Why Does the Mind Spiral in Thoughts? Gita, Vedas, Ramayana and Mahabharata Reveal the Secret of Heart and Forgiveness
By Pt. Amitabh Sharma
Powerful Stories of Old Wounds and Their Resolution
Table of Contents
Every generation has wondered-why do old wounds, failures, slights or grievances keep returning to mind? Why can even small incidents become heavy burdens? The Gita and our scriptures offer a profound solution-until the heart harbors bitterness, unresolved hurt or lacks forgiveness, the mind cannot truly be at peace.
In the Gita, the Deep Dialogue of Mind and Heart: Where Contemplation Truly Begins
Krishna says, “Dhyayato vishayan pumsah sangas teshu upajayate. Sangat sanjayate kamah; kamat krodho abhijayate...”
This teaches that any incident, insult, desire or loss that lodges in the heart pulls the mind endlessly back. Attachment breeds anger and confusion, leading finally to mental chaos. In every relationship, personal or social, experience proves if wounds or insults get buried in the heart, the mind remains a turmoil.
Vedas and Upanishads on the Inner Psychology
[translate:Chandogya Upanishad] says, “As a shadow follows the body, so is the mind’s fate bound to the heart’s feelings.”
This lesson is clear: as long as bitterness or wounds remain, thoughts will naturally wander.
Ramayana: Forgiveness, Resentment and Freedom of Mind
1. King Dasharatha, Kaikeyi and Bharata’s Secret Sorrow
When Kaikeyi demanded Rama’s exile, Dasharatha’s mind grew restless with regret and sorrow. The pain of separation from Rama ate at him and he never forgave himself. This distress ended his life.
Lesson: Until forgiveness dwells within, peace cannot grow.
2. The Meeting of Bharata and Rama
Bharata could have been angry at his father’s act and mother’s plot. Instead, he forgave both, refused the throne and placed Rama’s sandals upon it.
Lesson: Forgiveness is the heart’s weapon that brings lasting peace and power to the mind.
3. Vibhishan’s Surrender and Ravan’s End
Ravan never truly accepted his faults or advice, clinging to pain and insult. Vibhishan overcame his family’s wrongs and found sanctuary with Rama, becoming an eternal symbol of truth and forgiveness.
Lesson: He who melts into forgiveness is freed; the stubborn eventually fall.
Mahabharata: Grudge, Restlessness and the Bonded Mind
1. Draupadi’s Insult and Krishna’s Promise
Draupadi was humiliated in the court. She called first upon her husbands, then Krishna. When she surrendered, Krishna not only rescued her but infused her with new strength and calm.
Lesson: When pain is accepted and faith found in the right place, peace returns to the mind.
2. Bhishma’s Bed of Arrows and the Lesson of Forgiveness
Bhishma, pinned to his bed of arrows, reflected on every pain and loss, forgiving even his enemies before passing.
Lesson: In the end, peace comes through forgiveness, surrender and a pure heart.
3. Ashvatthama, Sin and Yudhishthira
Ashvatthama, seeking vengeance, caused Dhrishtadyumna’s death. Yudhishthira, full of loss, chose not retaliation but forgiveness and dharma.
Lesson: True victory of the mind lies in breaking the cycle of rejection, hatred and revenge.
Vedas, Puranas and Modern Psychology
Psychology agrees-with unresolved trauma or heartache, the patterns of thought never still. Old lists, grudges and grief fatigue and distract the mind.
| Scripture | Story/Case | Inner Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Upanishad | Satyakama Jabala | Accept truth, keep the heart pure |
| Ramayana | Bharata-Ram meeting | Cleanse the heart, gain peace |
| Mahabharata | Draupadi-Bhishma-Ashvatthama | Forgiveness brings inner freedom |
Practical Steps: What Really Brings Peace to the Mind?
- Do not avoid your feelings; openly accept them
- Start real dialogue with yourself and your family
- Cleanse your heart of past events or relationships; truly forgive
- Ask yourself if you want to move forward or just keep nursing pain
- Reflect daily with stories from Gita, Ramayana or Mahabharata
FAQs: Stories, Psychology and Scripture
1. Is forgiveness meant for others or oneself?
It is first for oneself. Until the heart is light, the mind is never quiet.
2. Can thinking be stopped only with yoga or meditation?
Meditation helps but real peace comes through the heart’s resolve, forgiveness and acceptance.
3. What is the most difficult story of forgiveness?
Bhishma’s greatest act was forgiving the Pandavas and Kauravas as he lay dying.
4. Should children be taught these lessons?
Certainly! Peace and heart-cleansing are vital from childhood.
5. Is it possible to forget everything at once?
Not always. Forgiveness is a process, requiring repeated self-work and dialogue.
Why Stories, Forgiveness and the Gita Free the Mind
Rama, Krishna, Draupadi, Bhishma, Bharata, Vibhishana-each found freedom, purpose and inner clarity through forgiveness and honest self-dialogue. Look to the stories of Gita, Ramayana and Mahabharata when restless; true calm, purpose and power await there.
