In Indian philosophy, the Arishadvarga or the six internal enemies, are not treated as moral flaws. They are seen as natural psychological tendencies that shape how we think, react and act.
Swami Vivekananda approached them with clarity and practicality. He didn’t ask us to suppress these forces, but to understand and redirect them.
The six are interconnected.
It begins with Kama or desire – the feeling that something outside us will complete us.
When that desire is blocked, it turns into Krodha or anger. When fulfilled, it often grows into Lobha or greed – the urge to have more, without a clear end.
As this cycle continues, the mind loses clarity. This is Moha, attachment or delusion – when we begin to depend on people, roles or possessions for a sense of stability. From there comes Mada, pride, where identity hardens and the ego becomes less open to learning.
Finally, there is Matsarya or envy – the constant comparison with others that keeps the mind restless.
Vivekananda’s key insight was that these are not enemies in themselves. They are forms of energy.
The same force behind desire can become focus. The same intensity behind anger can be channeled into disciplined action. What matters is not the presence of these forces, but the direction in which they move.
He emphasized awareness as the first step. Instead of reacting to every impulse, we learn to observe it. This shift – from “I am angry” to “anger is arising” – creates distance. And in that distance, there is choice.
He also spoke about the importance of action. Through Karma Yoga, or selfless work, we gradually reduce the grip of greed and envy. When actions are not constantly tied to personal gain, the ego begins to loosen.
Finally, he pointed to two essential disciplines: consistent practice (Abhyasa) and dispassion (Vairagya). Practice helps steady the mind. Dispassion reminds us that no external object can provide lasting fulfillment.
Over time, these inner forces don’t need to be fought. They lose their intensity as understanding deepens.
The goal is not to become emotionless.
It is to become free from being controlled by every passing impulse.
Vedik Mind 