Expand your vision of life, that’s where it all begins, says Swami Swaroopananda , global head of Chinmaya Mission . Speaking to Mona Mehta, he explores anger and protest, and his message: “Transform yourself and the world will transform”



In the book ‘You Are The Sky’, you talk about feelings and emotions. What does Vedanta say about emotions such as anger?




Vedanta recognises emotions as natural experiences at a particular level of our personality, but they are not the last word. They do not define our deepest reality, our existence as pure consciousness prior to thought. They belong to the mind-body complex, called anatma, which is impermanent and subject to change. Our innermost Self, the Atma, remains steady, unaffected and changeless. Just as waves rise and fall on the surface of the ocean without disturbing its depth, emotions move through consciousness without altering its essence. Our essence is the silent witness that observes without interference. Once we see this, we notice that feelings pass through us without having to pull us in. They do not touch the clarity of awareness itself. This clarity is not cold detachment. It is an inner steadiness that makes room for both compassion and discernment.




None of this requires suppressing emotion. It asks us to observe and reflect. As my Guru used to say, “Stand apart!” When the intellect is awake and attentive, it helps us interpret emotional experiences without fear or projection.





It’s said, don’t suppress anger, channelise it into Durga Shakti to bring about transformation . How does that work?




It is always for the well-being of people, for transformation. Durga Shakti should not be considered a destructive power. It’s like a mother’s love. Durga is not the one who’s going to just accept harm to her child or to herself, in a weakening manner. She’s so powerful. And if your intention is good, it is so powerful that it has its own impact.





How would you define ‘good’?




Good is when we consider others along with ourselves. You have to see the total picture, not an individualistic one.





How best to express rage or anger? Is it even valid?




Express it, but remember: if you hold an ember in your hand to throw at someone, you burn yourself first. Anger is a force. No doubt. But love, understanding and compassion are bigger. Like in arm wrestling: anger has an initial force, but love has stamina. Rage is an impulse. Dedication has consistency, and consistency has its own stamina.





What about protest and how best to express disagreement?




Before anything else, we must be clear about what the protest is for, what we really want, and whether the way we are going about it is right. For the freedom of the country, people had to protest. But not all protest is justified. The intention behind it matters, and so does how people handle it. Sometimes protests are destructive for innocent people, lives and businesses.




Voice your disagreement. But by destroying things, you cannot always get what you want.







What is your advice to young people who want to bring about change, or who see something that is not right?




First, in getting my rights, I should not forget my duties. There is always a right way and a right time to do things. Think about your intention, your purpose and your method. The moment you find it heading in a different direction, correct yourself immediately. Rage comes from not getting what we want, so we must be clear about what we want. It should be for the welfare of many, and welfare for many should not harm others.





When someone raises an issue and calls for support, how do you decide whether to lend your voice?




First, question whether your thinking is independent or coloured and influenced. Most people will be influenced and carried away. At such times, use your common sense and choose the path that brings collective welfare. Many young people don’t realise that the issues they protest have always existed in some form.





Will we never be free of issues like corruption?




It is ingrained in everybody. But that does not mean we should learn to live with it. The best way to deal with it is to remove it from yourself. Transform yourself and the world will transform.





Regarding transformation, what is the one thing a young person could start with right away?




Expand your vision of life.