From a materialistic standpoint, man is advancing rapidly towards the peak of prosperity but so far as mental health is concerned, he is as quickly sinking deeper and deeper in the ‘swamp’ of tension. What is unfortunate is that man is himself primarily responsible for this state of affairs. As more and more things become available for comfort and pleasure, we also need more and more of the same which then become the necessities of life. The undue importance of such things is increasing day by day. It has, therefore, become necessary to increase our incomes. The need to maximize income intensifies the temptation and ambition for a good job. This makes higher education essential. A consequence of this is that school education has become stressful for children from early childhood. This has also led to comparison of academic performance of children. The percentage of marks scored by a student has assumed extraordinary importance and this causes mental tension in both the children and their parents or guardians. Besides, there is also the tension in regard to getting admission in a school or college. Later on, unemployment, VRS and CRS are also causes of tremendous tension.

       Sometimes, such tension becomes very frightening. We are unable to face the competition and the situations that confront us. This causes feelings of despair and despondency which on reaching an extreme lead to suicidal or homicidal tendencies. Some actually resort to suicidal violence while some others become extremists when their hatred for the power and prosperity of others has no bounds. It is such conditions that give rise to suicidal attacks and powerful bomb blasts. Consequently, the entire society is afflicted with tension.

       Man is producing in abundance the objects of physical comfort and pleasure for his own mental satisfaction but this has only increased his craving for such objects and an insatiable greed for money. This has led to corruption. Comparisons of academic performance begin at a tender age. In later life, this gives rise to comparing one’s power and prosperity with that of others. This brings about despair and excessive hatred for those who are successful, powerful and prosperous. Extremism is a direct consequence thereof. This means man is himself primarily responsible for worldwide mental tension and devastation. Naturally, it is also man’s responsibility to bring about a positive change in this collective consciousness. Even though it is not possible to change the external environment and circumstances, we can certainly change our own outlook thereto and thereby at least endow our minds with satisfaction, peace and cheerfulness.