Hridaya Pariksha: Examination of the Heart

Hridaya pariksha, or examination of the heart, is the contemplative practice of turning inward to investigate what you truly loved, what you feared losing, and what remains unchanged within you. Mirabai was relentless in this self-inquiry: she examined her attachments to family, social role, and even her own identity to understand what was authentic love versus conditioning. When mourning the end of a relationship, this practice becomes crucial. Ask: What did this person represent to you? What needs were they meeting? What parts of yourself did you see reflected in them? What remains true about you regardless of their presence? Hridaya pariksha is not blame or self-criticism but honest investigation. Through this examination, you often discover that what you grieve most is not the person but an image, a hope, or a version of yourself. This clarity does not erase pain but locates it precisely, allowing genuine healing rather than circular rumination.