--> Skip to main content


We Know Our Actions Are Wrong, But Feel Powerless To Change Them - Hinduism Solution

By

Here’s an expanded and rewritten explanation on the issue, incorporating teachings from the Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Yoga Vasishta, and other Hindu scriptures, while addressing the problem and offering profound solutions:

It is a universal human experience to sometimes recognize that we are not acting in alignment with what we know to be right. Despite this awareness, we often feel helpless to change our course. The reasons for this helplessness are deeply rooted in attachment (raga), fear (bhaya), and ignorance (avidya). These elements manifest as fear of losing material possessions, social reputation, or relationships, and fear of ostracization or failure. However, Hindu philosophy offers profound solutions to address this predicament, rooted in the wisdom of its timeless scriptures.

The Root Cause of Our Helplessness

  1. Attachment and Fear:
    In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 62-63), Lord Krishna explains how attachment leads to desire, and unfulfilled desires lead to anger, delusion, and loss of wisdom, eventually binding the individual in the cycle of wrong actions.

    • Fear, especially fear of losing wealth, status, or approval, keeps us trapped in self-serving behaviors.
    • Social ostracization or the pressure to conform often makes us suppress our inner voice of dharma (righteousness).

  2. Ignorance of the Self:
    A lack of understanding of our true nature as eternal beings, distinct from the body and mind, reinforces the illusion that temporary losses or gains define our worth.

The Path to Liberation: Teachings from Scriptures

  1. The Bhagavad Gita:
    Lord Krishna emphasizes detachment from the fruits of action (nishkama karma). In Chapter 3, Verse 19, Krishna says, "Therefore, always perform your duty without attachment. Doing work without attachment, one attains the Supreme." By focusing on duty and surrendering outcomes to the Divine, we can transcend fear and attachment.

    • Solution: Meditate on Krishna’s teaching that the soul (atman) is eternal, unchanging, and unaffected by physical or social circumstances (Chapter 2, Verse 20). This awareness strengthens resolve and liberates one from the fear of external consequences.

  2. The Ramayana:
    In the Ramayana, Lord Rama exemplifies unwavering adherence to dharma despite severe trials. His exile, separation from Sita, and confrontation with Ravana were all endured with faith in divine justice and righteousness.

    • Solution: Follow Rama’s example by cultivating shraddha (faith) and practicing selfless service to uphold righteousness, even when faced with immense challenges.

  3. The Mahabharata:
    The story of Yudhishthira highlights the importance of truth and ethical conduct, even when confronted with dire situations. Conversely, Duryodhana’s downfall illustrates the dangers of unchecked attachment and greed.

    • Solution: Use discernment (viveka) to align actions with dharma, drawing inspiration from the virtuous paths chosen by Yudhishthira and Arjuna, who submitted to divine guidance.

  4. Yoga Vasishta:
    This scripture emphasizes self-inquiry (vichara) and knowledge of the self. It teaches that the mind creates bondage through desires and fears, but liberation is possible through dispassion and wisdom.

    • Solution: Reflect on the impermanence of worldly pursuits and cultivate vairagya (detachment). Regular meditation on the self as eternal and pure consciousness helps dissolve ignorance and fear.

  5. Other Scriptures:

    • The Upanishads affirm that realizing one’s unity with the Brahman (universal consciousness) eradicates fear and selfishness. "Tat Tvam Asi" (You are That) serves as a reminder of our divine nature.
    • The Srimad Bhagavatam extols surrender to God’s will as a means of transcending worldly dilemmas.

Practical Steps to Overcome Helplessness

  1. Cultivate Detachment:
    Detachment does not mean renouncing the world but understanding that possessions and relationships are temporary and should not dictate our actions.

  2. Surrender to the Divine:
    As advised in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 66), surrendering to God and relinquishing fear enables us to transcend dilemmas and act righteously.

  3. Daily Practices:

    • Meditation and Self-Inquiry: Practice mindfulness and inquire, "Who am I?" to shift focus from the body-mind complex to the eternal self.
    • Scriptural Study: Regular reading of scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Yoga Vasishta can reinforce faith and clarity.

  4. Seek Guidance:
    Engage with a spiritual teacher or satsang (community of truth-seekers) to gain perspective and support.

  5. Perform Selfless Actions:
    Engage in actions that benefit others without seeking personal gain, aligning with the principle of karma yoga.

The Ultimate Realization

The only way to overcome the fears and attachments that lead us astray is to realize the truth:

  • We are not the body or mind; we are eternal, unchanging consciousness.
  • Truth cannot be burned, mutilated, or suppressed because it is infinite and present in all beings. Recognizing this truth dissolves fear and empowers us to live righteously, regardless of external pressures.

By aligning our actions with the wisdom of the Hindu scriptures and embracing our divine nature, we can overcome helplessness and live a life of courage, clarity, and spiritual fulfillment.