Emotional Freedom-June 26, 2007

In my travels I have noticed many devotees suffering from the effects of
emotional dependency or attempting to free themselves from emotional
dependency. I am impelled by my desire/need to help devotees to write about
this subject.

Emotional dependency can affect GBCs, Presidents, Gurus, brahmacaries,
householders, disciples, authorities, preachers, husbands, wives, gurukulis,
sannyasis, vanaprasthas, children, women, and just about everyone else.

The symptoms of emotional dependency differ from person to person and may
include depression, anxiety, anger, backaches, headaches, heartaches,
regressive traits, over dependence, violence, etc.

There are two basic categories of persons who are emotionally dependent in
our society. One is the dominant authority figure, and the other is the
person who is emotionally dependent upon the authority figure. Both types of
personalities suffer due to this dynamic.

In addition one may be emotionally dependent upon an institution and the
institutional paradigms may foster this understanding.

In a hierarchical institution there is a greater predominance of emotional
bondage.

In a position of authority one assumes responsibility for persons under
him/her in the hierarchy. This is a paternal situation. When the subordinate
person does not live up to the authorities’ expectations, the authority
experiences it as his personal failing in much the same way as a parent
experiences the failures of the minor child. He feels like a complete
failure.

Between the parent and minor child this dynamic may be useful for some time,
but between two adults it leads to many mental and physical repercussions
for the authority figure as well as the person who is being cared for

In the beginning of the relationship the authority figure is fixed on the
idea that he/she is responsible for the dependent’s emotional well being,
spiritual well being, or material well being. When the dependent acts or
thinks in a way that runs contrary to the authorities concept of “well
being,” the authority may feel guilt (he feels that it is his fault), or the
authority may get angry or manifest a variety of other emotions.

If the authority has dominion over multiple living entities and maintains
his attitude that he is responsible in every which way (mostly for things
completely outside of his control), the authority may eventually become
exhausted and even sick because he is carrying the emotional burden of guilt
and unhealthy caring.

The next stage for the authority may be what I call the rebellious stage in
which the authority is absolutely rejecting all responsibility for the
dependent and doesn’t even want to talk to the dependent.

The dependent also may go through various stages. Many people are very
enthusiastic to enter into a relationship where they will be cared for in
ways that only a child should be. It takes great strength of character to be
independently thoughtful as Srila Prabhupada wanted us to be.

…Krishna Consciousness Movement is for training men to be independently
thoughtful…Prabhupada’s Letter to: Karandhara — Bombay 22 December, 1972

Even though being cared for inappropriately may feel “warm and fuzzy” to one
at first, ultimately it leads to dysfunctionality as one loses his self
esteem and self confidence. In fact one may say that a vital part of his
being atrophies.

Generally, though a dependent person is not satisfied with the care he is
receiving, and may become more needy as time goes on. What may happen is
that when these needs are not fulfilled the dependent person become
despondent, or bitter and may reject the care of the caregiver and even
consider the caregiver his enemy.

This is evidenced by the presence of many persons who are negative towards
ISKCON and its authorities. Their negativity exceeds the boundaries of
“normal” emotional functioning because of their extreme bitterness and
disappointment with ISKCON as they were not cared for as the institution and
its representatives implicitly promised.

Thus in the name of helping ISKCON they in fact may be venting their own
emotional frustrations.

To deal with this challenge we need to clearly redefine the relationship
between the authority figure and the dependent. The authority figure (or
institution) should not implicitly or explicitly promise to fulfill all the
needs of the person. Better to assume a position of facilitator; that is to
help one understand how to fulfill his own needs by being an autonomous
human being.

This may be a hard nut to crack, as one may think that the effective and
efficient functioning of a religious society depends upon obedience. One may
feel that if we take this stance, our society and the individuals in
position may lose all their assets (people, money, etc).

My experience is the opposite however. When people are encouraged to develop
their individuality and serve joyfully not because they have to, they
function at a higher level of efficiency and because of their joyfulness
more and more people will be attracted by their joyfulness to render
voluntary service.

People will use their imagination more and come up with more and more
dynamic ways to share Krishna consciousness with others.

There may be emotional objections too as some may be addicted to the
adulation of followers, and the acquiring of more and more obsequious
followers. Of course we do know that Lord Caitanya cautioned us about this
in His Siksastaka.

A change of paradigm is required in order to achieve emotional freedom for
all levels of society. When we undergo this change of paradigm it will be as
if a great weight has been lifted from our shoulders. It will require a lot
of strength though for people to take responsibility for their own lives and
for the authorities to not succumb to various temptations to control
people’s lives.