If one does not become angry when insulted by another, then he takes away all the pious merit that person may have accumulated by good deeds. In addition he transfers to the abuser his own sinful reactions. After all what is the value of praise or blame when uttered by a vulgar fool? A person who praises someone in his presence but criticises him behind his back is no better that a dog."
Yudhisthira, "How should one debate with an unscrupulous person?"
Bhisma replied, "In a debate the tactics of a truthful person are limited, but a deceitful person can utilize any abominable method. However if the truthful person were to use the same tactics as his opponent, he will find himself at a greater disadvantage, for he is acting contrary to his nature. Therefore a truthful and honest person should always avoid an argument with an unscrupulous person."
Yudhisthira then inquired, "How should one behave towards a more powerful enemy?"
Bhisma replied, "Even though the swift current of the river can uproot and carry huge trees, the canes survive since they bend with the current. Similarly in order to survive an enemy more powerful, one must yield while staying firmly anchored to the roots."
Yudhisthira inquired, "What should a weak person do if out of foolishness and pride he provokes a powerful enemy?"
Bhisma replied, "O King, the weaker person must repent and thus appease the stronger enemy."
Yudhisthira inquired, "What is the origin of all sin?"
Bhisma replied, "Greed, the hankering to posses more than one's naturally ordained quota is the origin of all sin. The desire to posses that which belongs to another is insatiable and gives rise to anger, lust, loss of judgment, arrogance, miserliness, lack of compassion, enviousness, mistrust and many other evils. Ignorance is made up of the same material as greed, though if analysed it can be seen that ignorance also comes from greed. As one's greed increases, his ignorance also becomes more dense."
Yudhisthira inquired, "What produces the highest merit?"
Bhisma replied, "Self-restraint surpasses all other activities in this regard and is therefore considered to be the highest virtue. Because self-restraint purifies and controls every aspect of one's life it is more important than giving in charity and the study of the Vedas. By self-restraint alone one can achieve liberation from the material world. Self-restraint comprises sense-control, freedom from anger, non-enviousness, impartiality, truthfulness, steadiness and contentment. However, the essential quality of self-restraint is austerity. Thus no good can be achieved without austerity."
Yudhisthira then inquired, "O Bhisma, is there any rule that should never be violated under any condition?"
Bhisma replied. "The worship of true brahmans and giving them all kinds of respect must never be given up under any circumstance"
— Mahabharata, Shanti Parva
The best solution is to simply give up lust, and engage in Deity worship, give up anger and meditate on Lord Krsna by chanting the Maha-mantra on a japa-mala in a meditative way, and together, in a devotional way, as instructed by Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Give up greed, by being eager to read and listen about Krsna and His devotees and to serve them, give up illusion, again by reading and hearing about Krsna, give up pride, also by hearing and reading about Krsna, while realising He is great and the living entity, the soul, is small, and then finally give up the deep rooted envy against the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, and lovingly serve Him and His eternal consort Radharani and Their devotees, then all fear and anxiety, in particular fear of death, will subside.
And in order to purify the tendency to criticise; glorify Radha & Krsna and Their devotees and glorify all of their activities.
However humility is difficult to obtain or maintain if one is not grateful, and gratitude often comes if one is happy. The vedas say, dharma, artha, kama, moksha, pious activities, economic development, satisfaction of the senses and finally liberation from material bondage, is what leads to happiness, but real happiness can only be attained if one, the living entity (the soul) is reinstated in her original position of loving Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotees. However one does need some preliminary process. It is up to the individual, and one can always ask for help, to figure out where one's level is. Generally I find most of us need some economic development in order to be happy.
The short answer is to cultivate gratefulness and gratitude. One can simply choose to be grateful, this takes intelligence. Fear is a reaction, courage is a decision. To react takes not much effort, to make a decision, especially a good decision requires intelligence. One needs to decide to surrender to do the right thing.
Fear or anxiety is the result of lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride and envy.
This is expressed by Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his Siksastaka, song 5, verse 2, as follows: lust, anger, envy, greed, illusion, and madness. They are causing me great fear (bhaya or bhoy).
In his magazine Sajjana Tosani 4/7 he states:
Lust, anger, greed, illusion and pride are included within envy.
Lust is included in anger;
Lust and anger are included in greed;
Lust, anger and greed are included in illusion;
Lust, anger, greed and illusion are included in pride
and lust, anger, greed, illusion and pride are included in envy.
In the Bhagavad-gita Lord Krsna is expressing a different order:
While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises.
(Bhagavad-gita As It Is 2.62 )
From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool.
(Bhagavad-gita As It Is 2.63)
From what Bhaktivinoda Thakura states one could conclude that lust, includes all the other vices, and that all vices originate from lust and Bhagavad-gita certainly seems to confirm that in the above statements as well as 3.37: It is lust only, Arjuna, which is born of contact with the material mode of passion and later transformed into wrath, and which is the all-devouring sinful enemy of this world.
However, Lord Krsna is addressing Arjuna's apparent confusion which is addressing confusion that one might occasionally have.
Lord Krsna is talking from the outside-in, in other words, he is addressing the, seemingly, confused Arjuna, in order to enlighten the conditioned living entity.
The conditioned living entity has an inclination for the sense objects. Therefore to engage the senses in sense objects that are connected to Lord Krsna is the ultimate solution.
What this means is to engage in serving Lord Krsna, who has appeared in many ISKCON temples in His transcendental form, made of marble or wood. Or to read, listen, lecture and share knowledge and information about Krsna, His devoted followers, and the process to reconnect with Him and His devotees. Or so many other ways to serve Lord Krsna, and engage the body and senses, in His service.
As confirmed by the Katha Upanisad:
"In the Katha Upanisad [...] it is said that the objects of sense gratification are superior to the senses, and mind is superior to the sense objects. If, therefore, the mind is directly engaged in the service of the Lord constantly, then there is no chance that the senses will become engaged in other ways." Bg 3.42 Purport
It is explained, in the Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya-lila, chapter 20, text 117, that one somehow or other turned one's face away from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krsna, this being the root cause of the living entity's fall down from Vaikuntha (Vaikuntha - a name of the spiritual world, meaning - without fear). Material lust is completely absent in the spiritual world, as well as material anger, envy, greed, illusion, and madness, which causes all kinds of fears (or anxieties), however from the above quote it seems that the root cause of all one's problems is envy.
Even though devotional service to Lord Krsna, which gives an experience of a higher taste, is the ultimate solution, as explained in Bhagavad-gita, chapter 2, text 59: "Though the embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness."
It is important to understand that the root cause of anger, in the ultimate sense, is coming from greed. Even though when one lust for something and don't get it, the conditioned mind, becomes angry (2.62), the original cause for this anger is greed, as confirmed by Bhaktivinoda Thakura in the above quoted magazine Sajjana Tosani 4/7 he states, "Lust and anger are included in greed".
Ofcourse, for the modern mind, these things are rather difficult to understand, as the modern mind has a tendency to think linear, instead of a more rounded or circular understanding, in other words the vicious circle concept; the different vices increase each other; sometimes one might be more lusty, sometimes one might be more angry, sometimes one might be more greedy, and any of these vices, or negative emotions, increases the other ones. But the root cause is envy, leading to pride, illusion, greed, anger and finally lust.
It can be compared to different islands connected with different sized bridges. Lust largest bridge connects to anger and vice versa, and anger's largest bridge is greed as well, and all the other vices are similarly connected.
The complication is that the conditioned mind is now entrenched and drenched in all of these vices. And even though the solution is devotional service to Krsna, it does not mean that one should not have a proper understanding of what is causing the problems, what is causing anger. Yes it's lust, but it's also greed. And both are the cause, lust being many times the direct cause, but it stems from greed, being the indirect cause, or root cause. In other words; if one can uproot greed, automatically lust and anger will subside.
In conclusion:
Lust leads to anger, and anger leads to greed, and greed leads to illusion (confusion, intoxication, madness), illusion leads to pride, and pride leads to envy. But the cause is envy.
Thus from envy, one develops pride, from pride develops illusion (one is very small, and pride is a confusion or illusion), from illusion develops greed (if one is confused he can become selfish), from greed develops anger, and from anger develops lust.
Or in other words, the cause of lust is anger, the cause of anger is greed, the cause of greed is illusion, the cause of illusion is pride, and the cause of pride is envy.
Here's an example. When one is envious, it means one wants to usurp the authority's position. The supreme authority is Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This means one is unnecessarily proud. As one is small, and Krsna is great. This pride leads one to illusion. It's an illusion to think one is greater than God. the next stage is that one can not come to terms with this fact, thus the illusion, and one seeks to gratify this idea of being great and powerful, thus one develops greed.
This greed turns into anger, as one is not great and powerful, one can not satisfy this greed. This anger can also not be satisfied, because one is not powerful enough to lord it over someone, or material nature, or any thing for that matter, and thus one sadly turns to simply trying to satisfy one's senses; lust. Therefore Lord Krsna says: It is lust only [...], which is the [...] enemy [...]. (Bg 3.37)
One can easily see that the reverse path, starting with lust, is quite similar. One is lusty, one can not satisfy one's lust and becomes angry, the anger can not be satisfied due to one's inability to lord it over, and one becomes greedy, looking furiously to satisfy one's anger, and one becomes more and more crazy; illusioned, and delusional, and if one persists in this behavior, one's pride grows. Because the anger and lust etc. can not be satisfied, one sadly is left with envy, to simply try to destroy, something, or worse someone, even though it's an impossibility; one can not really destroy someone, as the soul is eternal.
One solution that is given by Srila Narotama Dasa Thakura, is to engage these vices in the service of Lord Krsna.
And there are other vices as well. Fear (bhaya) one that according to Bhaktivinoda Thakura is the result of any of the six vices; lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride, envy. Lamentation (socati - na socati na kansati) and hankering are mentioned by Lord Krsna, as undesirable.. Depression (visada) is another vice or anartha, an unwanted thing or quality, not valuable; an obstacle to spiritual awakening.
Narottama Dasa Thakura, as well as Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his Gitavali, Bhajan-Gita (Songs for Worship) - song 2, stanza 1, are both mentioning these unwanted qualities.
Narottama Dasa Thakura suggest an interesting solution:
"I will engage my lust by offering the fruits of my work to Lord Krsna, and I will engage my anger by directing it at those who are envious of the lord's devotees. I will engage greed by becoming greedy to hear the glories of the Lord in the association of saintly devotees. By not attaining my worshipable Lord Krsna, I will engage the quality of bewilderment; and I will engage madness by becoming mad to glorify the transcendental qualities of the Lord. In this way I will spiritualise these material qualities for the service of the Lord." (see more at Iskcondesiretree.com.)
Later Narottama Dasa Thakura says: "Anger spoils everything. Therefore, I will always give up anger, greed and illusion. I will control the six enemies with the help of my mind while remembering Lord Krsna."
Both solutions need to be considered. Lust can be purified in the Supreme Personality of Godhead's service by giving some money to further His cause. This can be done by giving monthly donations to a temple, church, mosque, synagogue etc. Anger can be purified by using it in arguing with mayavadi's, or atheistic scientists, who are trying to critize devotees, e.g. by writing a book (e.g. Human Devolution). Greed can be purified by being greedy to associate with devotees, greedy to listen to their lectures, read their books, etc.
If one does not attain Lord Krsna's Lotus Feet one could feel bewildered or in illusion about that, that will purify one's illusion.
And one can purify one's madness to be eager to glorify Krsna and His qualities. Further more one can be proud of being a devotee of Krsna, this will help purify pride.
The other solution is similar, is to purify the anartha's, unwanted habits, by thinking of Krsna, which is by some called 'The Secret', and by Krsna the King of Education and Secret of Secrets. Whatever you think of, that is what you will attain.
In this solution Narotamma Dasa Thakura is suggesting to control the enemies of the mind, by thinking of Krsna.
Both solutions can work at the same time.
In the end one needs to purify these unwanted habits, including envy, which is the root cause of all unwanted habits, by always remembering Krsna, favourably, anukulyena krsnanusilanam.
Here are some more verses (texts 8 - 15), to get some more context. It's from Narottama Dasa Thakura's Sri Prema Bhakti-candrika, chapter 2 - Ekanta-bhakti.
"The six enemies; lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride and envy and the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch reside in my body but I am unable to control them. Although I hear and understand repeatedly that one should serve Krsna with all his senses, still I cannot accept this fact with firm determination.
I will engage lust, anger, greed, illusion, envy and pride in their proper places. In this way, I will defeat the enemies and with ecstacy in my heart, I will worship Govinda without difficulty.
I will engage my lust in eagerness to serve Krsna and I will use my anger against those who are envious of the devotees. I will be greedy to hear the topics of Hari in the association of the devotees. I will be illusioned if I fail to achieve my worshipable Lord and I will feel proud to chant the glories of Krsna. In this way, I will engage them in their respective duties.
Otherwise, independent lusty desires, which are the source of all unwanted things will always disturb the path of devotional service. What harm can lusty desires and anger do to a practitioner of devotional service if he associates with devotees?
Anger spoils everything. Therefore, I will always give up anger, greed and illusion. I will control the six enemies with the help of my mind while remembering Lord Krsna.
All the enemies will run away by hearing the sound vibration of Govinda's name just as a deer flee upon hearing the roar of a lion. One who performs unalloyed devotional service will feel great happiness and all his dangers will be vanquished.
Therefore my dear mind, do not endeavour for bad association, profit, adoration and distinction, but always remember the lotus feet of Govinda. Please engage in loving devotional service with great happiness and all your dangers will be destroyed.
Please give up all duplicity, illusory activities and the search for bodily happiness. Do not be attached to the worship of various demigods. Mundane love and affection for material relationships attracts everyone to their respective illusions and thus advancement on the path of devotional service is checked."
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, in his Gitavali, a collection of songs or prayers, writes:
"Bound by hundreds and hundreds of desires like nooses around my neck, they constantly trouble me. In this ocean of nescience, play the waves of ever-increasing materialistic tendency. There are also many thieves and rogues, of whom six are prominent: lust, anger, envy, greed, illusion, and madness. They are causing me great fear, and in this way my life is coming to an end." from Siksastaka, song 5
If the conditioned mind overcomes these enemies, naturally fear and anxiety will subside, as is the case if the living entity surrenders to Krsna, as explained by Lord Krsna, in the conclusion of His gita, 18.66; "[J]ust surrender unto Me [...]. Do not fear."
Many times fear is given as the opposite of love. According to Bhaktivinoda Thakura, any of the six unwanted emotions, lead to fear; "They are causing me great fear" (Sri Siksastakam - song 5, verse 2). In order to overcome the six enemies of the mind, the mind needs to educate herself and thus purify the intelligence. In a large part fear is due to ignorance, or lack of knowledge; not knowing what is in the dark. So in order to really love, the conditioned mind needs to educate her self, to get out of the darkness of illusion. The mind also needs to become peaceful, by meditation, specifically japa meditation and congregational chanting of Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Coming back to the previous comparison of a circular situation, or rather a disc, where every island is connected by bridges; if one surrenders to Krsna, fear and anxiety will subside, and when fear subsides the other enemies of the mind will subside, and when one overcomes these unwanted qualities, by seeing where they came from, like bad experiences from childhood caused by parents or others, it is easier to think of Lord Krsna, and when one can think of Krsna, and His pastimes, lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride, envy and finally fear subside.
In this regard it is good to mention that reading Krsna book, can purify different unwanted behaviors, by reading about Krsna who is destroying different demons. For more information, please check out His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami's 18 day course (or check ISKCON Leaders) and Course Material on this subject.
Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandana dasa) has an interesting page on this, its more of a summary of the 18 day course of Bhakti Caitanya Swami.
When the conditioned mind is overcome by lust, and realizes the futility and silliness of trying to satisfy that lust especially with material things, then anger will subside and one can start discovering greed, that can be subsided by overcoming anger, that is similarly useless. If one starts giving spiritually benicial things to oneself, others and in particular to Krsna and His devotees, greed can be slowly overcome, and one can realize the illusion, the madness of the conditioned mind, this illusion can be overcome by reading Srimad Bhagavatam. Then one can see pride, which also can be overcome by studying the sastra and realizing how small the soul is, and envy, which can be overcome if one returns back towards Radharani & Krsna and serve Them and Their devotees. This can be done in any ISKCON centre.
One solution that is given by Srila Narotama Dasa Thakura, is to engage these vices in the service of Lord Krsna.
And there are other vices as well. Fear (bhaya) one that according to Bhaktivinoda Thakura is the result of any of the six vices; lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride, envy. Lamentation (socati - na socati na kansati) and hankering are mentioned by Lord Krsna, as undesirable.. Depression (visada) is another vice or anartha, an unwanted thing or quality, not valuable; an obstacle to spiritual awakening.
Narottama Dasa Thakura, as well as Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his Gitavali, Bhajan-Gita (Songs for Worship) - song 2, stanza 1, are both mentioning these unwanted qualities.
Narottama Dasa Thakura suggest an interesting solution:
"I will engage my lust by offering the fruits of my work to Lord Krsna, and I will engage my anger by directing it at those who are envious of the lord's devotees. I will engage greed by becoming greedy to hear the glories of the Lord in the association of saintly devotees. By not attaining my worshipable Lord Krsna, I will engage the quality of bewilderment; and I will engage madness by becoming mad to glorify the transcendental qualities of the Lord. In this way I will spiritualise these material qualities for the service of the Lord." (see more at Iskcondesiretree.com.)
Later Narottama Dasa Thakura says: "Anger spoils everything. Therefore, I will always give up anger, greed and illusion. I will control the six enemies with the help of my mind while remembering Lord Krsna."
Both solutions need to be considered. Lust can be purified in the Supreme Personality of Godhead's service by giving some money to further His cause. This can be done by giving monthly donations to a temple, church, mosque, synagogue etc. Anger can be purified by using it in arguing with mayavadi's, or atheistic scientists, who are trying to critize devotees, e.g. by writing a book (e.g. Human Devolution). Greed can be purified by being greedy to associate with devotees, greedy to listen to their lectures, read their books, etc.
If one does not attain Lord Krsna's Lotus Feet one could feel bewildered or in illusion about that, that will purify one's illusion.
And one can purify one's madness to be eager to glorify Krsna and His qualities. Further more one can be proud of being a devotee of Krsna, this will help purify pride.
The other solution is similar, is to purify the anartha's, unwanted habits, by thinking of Krsna, which is by some called 'The Secret', and by Krsna the King of Education and Secret of Secrets. Whatever you think of, that is what you will attain.
In this solution Narotamma Dasa Thakura is suggesting to control the enemies of the mind, by thinking of Krsna.
Both solutions can work at the same time.
In the end one needs to purify these unwanted habits, including envy, which is the root cause of all unwanted habits, by always remembering Krsna, favourably, anukulyena krsnanusilanam.
Here are some more verses (texts 8 - 15), to get some more context. It's from Narottama Dasa Thakura's Sri Prema Bhakti-candrika, chapter 2 - Ekanta-bhakti.
"The six enemies; lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride and envy and the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch reside in my body but I am unable to control them. Although I hear and understand repeatedly that one should serve Krsna with all his senses, still I cannot accept this fact with firm determination.
I will engage lust, anger, greed, illusion, envy and pride in their proper places. In this way, I will defeat the enemies and with ecstacy in my heart, I will worship Govinda without difficulty.
I will engage my lust in eagerness to serve Krsna and I will use my anger against those who are envious of the devotees. I will be greedy to hear the topics of Hari in the association of the devotees. I will be illusioned if I fail to achieve my worshipable Lord and I will feel proud to chant the glories of Krsna. In this way, I will engage them in their respective duties.
Otherwise, independent lusty desires, which are the source of all unwanted things will always disturb the path of devotional service. What harm can lusty desires and anger do to a practitioner of devotional service if he associates with devotees?
Anger spoils everything. Therefore, I will always give up anger, greed and illusion. I will control the six enemies with the help of my mind while remembering Lord Krsna.
All the enemies will run away by hearing the sound vibration of Govinda's name just as a deer flee upon hearing the roar of a lion. One who performs unalloyed devotional service will feel great happiness and all his dangers will be vanquished.
Therefore my dear mind, do not endeavour for bad association, profit, adoration and distinction, but always remember the lotus feet of Govinda. Please engage in loving devotional service with great happiness and all your dangers will be destroyed.
Please give up all duplicity, illusory activities and the search for bodily happiness. Do not be attached to the worship of various demigods. Mundane love and affection for material relationships attracts everyone to their respective illusions and thus advancement on the path of devotional service is checked."
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, in his Gitavali, a collection of songs or prayers, writes:
"Bound by hundreds and hundreds of desires like nooses around my neck, they constantly trouble me. In this ocean of nescience, play the waves of ever-increasing materialistic tendency. There are also many thieves and rogues, of whom six are prominent: lust, anger, envy, greed, illusion, and madness. They are causing me great fear, and in this way my life is coming to an end." from Siksastaka, song 5
If the conditioned mind overcomes these enemies, naturally fear and anxiety will subside, as is the case if the living entity surrenders to Krsna, as explained by Lord Krsna, in the conclusion of His gita, 18.66; "[J]ust surrender unto Me [...]. Do not fear."
Many times fear is given as the opposite of love. According to Bhaktivinoda Thakura, any of the six unwanted emotions, lead to fear; "They are causing me great fear" (Sri Siksastakam - song 5, verse 2). In order to overcome the six enemies of the mind, the mind needs to educate herself and thus purify the intelligence. In a large part fear is due to ignorance, or lack of knowledge; not knowing what is in the dark. So in order to really love, the conditioned mind needs to educate her self, to get out of the darkness of illusion. The mind also needs to become peaceful, by meditation, specifically japa meditation and congregational chanting of Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Coming back to the previous comparison of a circular situation, or rather a disc, where every island is connected by bridges; if one surrenders to Krsna, fear and anxiety will subside, and when fear subsides the other enemies of the mind will subside, and when one overcomes these unwanted qualities, by seeing where they came from, like bad experiences from childhood caused by parents or others, it is easier to think of Lord Krsna, and when one can think of Krsna, and His pastimes, lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride, envy and finally fear subside.
In this regard it is good to mention that reading Krsna book, can purify different unwanted behaviors, by reading about Krsna who is destroying different demons. For more information, please check out His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami's 18 day course (or check ISKCON Leaders) and Course Material on this subject.
Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandana dasa) has an interesting page on this, its more of a summary of the 18 day course of Bhakti Caitanya Swami.
When the conditioned mind is overcome by lust, and realizes the futility and silliness of trying to satisfy that lust especially with material things, then anger will subside and one can start discovering greed, that can be subsided by overcoming anger, that is similarly useless. If one starts giving spiritually benicial things to oneself, others and in particular to Krsna and His devotees, greed can be slowly overcome, and one can realize the illusion, the madness of the conditioned mind, this illusion can be overcome by reading Srimad Bhagavatam. Then one can see pride, which also can be overcome by studying the sastra and realizing how small the soul is, and envy, which can be overcome if one returns back towards Radharani & Krsna and serve Them and Their devotees. This can be done in any ISKCON centre.
Another thing to note is Srila Rupa Gosvami's Upadesamrta; Nectar of Instruction, in particular the first verse:
vāco vegaṁ manasaḥ krodha-vegaṁ
jihvā-vegam udaropastha-vegam
etān vegān yo viṣaheta dhīraḥ
"A sober person who can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals is qualified [...]"
It is particular noteworthy that the tongue, belly and genitals are in one line, and if one controls the tongue, by eating spiritual food (prasadam) and only talking about spiritual matters (Krsna katha), one controls the belly, as well as by not eating too much and too exuberant, and by controlling the belly one can control one's genitals more easy. Which ultimately leads to overcoming lust, which would be the purification of the first enemy.
Give up the propensity to criticise others, as Lord Bhishmadeva says in the Mahabharata:
"If one does not become angry when insulted by another, then he takes away all the pious merit that person may have accumulated by good deeds. In addition he transfers to the abuser his own sinful reactions. After all what is the value of praise or blame when uttered by a vulgar fool? A person who praises someone in his presence but criticises him behind his back is no better that a dog."
And Lord Krsna tells Uddhava:
"Whoever indulges in praising or criticising the qualities and behaviour of others will quickly become deviated from his own best interest by his entanglement in illusory dualities." SB 11.28.2
For more quotes on how to overcome criticising please click here.
Here is the whole of that section of the Mahabharata:
BHISMA SPEAKS OUT: HOW TO DEAL WITH ENEMIES
Yudhisthira inquired, "How should one react to people who insult you by their rudeness and arrogance?"
Bhisma replied, "If one does not become angry when insulted by another, then he takes away all the pious merit that person may have accumulated by good deeds. In addition he transfers to the abuser his own sinful reactions. After all what is the value of praise or blame when uttered by a vulgar fool? A person who praises someone in his presence but criticises him behind his back is no better that a dog."
Yudhisthira, "How should one debate with an unscrupulous person?"
Bhisma replied, "In a debate the tactics of a truthful person are limited, but a deceitful person can utilize any abominable method. However if the truthful person were to use the same tactics as his opponent, he will find himself at a greater disadvantage, for he is acting contrary to his nature. Therefore a truthful and honest person should always avoid an argument with an unscrupulous person."
Yudhisthira then inquired, "How should one behave towards a more powerful enemy?"
Bhisma replied, "Even though the swift current of the river can uproot and carry huge trees, the canes survive since they bend with the current. Similarly in order to survive an enemy more powerful, one must yield while staying firmly anchored to the roots."
Yudhisthira inquired, "What should a weak person do if out of foolishness and pride he provokes a powerful enemy?"
Bhisma replied, "O King, the weaker person must repent and thus appease the stronger enemy."
Yudhisthira inquired, "What is the origin of all sin?"
Bhisma replied, "Greed, the hankering to posses more than one's naturally ordained quota is the origin of all sin. The desire to posses that which belongs to another is insatiable and gives rise to anger, lust, loss of judgment, arrogance, miserliness, lack of compassion, enviousness, mistrust and many other evils. Ignorance is made up of the same material as greed, though if analysed it can be seen that ignorance also comes from greed. As one's greed increases, his ignorance also becomes more dense."
Yudhisthira inquired, "What produces the highest merit?"
Bhisma replied, "Self-restraint surpasses all other activities in this regard and is therefore considered to be the highest virtue. Because self-restraint purifies and controls every aspect of one's life it is more important than giving in charity and the study of the Vedas. By self-restraint alone one can achieve liberation from the material world. Self-restraint comprises sense-control, freedom from anger, non-enviousness, impartiality, truthfulness, steadiness and contentment. However, the essential quality of self-restraint is austerity. Thus no good can be achieved without austerity."
Yudhisthira then inquired, "O Bhisma, is there any rule that should never be violated under any condition?"
Bhisma replied. "The worship of true brahmans and giving them all kinds of respect must never be given up under any circumstance"
— Mahabharata, Shanti Parva
The best solution is to simply give up lust, and engage in Deity worship, give up anger and meditate on Lord Krsna by chanting the Maha-mantra on a japa-mala in a meditative way, and together, in a devotional way, as instructed by Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
Give up greed, by being eager to read and listen about Krsna and His devotees and to serve them, give up illusion, again by reading and hearing about Krsna, give up pride, also by hearing and reading about Krsna, while realising He is great and the living entity, the soul, is small, and then finally give up the deep rooted envy against the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, and lovingly serve Him and His eternal consort Radharani and Their devotees, then all fear and anxiety, in particular fear of death, will subside.
And in order to purify the tendency to criticise; glorify Radha & Krsna and Their devotees and glorify all of their activities.
As Lord Krsna states in Bhagavad-gita 13.8-12 humility is the first sign of knowledge. Lord Caitanya says to hang this verse around one's neck:
tṛṇād api sunīcena
taror api sahiṣṇunā
amāninā mānadena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
"One can chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking himself lower than the straw in the street. One should be more tolerant than the tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respects to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly." (Śikṣāṣṭaka 3)
However humility is difficult to obtain or maintain if one is not grateful, and gratitude often comes if one is happy. The vedas say, dharma, artha, kama, moksha, pious activities, economic development, satisfaction of the senses and finally liberation from material bondage, is what leads to happiness, but real happiness can only be attained if one, the living entity (the soul) is reinstated in her original position of loving Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotees. However one does need some preliminary process. It is up to the individual, and one can always ask for help, to figure out where one's level is. Generally I find most of us need some economic development in order to be happy.
Forgiveness. Forgiving, like chanting
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
does not cost anything. We tend to get angry because other persons, have been angry with us. Forgive the persons. Simply say out loud or in your mind: I forgive, this person. Perhaps first forgive oneself, for allowing yourself to stay in that situation of abuse; at the time you did what you could with the knowledge you had.
Anxiety, or fear, is the opposite, or even the same, as meditation, or extreme focus. That is why sometimes one's greatest fear comes true, as I am visualizing, meditating, focusing on the worst. This fear is partly or mainly due to parents', or others like teachers', and peers', 'help', to warn for bad things (unnecessary fear mongering).
Instead focus, meditate, on the best possible, most desired and most beneficial outcome.
For more information to think of positive things, try repeating positive affirmations.
For more information on the 'Six Enemies of the Mind' on Wikipedia, please click here.
More info on the different 'Levels of Consciousness'
More info on how to overcome envy: Please click here
More info about how to be happy: Please click here
Recommended reading: Sri Krsna-samhita by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, especially chapter eight.
And ofcourse Mantra Meditation
Another good book is Sri Madhurya Kadambini by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura
Here is an excerpt from Chapter 2:
“Next comes bhajana-kriyā, he begins to practice different types of devotional activities. This also is of two varieties, unsteady (aniṣṭhitā) and steady (niṣṭhitā). Unsteady performance of devotional activities is of six types (in sequential order): false confidence [or temporary enthusiasm] (utsāha-mayī ), sporadic endeavor [or simultaneous intense and unsteady practice] ghana-taralā, indecision (vyūḍha-vikalpā), struggle with the senses (viṣaya-saṅgarā), inability to hold vows (niyamākṣamā), and enjoying the facilities offered by bhakti (taraṅga-raṅgiṇī). "
Incidentally chant the Narayana-kavaca and the Nrsimha-kavaca
Another important resource is these lectures from Maharaja Bhakti Vijnana Gosvami.
For more inspiration here are some quotes from the Srimad Bhagavatam:
Conclusion
So envy causes fear. Solution: Glorify others, especially Krsna, and do good, i.e. do the right thing.
For more information to think of positive things, try repeating positive affirmations.
For more information on the 'Six Enemies of the Mind' on Wikipedia, please click here.
More info on the different 'Levels of Consciousness'
More info on how to overcome envy: Please click here
More info about how to be happy: Please click here
Recommended reading: Sri Krsna-samhita by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, especially chapter eight.
And ofcourse Mantra Meditation
Another good book is Sri Madhurya Kadambini by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura
Here is an excerpt from Chapter 2:
“Next comes bhajana-kriyā, he begins to practice different types of devotional activities. This also is of two varieties, unsteady (aniṣṭhitā) and steady (niṣṭhitā). Unsteady performance of devotional activities is of six types (in sequential order): false confidence [or temporary enthusiasm] (utsāha-mayī ), sporadic endeavor [or simultaneous intense and unsteady practice] ghana-taralā, indecision (vyūḍha-vikalpā), struggle with the senses (viṣaya-saṅgarā), inability to hold vows (niyamākṣamā), and enjoying the facilities offered by bhakti (taraṅga-raṅgiṇī). "
Incidentally chant the Narayana-kavaca and the Nrsimha-kavaca
Another important resource is these lectures from Maharaja Bhakti Vijnana Gosvami.
For more inspiration here are some quotes from the Srimad Bhagavatam:
tasmād bhārata sarvātmā
bhagavān harir īśvaraḥ
śrotavyaḥ kīrtitavyaś ca
smartavyaś cecchatābhayam
Synonyms
tasmāt — therefore; bhārata — O descendant of Bharata; sarva-ātmā — the all-pervasive Lord, who is situated in everyone’s heart; bhagavān — the Supreme Personality of Godhead; hariḥ — Lord Hari, who takes away all the miserable conditions of material existence; īśvaraḥ — the supreme controller; śrotavyaḥ — to be heard about (from bona fide sources); kīrtitavyaḥ — to be glorified (as one has heard); ca — also; smartavyaḥ — to be remembered; ca — and; icchatā — by a person desiring; abhayam — freedom from the fearful condition of material existence.
Translation
“ ‘O descendant of Bharata! O Mahārāja Parīkṣit! The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is situated in everyone’s heart as Paramātmā, who is the supreme controller, and who always removes the miseries of the living entities, must always be heard about from reliable sources, and He must be glorified and remembered by one who wishes to become fearless.’
Purport
This is a quotation from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.1.5). It is one’s duty to understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead through the hearing process. This is called śrotavyaḥ. If one has heard properly about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his duty is to glorify the Lord and preach His glories. This is called kīrtitavyaḥ. When one hears about the Lord and glorifies Him, it is natural to think of Him. This is called smartavyaḥ. All this must be carried out if one actually wants to be immune from fear.
ŚB 10.1.44
tasmān na kasyacid droham
ācaret sa tathā-vidhaḥ
ātmanaḥ kṣemam anvicchan
drogdhur vai parato bhayam
Synonyms
tasmāt — therefore; na — not; kasyacit — of anyone; droham — envy; ācaret — one should act; saḥ — a person (Kaṁsa); tathā-vidhaḥ — who has been advised in such a way (by Vasudeva); ātmanaḥ — his own; kṣemam — welfare; anvicchan — if he desires; drogdhuḥ — of one who is envious of others; vai — indeed; parataḥ — from others; bhayam — there is a cause of fear.
Translation
Therefore, since envious, impious activities cause a body in which one suffers in the next life, why should one act impiously? Considering one’s welfare, one should not envy anyone, for an envious person must always fear harm from his enemies, either in this life or in the next.
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In the following verse Vasudeva, the father of Lord Krsna, is advising his brother in law, King Kamsa, not to kill Kamsa's sister, Vasudeva's wife.
ŚB 10.1.44
tasmān na kasyacid droham
ācaret sa tathā-vidhaḥ
ātmanaḥ kṣemam anvicchan
drogdhur vai parato bhayam
Synonyms
tasmāt — therefore; na — not; kasyacit — of anyone; droham — envy; ācaret — one should act; saḥ — a person (Kaṁsa); tathā-vidhaḥ — who has been advised in such a way (by Vasudeva); ātmanaḥ — his own; kṣemam — welfare; anvicchan — if he desires; drogdhuḥ — of one who is envious of others; vai — indeed; parataḥ — from others; bhayam — there is a cause of fear.
Translation
Therefore, since envious, impious activities cause a body in which one suffers in the next life, why should one act impiously? Considering one’s welfare, one should not envy anyone, for an envious person must always fear harm from his enemies, either in this life or in the next.
---------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion
So envy causes fear. Solution: Glorify others, especially Krsna, and do good, i.e. do the right thing.
What is the right thing? Ask guru, sadhu and sastra. One can ask Krsna directly, His representative, one's teacher (guru), ask the wise men (sadhu's) and study the holy scriptures (Vedas or sastra). A teacher (guru) has to be in a direct line of teachers coming in one of the four sampradaya's. Each sampradaya has its origins in Krsna and His teachings, knowledge etcetera.
English Proverb
Anger is a potent spice.
A pinch wakes you up, too much dulls your senses.
The song Ohe Vaisnava Thakura:
1) O venerable Vaisnava, devotee of Krsna! O ocean of mercy, be merciful unto your servant. Give me the shade of your lotus feet and purify me. I hold on to your lotus feet.
2) Teach me to control my six passions; rectify my six faults, bestow upon me the six qualities, and offer unto me the six kinds of holy association.*
3) I do not find the strength to carry on alone the sankirtana of the holy name of Hari. Please bless me by giving me just one drop of faith with which to obtain the great treasure of the holy name of Krsna.
4) Krsna is yours. You have the power to give Him to me. I am simply your servant running behind you shouting, "Krsna! Krsna!"
*The six passions are those pertaining to words, the mind, anger, the tongue, the stomach and the genitals.
The six faults are overeating, attachment to material things, inability to follow regulative principles, sense gratification, useless idle talk, and impure habits.
The six positive qualities are enthusiasm in practicing devotional service, firm faith in devotional processes, a strong desire to attain prema-bhakti, a favorable service attitude, avoidance of non-devotees, and appreciation of the company of devotees.
The six methods of association are to go to an assembly of devotees, to invite devotees into one's home, to discuss and hear devotional topics, to take the maha-prasada of devotees and to offer maha-prasada to devotees.
For more info on the six passions, faults, positive qualities and methods of association please study Rupa Gosvami's Nectar of Instruction.
Author: Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Please do not criticize. For more info click here.
Fear
Bg ch. 4.10
Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many, many persons in the past became purifled by knowledge of Me—and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me.
Bg ch. 11.50
Sanjaya said to Dhrtarastra: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, while speaking thus to Arjuna, displayed His real four-armed form, and at last He showed him His two-armed form, thus encouraging the fearful Arjuna.
Bg ch. 18.30
O son of Prtha, that understanding by which one knows what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, what is to be feared and what is not to be feared, what is binding and what is liberating, that understanding is established in the mode of goodness.
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