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SUMMARY Paramahamsa Niranjanananda
It is true that in ancient times it was the seers who used to provide solutions and guidance in physical, mental and spiritual problems. But with the passage of time, people began research into the science of medicine dealing with the physical body, and became skilled. These were the modern doctors. Some became interested in psychological problems and endeavored to find solutions. They became known as psychotherapists. In this way, man began to pursue different systems in the field of medicine, and specialized accordingly in that particular field.
However, in the medical treatment or therapy of today, there is one major drawback, a problem for which no solution is available. Suppose we are sick and take some medicine and start feeling better after ten to twenty minutes. A psychological impression is created, so that whenever we are in this state we must swallow this pill. After some time we feel better and this becomes a habit. Then whenever we have a headache, even a light headache, immediately our thoughts are centered on the habit of aspirin. Knowledge has been received that ten, fifteen to twenty minutes after swallowing the pill, we shall feel better. But when the effect of the pill finishes, withdrawal symptoms can be noticed. The person becomes deeply affected by the withdrawal symptoms and this becomes a vicious cycle. One of the reasons is that we do not recognize our innate spirituality and the state of equilibrium within us. If we acknowledge spirituality and self-control in our lives, then we will not have psychological problems. This was the message of Dr. Swami Vivekananda.
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