Kaikeyi, Manthara and Our Thoughts

Kaikeyi, Manthara and Our Thoughts: A psychotherapist Perspective from the Ramayana

The grand preparations for Lord Rama's coronation were in full swing. Ministers, citizens and every resident of Ayodhya were immersed in joyful celebrations, eagerly anticipating the moment when Rama would ascend the throne. However, amidst this collective happiness, one person stood apart Manthara, who harbored different ambitions for the kingdom's future.

The Seeds of Doubt

Manthara desired to see Bharata as the king of Ayodhya. Driven by this wish, she approached Queen Kaikeyi and began planting seeds of negativity about Rama. Initially, her efforts seemed futile. Rama was exceptionally dear to Kaikeyi and her joy remained unshaken by Manthara's words. This resistance only fueled Manthara's determination.

The Power of Manipulated Thoughts

Manthara then changed her strategy. She targeted Kaikeyi's thoughts directly, reminding her of past interactions with Queen Kausalya. Through careful manipulation, Manthara painted a frightening picture: just as Kaikeyi had once asserted her position as Dasharatha's favorite queen over Kausalya, Rama would surely banish both Kaikeyi and Bharata from the kingdom once he became king. The aftermath of this manipulation is well-known in the epic.

Understanding the Ocean Within Us

This incident from the Ramayana offers profound insights into how our thoughts shape our reality. When thoughts are right and logical, they benefit us positively. However, when they become distorted or illogical, they negatively impact our behavior, actions, perspective on situations and even our self-perception.

Questioning the Reality

Several questions emerge when we examine Kaikeyi's situation objectively:

Did Kaikeyi truly know what was going to happen? After living alongside Kausalya for numerous years, did she genuinely not understand Kausalya's character? Since Rama's birth, Kaikeyi had considered him her first priority had Kausalya or anyone else ever opposed this? Rama himself would meet Kaikeyi first before Kausalya. Could a mother forget her own son?

The answer to all these questions is 'no'. Evidence exists throughout the epic that proves the thoughts and fears troubling Kaikeyi were inappropriate and illogical. Yet these thoughts gripped her mind with such intensity that they affected her emotions and behavior. According to the verses, they even had negative impacts on her physical health and damaged her relationships irreparably.

The Brain's Natural Protective Mechanism

Our brain constantly scans our environment for potential dangers. This is an evolutionary mechanism designed to keep us safe. However, the brain doesn't differentiate between the physical dangers faced by early humans and the psychological or social challenges we encounter today. In such moments, the brain becomes like Kaikeyi and our troublesome thoughts act like Manthara.

While this response is natural, we have the power to intervene. When we recognize this pattern, we can first calm ourselves, understand our thoughts objectively, challenge and change them if necessary and then face the situation with clarity.

Living in the Present

In Kaikeyi's situation, her mind became fixated on two time periods beyond anyone's control the past and the future. We cannot travel back to change what has happened, nor can we predict or control what will happen tomorrow. Therefore, the wisest approach is to stay calm and live in the present moment.

Conclusion

The story of Kaikeyi and Manthara serves as a timeless reminder about the power of our thoughts. By understanding how our mind works, recognizing when our thoughts become distorted and consciously choosing to stay grounded in the present, we can avoid the pitfalls that trapped Queen Kaikeyi and make decisions that truly serve our wellbeing and that of those around us.

About the Author : Aniket Deshpande
Psychologist
Contact : 8237017150

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How do negative thoughts impact our mental and physical health?

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Negative thoughts can trigger stress responses in our body, affecting our emotions, behavior and even physical health. As seen in Kaikeyi's case, distorted thinking patterns can influence our decision making and damage important relationships.

Q2. What is the connection between the Ramayana story and modern psychology?

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The Ramayana offers timeless wisdom about human psychology. The story of Kaikeyi and Manthara illustrates cognitive distortions, how external influences can manipulate our thoughts and the importance of logical thinking – concepts that are central to modern cognitive behavioral therapy.

Q3. How can we recognize when our thoughts are becoming illogical or harmful?

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Warning signs include obsessive thinking about past events or future possibilities, physical symptoms like tension or anxiety, damaged relationships and making decisions that contradict your core values or known facts about people close to you.

Q4. How can we protect ourselves from negative influences like Manthara?

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Develop critical thinking skills, verify information against known facts, maintain strong self awareness, seek multiple perspectives before making important decisions and practice mindfulness to recognize when external influences are distorting your thoughts.

Q5. Can our brain really not differentiate between ancient and modern dangers?

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Yes, our brain's threat detection system evolved for physical survival threats. It can sometimes misinterpret social or psychological challenges as life-threatening dangers triggering the same stress responses our ancestors experienced facing predators.

Q6. What steps can we take when we recognize our thoughts are becoming negative?

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First: Pause and calm yourself through deep breathing or meditation.

Second: Examine your thoughts objectively.

Third: Challenge illogical assumptions with evidence.

Fourth: Reframe the situation based on facts.

Finally: Seek support from trusted friends or psychotherapist professionals if needed.