1. The document discusses depression from a spiritual perspective, stating that negative thinking or depression can obstruct one's purpose in life of attaining bliss or realizing God. 2. It explains that depression stems from negative impressions in the unconscious mind and prolonged sadness, and outlines strategies for overcoming depression like accepting it, focusing on spiritual experiences, and using autosuggestions and prayer. 3. Measures for avoiding negative thinking are presented, including introspection, identifying personal defects, and training oneself to handle reactions through identifying triggers in advance.

1. Cover Overcoming Depression S piritual R esearch F oundation.org

3. What are we comprised of?

5. CM SCM Cross sectional view of the subtle body

6. Functioning of mind Many a times we are not aware of what is happening in the conscious mind Unconscious Mind – When impression forms in this place it becomes part of us and we are totally unaware of it Subconscious Mind – All the centres are in this mind and we can know when we are in a light trance Subconscious Mind Unconscious Mind Conscious Mind

9. CM SCM Reasons for our actions/reactions

12. Source of negative thinking Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Body identification/ awareness – E.g. constant caring or comparing with one’s body Various defects in mind – E.g. self centeredness, criticism Lack of required qualities – E.g. tolerance, patience, gratitude, understanding etc. Lack of spiritual practice

13. Graphical representation of Sadness and Depression Happiness Sadness Depression Starts affecting functioning of the body When ghosts capitalise on our PDs Prolonged state of sadness

15. How to control mind which is overpowered by emotions? ve ve Mind reacts to emotions – which can be of two types In both the cases reduce the response. One point to remember is that the response should not be larger than the event…..

16. E.g. Happy moment Child is born E.g. Sad moment Someone insults or passes an odd remark

17. Why are seekers more depressed as compared to an average individual, when seekers are supposed to be happy? Type of individual Criteria Average Individual Many are depressed Used to of living Public life They have a blank look on their face – (mask) Happiness is absent or it is superfluous Seeker Puts in efforts to do spiritual practice Introspection begins which show many flaws Goes into temporary phase of depression Within a short time with more efforts attains bliss

18. Graphical presentation of happiness in a seeker and an average individual A B C D E F Think we are happy state – superfluous happiness Temporary introspective stage – realisation of mistakes A B C D E F Start of spiritual practice Depression stage More efforts in increasing spiritual practice Bliss – true happiness

19. How to overcome depression? 1. Depression is common and many experience it 2. Note that only we can come out of depression – so take damage control measures 3. Whatever we have in present apply all such efforts – it will go long way in overcoming depression 4. Learn to identify the depression stepping in 5. Accept the depression – don’t go into denial 6. Rule of last straw on the camel’s back 7. Surrender , chant and pray – try to surrender in daily chores so when problem creeps in without intimation, it can be surrendered 8. Remember the spiritual experiences – tap God’s energy 9. Don’t think that it is the end of the world – every moment is a fresh beginning – God gives endless opportunities

22. Summary 1. Seeker’s aim in spiritual practice 2. Understanding the functioning of our mind’s process 3. Accepting depression – cause of which is impressions in our mind 4. Difference between sadness and depression 5. Controlling mind which is overpowered by emotions 6. Measures to overcome depression 7. Handy tips to over come negative thinking