Even though emotions can’t be commanded, they can still be cultivated. Suppose someone is feeling cold. We can’t command them not to feel cold. But does that mean they are helpless? No, they can wear some warm clothes, they can do some physical activity by which the cold can be decreased. Similarly, we can’t command our emotions to feel happy or feel devotional.

But that does not mean we are helpless. We can provide ourselves stimuli externally, and we can bring inside our mind thoughts internally which can foster particular emotions. If we don’t feel devotional, we can look at the beautiful pictures of the deities, we can think of our favorite pastimes of the Lord, and thus the emotion of devotion can be cultivated.

(Inspired by Bhagavad-Gita 18.35)

Watch this content at: Emotions: not commanded, but cultivated