Even if we can’t escape our past, we can still outgrow it

We all carry scars from our past—deep wounds that cause fears or impressions that trigger cravings. When the past haunts us, it often replays in our minds, leading to fears of recurring troubles or relapses into unhealthy habits. The Bhagavad Gita (18.35) describes such self-defeating thought patterns. How, then, can we deal with these memories and the haunting effects of our past?

While trying to escape the past by relocating to a new place can be valuable, it is often insufficient. A more transformative approach is to outgrow the past. Growth is not limited to physical, financial, or social aspects; it also involves emotional and spiritual maturity. This kind of growth is sustained by cultivating a meaningful purpose in life.

Instead of focusing on running away from the past, we can turn toward a future that inspires us—a future shaped by a deeply meaningful vision. This vision, when translated into actionable goals, can become a driving purpose that stimulates our inner growth. Even before being fully realized, such a purpose helps create fresh, rich, and wholesome memories that dwarf the unwholesome memories of the past.

The process of cultivating a meaningful purpose becomes easier when we adopt a spiritual vision of life. This vision enables us to see the guiding hand of the divine, helping us move toward a brighter future, regardless of how dark the past has been or how deep its scars may be. The Bhagavad Gita offers insights to help us develop this spiritual vision, making it easier to grow beyond the limitations imposed by our past.

Summary:

  • Scars from the past: Memories that induce fears or destructive desires may lead us to seek escape, but relocation or avoidance often proves insufficient.
  • Outgrowing the past: Emotional and spiritual growth, fueled by a meaningful purpose, creates richer and fresher memories that diminish the impact of past scars.
  • Spiritual vision: Adopting a spiritual outlook helps us recognize divine guidance, making it easier to cultivate a purpose that transforms our life and directs us toward a brighter future.

Think it over:

  • Is there anything from your past that you have tried to escape? How successful have these attempts been?
  • Why is outgrowing the past more transformative than escaping it?
  • Visualize a meaningful purpose you would like to manifest in your future. How can this vision help you outgrow your past?

***

18.35 And that determination which cannot go beyond dreaming, fearfulness, lamentation, moroseness and illusion – such unintelligent determination, O son of Pṛthā, is in the mode of darkness.