At the cusp of the epic battle of Kurukshetra, the formidable warrior Arjuna, armed with a lethal arsenal and guided by none other than Lord Krishna himself, was gripped by paralysis. Despite his prowess, Arjuna faltered. The overwhelming sight of his kin arrayed against him blurred his ability to discern righteousness from malevolence. In that moment of inner turmoil, he laid down his weapons, unable to act. What ultimately restored his clarity and conviction was the divine revelation-Lord Krishna’s Vishwarupa Darshan and the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
This ancient episode serves as a profound reminder that even the most capable among us can be brought to a standstill by mental conflict and anxiety. Yet, it is often this very anxiety that serves as the catalyst for greatness. A touch of tension, when channelled wisely, can ignite a flame of determination and push one to achieve the extraordinary.
Modern psychology recognises this dual nature of anxiety. Experts suggest a two-pronged strategy to manage such mental states: monitoring and blunting. Monitoring involves conscious awareness and proactive action, while blunting refers to tactical distraction or redirection of energy. Monitoring begins with preparation-a form of tapasya or dedicated effort. One must cultivate a disciplined, resilient mind through regular practice. Just as Arjuna honed his archery, we must rehearse for the challenges life presents. Visualisation, too, plays a crucial role-mentally enacting success helps clear mental clutter and dispel fear.
Another useful approach is the inoculation technique, which involves repeated exposure to stressors in a controlled environment, thereby building resilience. Alongside this, it is wise to conduct a self-inventory: What are my weaknesses? How can I overcome them? What resources-internal and external-can I rely on? Support from family, friends, peer groups, and motivational reading can reinforce this internal effort, nurturing a positive and constructive mindset.
On the other hand, blunting strategies help in decompressing the mind. Immersing oneself in physical activity-be it walking, swimming, gym workouts, sports, or yoga-releases endorphins and alleviates mental stress. Programs like the Art of Living’s Happiness Program, with techniques such as Sudarshan Kriya, teach breathing patterns that synchronise body and mind, ushering in calm and clarity. But let us not forget the value of focused micro-management. Detail-orientation is often the hallmark of high performers, whether they are spiritual seekers, relentless politicians, meticulous writers, creative artists, or legendary athletes. Take for example, Aamir Khan, an actor known for his perfectionism and innovative approach to every role. His dedication to craft isn’t accidental; it is the product of relentless effort and conscious refinement.
Consider also the political strategist whose calculating gaze is both feared and admired. With a mind steeped in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, and a passion for chess, such a figure exemplifies mental preparedness and strategic foresight.
Or think of Sunita, a modest young woman from a remote town in Bihar. Raised in turbulent surroundings, she carved her path into India’s esteemed Civil Services through sheer determination and hard work-motivated by the reverence accorded to bureaucrats in her region.
Then there’s Hemant Sharma, a soldier who lost his limbs in a terrorist attack while serving in Kashmir. Refusing to be confined by tragedy, he trained to embark on a spiritual expedition to Mount Kailasa. His radiant smile masks his pain, embodying the triumph of the human spirit. What drives such individuals? Motivation. Psychologists describe a motivation cycle: a perceived need triggers a drive, which leads to arousal, goal-directed behavior, achievement, and finally, a reduction in arousal. This cycle repeats, sustaining human activity. Our motives are broadly categorised into physiological and psychological. Physiological motives arise from our biology-hunger, thirst, and sex-all regulated by neural and hormonal signals. Hunger may be stimulated by glucose levels or stomach contractions. Thirst is triggered by cell dehydration and reduced blood volume. Sexual desire, influenced by hormones, is shaped by both biology and cultural conditioning.
Psychological motives, on the other hand, stem from our environment, relationships, and aspirations. These include the desire for achievement, recognition, affiliation, power, and the pursuit of knowledge or self-actualisation. Such motives often transcend survival-they shape the very meaning of our existence. Can one transcend the endless loop of motivation and desire? Ancient wisdom points the way. Sage Ashtavakra spoke of the stillness of the human mind as the ultimate goal. He taught that everything-every act, every emotion-arises and fades, and none of it should disturb our inner peace. Liberation lies in mindfulness and detachment — not as indifference, but as awareness without entanglement. Thus, the human mind is both the battlefield and the charioteer. It can be overwhelmed, like Arjuna’s, or it can rise, illuminated by awareness and anchored in inner steadiness. Motivation, then, is not just a drive-it is a sacred responsibility. When channelled mindfully, it enables us not just to achieve-but to evolve. Let us strive, not merely to act, but to act with clarity, awareness, and purpose.’
(The writer is the CEO of Chhattisgarh East Railway Ltd. and Chhattisgarh East West Railway Ltd. He is an Art of Living faculty. Views expressed are personal)