Once, it was advertised that the devil was going to put his tools up for sale. On the date of the sale, the tools were laid out for public inspection, each marked with a sale price. They were a treacherous lot of implements: Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Deceit, Lying, Pride, and so on.
Apart from the rest, there was a harmless-looking tool that appeared heavily used and was priced very high. One of the potential buyers asked, “What is the name of this tool?”
“That is ‘depression,'” replied the devil.
“Why have you priced it so high?” the buyer asked.
“Because it is more useful to me than all the others. I can pry open and get inside people’s hearts with that when I cannot get near them with my other tools. Once I get inside, I can make them do what I choose. It is badly worn because I use it on almost everyone, since very few people know that it belongs to me.”
Moral of the Story
The story highlights that depression is a powerful tool that the devil uses to infiltrate hearts and minds, leading people away from their true purpose and into despair. It teaches us that whatever is destined for us will happen, and being depressed won’t change our destiny. Instead, it will make it harder to handle the situation.
Spiritual Insight
The Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam provide guidance on dealing with depression and maintaining faith in difficult times. In Srimad Bhagavatam (SB 3.9.29), Lord Krishna speaks to Brahma, who was meditating and unsure of what to do:
sri bhagavan uvaca:
maa veda-garbha gaas tandrim / sarga udyamam aavaha tan mayaapaaditam hy agre / yan maam praarthayate bhavaan
Translation: “The Supreme Personality of Godhead then said: ‘O Brahma, O depth of Vedic wisdom, be neither depressed nor anxious about the execution of creation. What you are begging from Me has already been granted before.'”
This verse emphasizes that one should not be depressed or anxious, as everything destined to happen will unfold in due course. The world presents us with alternating moments of happiness and distress, but we should maintain our equanimity and faith.
Practical Application
One effective way to combat depression and remain spiritually strong is to engage in the constant chanting of the holy names of the Lord and studying sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. These practices help us remember the Lord and His assurances, thereby providing us with inner strength and peace.
Always Remember
Living in this world naturally brings challenges and difficulties. Let us not add to them by succumbing to depression. Instead, let us chant the holy names of the Lord:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
By doing so, we can keep depression at bay and remain joyful and spiritually uplifted.
PS: I humbly request all devotees to share this moral and instructive story so that everyone can benefit from hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
