Revisiting ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Context of ‘Fire of Biraha

A colloquial concept, the ‘fire of biraha,’ the pain of separation from loss of loved object, captures the essence of ‘tragic optimism,’ where one says yes to life in spite of all. The tragic events are inevitable though, this study underlines that these are opportunities to use the pain of suffering as light to move out of the darkness. It is a fine resolution of ambivalence of love and hate that pervades psyche after loss, where the conscience, an inner vision offers choices. The paper traces the evolution of conscience as an epochal event. And then presents the SEEKING system from affective neuroscience as an evolutionary package to engage with the environment after loss. Finally, the paper explores the integration of ‘tragic optimism’ and ‘fire of biraha’ to navigate through loss, but it is for individual to make choices and master ways for own as well as the survival of others