‘Life is a flow of experiences; one must learn to stay away from negativity’ 

Mysuru: Abhinava Sri Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji of Gavimutt, Koppal, the chief guest of Dasara 2026, spoke on human life, emotions, relationships and mental well-being during his address at Suttur Srikshetra in Nanjangud yesterday evening. 

On his arrival in Mysuru, the Seer was welcomed at Kempegowda Circle (Manipal Hospital Junction) by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) R. Aishwarya. At the Suttur Mutt, he was received in the presence of senior pontiffs with a ceremonial welcome. 

Nandi Kolu troupes, cultural teams and auspicious musical ensembles added grandeur. Students from Meghalaya, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh studying at the JSS School in Suttur lined up holding Chatra-Chamara to greet the Swamiji. 

Later, he had the darshan of Mahadeshwara Swami and performed special pujas to the Gadduge. 

Addressing devotees in the presence of Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, the Gavimutt Seer urged them to adopt virtuous ideals in daily life. Praising Suttur Mutt and the growth it had achieved under its pontiffs, he remarked, “Seeing Suttur once is far more worthwhile than visiting Kashi ten times.” 

Reflecting on the meaning of life, Abhinava Sri Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji referred to philosopher William James and spoke about how human life is shaped by a continuous stream of experiences. He said, people move between different emotional states, experiencing both joy and sorrow, fortune and adversity. 

Explaining how people perceive and respond to the world around them, the Seer said experiences arise from the interaction of the five senses (eyes, ears, tongue, skin and nose) with external objects and surroundings. 

‘Freshness becomes a later burden’ 

However, these experiences do not always produce the same feelings, he said. To explain this, he cited the example of a fresh flower garland that initially brings happiness through its fragrance but may become a burden later. 

Drawing from everyday life, he also spoke humorously about how feelings and perceptions change in relationships over time. 

“Before marriage, everything smells sweet and wonderful, like perfumes, powders and flowers. A few months or years down the line, the reality shifts into a different routine, where experiences and perspectives change entirely,” the Seer remarked, explaining how time can alter one’s feelings towards the same person or surroundings. 

The Swamiji also spoke about the emotional impact of harsh words, criticism and strained social relationships. While kind words bring comfort and lift one’s spirits, criticism and defamatory remarks can cause deep emotional pain, he said. 

“If someone speaks kindly, it brings comfort. If someone speaks harshly or criticises with needle-like words or defamation, it deeply hurts our minds,” he said. 

Negativity, toxicity 

Speaking about dealing with persistent negativity from relatives or acquaintances, the Seer said, people should learn to maintain emotional detachment and, where necessary, physical distance from those who cause distress. Such steps, he said, could help preserve inner peace. 

He further emphasised that people should learn to distance themselves from toxic situations instead of allowing unpleasant experiences to affect their peace of mind. Recognising that experiences and emotions are not permanent, he said, was important for maintaining mental tranquillity. 

Suttur Mutt’s Junior Pontiff Sri Jayarajendra Swamiji, JSS Mahavidyapeetha Secretary S.P. Manjunath, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Additional Regional Commissioner in the Regional Commissioner’s Office Dr. P. Shivaraju, ADC Aishwarya and others were present.