However, the very same intelligence which made tremendous strides of progress has turned into a never-ending stream of thoughts. Even during quiet moments, the mind will continue to reflect on conversations held in the past, make future forecasts and create alternative realities which have little to do with the here and now. The more analytical and educated the mind is, the easier it is to get caught up in endless rumination.
Today’s world glorifies intelligence, productivity, and being always on one’s toes mentally.
Because they have too many problems to solve, many people believe they overthink. Overthinking is not an indication of greater awareness and intelligence but a symptom of inner disconnect. Whereas contemporary life values intellectual abilities, real peace of mind can be achieved only through balance of reason and faith. In reality, overthinking is often a symptom of losing our inner anchor. When we rely entirely on the intellect and disconnect from faith, the mind begins to operate from fear, constantly moving between regret about the past and anxiety about the future. The Sanatan tradition teaches that this mental restlessness arises from Samskaras, the subtle impressions and emotional residues accumulated through our experiences. These impressions cloud perception, making us react not to reality, but to our interpretations of it. Imagine a still lake reflecting the moon. As long as the water remains calm, the reflection is clear. Disturb the surface, and the image shatters. The mind functions the same way. When it is filled with agitation, clarity disappears. But they don’t. Thoughts keep coming to us, but awareness comes when we pick out those that need our attention. Shraddha or faith provides an alternative way of living. With faith in the Higher Intelligence, whether it is known to be Krishna, Shiva, Divine Mother or just the Divine, one need not feel obliged to shoulder all the responsibilities of life. Prayer thus becomes a form of submission where we lay down our mental worries in front of something larger than our ego. The ancient tradition knows that the mind cannot always be silenced by further thoughts. It needs a higher frequency, and mantra is one of the most potent ways to achieve this.
Sanatan Dharma presents an insight which remains as true and applicable today as it was many years ago. One of the biggest myths about life today is that all thoughts need our attention.
Before beginning the day’s work, offer a brief prayer, surrendering actions to the Divine and seeking clarity over control. End the day by reflecting on unnecessary thoughts, releasing them through gratitude and mantra, and resting in complete surrender. The role of spirituality is not about emptying the mind, but rather, about awakening consciousness, which involves having a mind based on faith, wisdom, and without fear.
Because we try to make it silent, but because we cease feeding it with worries and feed it with faith and devotion, the mind is silenced not. The sound will slowly change the internal environment in which we exist. By repeating the mantra on a daily basis, the mind becomes calmer, its resistance is increased, and the energy stability is created regardless of the outside stresses. Regardless of whether the repetition takes place through the mantra of Om or the Mantra of the Ishta Devata, several minutes of daily repetition will help clear up the previous day’s baggage. Spiritual growth does not require stepping away from worldly responsibilities. Instead, it begins by weaving simple moments of awareness into everyday life. Start the morning by spending a few quiet minutes in the gentle rays of the rising sun, honoring Surya as the source of light, vitality, and wisdom while naturally supporting the body’s rhythm. In the evening, reconnect with nature by sitting among plants, observing the sky, or simply breathing consciously. Such moments ground the mind and restore inner balance. Nature also teaches the practice of Sakshi Bhava, the state of the silent witness. Watching a falling leaf or a bird in flight without judgment helps quiet mental chatter and cultivate presence. If you have found inner stillness, then all decisions come from clarity and not panic, all the interactions come from being there, and the leadership will be intuitive. The mind is an excellent servant, but a terrible master. Below the surface of thoughts exists wisdom that has always been there. Once the mind finds silence, wisdom will stop being a search and become hearing. Dr. Manmit Kumarr, Spiritual Guru & Founder of Academy of Tantra Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.