Definition of Dhīra - How to Avoid Becoming Disturbed
The material world is a place of constant flux, compared to an ocean filled with waves. In such an environment, it is natural for the mind to be agitated. Śrīla Prabhupāda observes that modern man is perpetually becoming disturbed—by financial insecurity, by the demands of the senses, by family conflicts, and by the inevitable decline of the body. However, spiritual maturity is marked by the ability to remain stable amidst this turbulence. This quality is called being dhīra (sober).
Nature of Agitation
Disturbance arises from identification with the body. When the body is hungry, thirsty, or in pain, the conditioned soul loses patience. Śrīla Prabhupāda gives the visceral example of a smoker who becomes visibly agitated when denied a cigarette. This principle extends to all material desires. When the senses dictate and the mind follows, peace is impossible. Even great sages and demigods are liable to become disturbed when faced with the formidable energy of māyā or when they see things that contradict their calculations.
- That gentleman was sitting and asking "Can I smoke?" The tongue is agitating for... "Please, please give me one cigarette. One cigarette." He became disturbed. And we said, "No. You cannot smoke." This is material pleasure.
- Even the learned sages become disturbed in their intelligence when they see that You take shelter in a fort although You are the controller of invincible time, and that You enjoy householder life surrounded by many women although You enjoy in Your Self.
- A sudra means he becomes disturbed. He becomes disturbed: "Oh, I have no employment. How shall I eat? Where shall I go? Where shall I live?" He has no faith in Krsna.
Meaning of Dhīra
Who is a dhīra? Śrīla Prabhupāda defines a dhīra not as someone who lives in a vacuum, but as someone who is not disturbed even when there is a cause for disturbance. If there is an earthquake and the building is shaking, most people will scream in fear. But a Kṛṣṇa conscious person understands that they are not the body and that Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate protector. This faith grants them an immunity to fear and agitation that is impossible for the materialist to achieve.
- There is earthquake, and we are afraid of this building may fall down, the cause of disturbances, then we become very much disturbed - sometimes screaming. So one who is not disturbed, even there is cause of disturbance, he is called dhira.
- One must become dhira, or undisturbed by the modes of material nature. The process of yoga may be practiced by one who is free from the agitation of these modes.
- Even one is situated in a very great dangerous point, still, he is not disturbed. This is such a thing, Krsna consciousness. He does not become disturbed.
A Plea for Cooperation
Disturbance is not just a personal problem; it affects the entire mission. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently expressed that his ability to write and translate—his primary service to his Guru Mahārāja—was directly linked to the peacefulness of his society. When disciples fought or created political disturbances, his mind became disturbed, and his work was impeded. Therefore, he implored his followers to cooperate and maintain a peaceful atmosphere as a direct service to him.
- Whenever I hear complaints or disturbances in our centers my mind becomes too much disturbed and I cannot properly translate my books. So please spare me from such disturbance by cooperating all together Godbrothers and Godsisters.
- If my mind becomes disturbed in this way, then how can I concentrate on book writing. It is not possible. Better not to inform me anything, and let me sit in Vrindaban.
Conclusion
To avoid becoming disturbed is a sign of spiritual advancement. It requires training the mind to see beyond the immediate duality of happiness and distress. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by taking shelter of the holy name and remaining fixed in the service of the Lord, one can navigate the stormy ocean of material existence without being tossed about by the waves. As he advised a disciple: "Do not be disturbed. There is no cause for anxiety. You are doing your best to serve Kṛṣṇa."
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Becoming Disturbed. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.