Focus not on escaping the demons from our past; focus on embracing the Lord who can make all those demons flee and in whom we can be free.

We often live in the shadow of our past. Even when we are not consciously aware of it, our past shapes our external situations, internal dispositions, and decisions. Sometimes, this influence manifests as haunting demons—traumatic memories or cravings stemming from addictive habits.

These demons may seem relentless. We may try to outrun them, but because they reside within us, external reminders or even spontaneous triggers can bring them back, tormenting us without any apparent cause. The Bhagavad Gita (18.35) describes such self-sabotaging thought patterns as symptomatic of the dark mode of ignorance. Thankfully, we can rise above this darkness by using our present time wisely and focusing on a higher reality.

Rather than fixating on escaping our past demons, we can turn to embracing the eternal Lord. The Bhagavad Gita (18.61–62) reminds us that the Lord resides eternally in our hearts, controlling material nature and offering peace to those who surrender to him. His presence is so effulgent that it causes demons to flee.

When we remember the Lord not as a distant abstract entity but as a personal, proximate divinity eager to guide us, we can find strength and purpose. By engaging in tangible service to him, even through small, practical actions, his presence fills our heart, driving away the tormenting demons of the past.

As these demons flee, we become free—not only free from the haunting shadows of our past but also free to pursue the noblest aspirations of our heart. These aspirations are inspired by the Lord to help us use the abilities and resources he has gifted us to create a life of confidence and purpose.

Summary:

  • Demons of the past: Traumatic memories or tormenting cravings may haunt us like demons, seemingly inescapable because they are rooted within us.
  • Embracing the Lord: By remembering the Lord’s indwelling presence and purpose for our life, we can invoke his potent, effulgent presence to drive these demons away.
  • Freedom through service: As the Lord’s presence fills our heart, we become free to pursue our noblest aspirations, transforming our life into one of purpose and contribution.

Think it over:

  • Do you have any demons from your past haunting you? What efforts have you made to deal with them, and how successful have those efforts been?
  • Why might embracing the Lord be a better strategy for overcoming these demons?
  • Contemplate how you can embrace the Lord better. Identify a specific way to remember him and cultivate a specific aspiration to serve him.

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18.61 The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.