1. STRESS
AND
RESTLESSNESS
DR.
SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR

2. When we study STRESS; we find that one of the
greatest enigmas of life is restlessness! The restlessness
of unknown origin! More often than not, restlessness is
not related to any particular want, though; it may be
compounded with hunger, thirst, insecurity, sexual
deprivation, and so on.
We complain (and keep doing so) round about
everything such as price rise, water shortage, load
shedding of electricity and hike in bus fare. At home we
keep on grumbling or complaining about almost issues;
such as children, their study, ill health, lack of attention
and even climate!
But when one thing is satisfied; the complaints about
new issues start erupting! We can not stop complaining
and grumbling.
We may try several activities to “quench” our
restlessness. But we find that; we are only temporarily
satisfied and the new reasons for our complaints
emerge! All in all; we get fade up; in the unavoidable
cycle of restlessness, complaints, fulfillment and new
reasons for restlessness and complaints!

3. Life becomes an unending travel of travails and we try
to escape in a variety of activities such as sports,
physical exercise, athletics, gymnastics, acrobatics,
swimming, crafts, music, trekking, painting, dancing
etc. But they do not; and for that matter nothing
whatsoever, provides fulfillment to us.
We; try to socialize, gossip, share our feelings,
thoughts, ideas, get involved in charity or else we get
immersed in gambling, horse race, drinks. But still
remain empty, hollow and restless. Our complaints
continue.
What is the reason?
The reason is; restlessness is like enormous power
within us; that has no direction. It agitates but does not
lead! It irritates but does not help deicide. It excites but
does not orchestrate. It arouses but does not
channellize. It torments; but does not by itself; evolve
us! Restlessness; thus by itself is like fire, that has be
contained and used beneficially rather than waiting for
it subside!

4. Our restlessness becomes worse when we succumb to
arguments and propaganda, which provoke, promote
and perpetuate contradictions and confusion. This is
because; when we are trapped in various ideas of
morality, ethics, religions, ideologies on the one hand;
and the actual reality that apparently disproves; all our
sanity; and upholds everything contrary to our
expectations and anticipations.
Our restlessness is therefore aggravated and converted
into anguish, agitation, rage, frustration and gets
expressed into useless or counterproductive suicidal
activities or gets transformed into criminal activities.
We have to understand this immense though
potentially beneficial restlessness and channellize it and
guide it, in every field of personal and social life!
This is why; Total Stress Management that embodies
the study of meaning, causes, dimensions, effects,
mechanisms, support systems and the management of
STRESS is essential. It enables us to evolve global
perspective, policies, plans and their implementation in
all the fields such as holistic education, holistic
medicine etc. All this activity coupled with the practice

5. of NAMASMARAN; to bring about international laws,
rules, regulations, conventions, etiquettes and manners;
conducive to individual and global blossoming; is called
SWADHARMA.
Let us understand that; in absence of this; even if we
are provided with the best of everything; our STRESS
and restlessness would not subside!
In other words; restlessness, which is an enigma and a
major cause of STRESS can be conquered only if we
ourselves begin to undergo the metamorphosis or
conscious evolutionary transformation; rather than
blaming others; through NAMASMARAN, and share
our convictions of Total Stress Management i.e.
SWADHAMRA; with others.