How to Purify Your Mind and Make Rapid Spiritual Progress: Insights from the Bhagavad Gita

Spiritual progress is often misunderstood. Many assume that an improvement in external circumstances signifies progress, but true growth is measured internally. The Bhagavad Gita and other sacred scriptures provide valuable insights into how we can purify our minds and elevate our spiritual consciousness.

Austerity, known as tapasya, plays a vital role in this journey. India, also known as tapobhumi, is a land where sacrifice and self-discipline have been historically revered. In this blog, we will explore two fundamental signs that indicate mind purification and spiritual advancement. These principles are illustrated through powerful stories from the Mahabharata and the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya.

The Essence of True Sacrifice: The Story of the Golden Squirrel

During Yudhishthir Maharaj’s grand Rajasuya Yagya in Indraprasth, a curious incident took place. The Pandavas, along with Lord Krishna, witnessed a squirrel enter the yagya mandap. Half of the squirrel’s body was golden, and it repeatedly attempted to roll onto its other side.

Frustrated after several failed attempts, the squirrel exclaimed, "Dhik Yagyam!" (This sacrifice is futile!) and walked away. Bheem, annoyed at its behavior, was about to strike it when Lord Krishna intervened and asked the squirrel to explain itself.

The squirrel narrated its story—how it once lived near a poor Brahmin family that displayed immense sacrifice. In a time of famine, the family had very little to eat. When the grains were harvested in the fields, they would collect the few grains that fell to the ground after the harvest. They survived on these scraps, demonstrating extreme patience and faith in their destiny.

One day, after many days of starvation, the Brahmin was finally able to acquire enough food to cook a small meal for the family. The meal was modest, but it was enough to satiate their hunger. The Brahmin, his wife, their son, and the daughter-in-law sat down to eat when a wandering guest arrived at their doorstep, pleading for food. In accordance with the principles of hospitality and selflessness that are deeply ingrained in Vedic culture, the Brahmin immediately stood up and offered his portion of the meal to the guest. The guest gratefully accepted the food and left satisfied.

As the Brahmin sat back down, preparing to fast for the day, another guest arrived, this time an old and weary traveler. Without hesitation, the Brahmin’s wife took her portion of the food and served it to the traveler. Her selflessness mirrored that of her husband, and she too resolved to go hungry for the day.

Moments later, a third traveler appeared at their doorstep, weak from hunger. Seeing the plight of the visitor, the Brahmin’s son rose from his seat and handed his meal to the guest. Despite his own hunger, he willingly sacrificed his food, taking inspiration from the example set by his parents.

Just as the young daughter-in-law was about to partake in her portion, a fourth guest arrived, looking famished and desperate. The young woman, barely able to sustain herself, contemplated her decision. However, following the precedent set by her elders, she too sacrificed her meal for the guest, choosing to endure hunger over allowing another being to suffer.

At that moment, celestial beings rejoiced at the unparalleled selflessness of the Brahmin family. Flowers were showered from the heavens as a divine blessing, and an ethereal radiance filled the air. The squirrel, which had been present at the scene, witnessed the event unfold. Overcome with joy, it leaped into the sacred aura emanating from the family’s sacrifice. As it landed on the ground, the side of its body that touched the earth turned into gold. This transformation was a divine reward for the purity and nobility of the act it had just witnessed.

The squirrel, now adorned with a golden side, desired to complete its transformation. It longed for the same sacred energy to purify the rest of its body. When it heard about the grand Rajasuya Yagya being performed by Yudhishthir Maharaj, it assumed that such a massive and elaborate sacrifice would possess even greater divine energy than the sacrifice of the poor Brahmin family.

Determined to experience the same spiritual transformation once again, the squirrel traveled to Indraprastha and entered the yagya mandap. It repeatedly rolled over the sacred ground and fire altar, hoping that the power of the great sacrifice would complete its transformation. However, despite numerous attempts, the other side of its body remained unchanged. This puzzled the squirrel, leading it to exclaim in disappointment, "Dhik Yagyam!" (This sacrifice is futile!).

When Yudhishthir asked Krishna why the grand Rajasuya Yagya failed to transform the squirrel completely, Lord Krishna revealed the profound truth—Yudhishthir’s yagya, though grand, was performed using wealth collected from other kings and nobles. In contrast, the Brahmin family had sacrificed their own sustenance, enduring immense suffering for the sake of others. The purity of their sacrifice was unparalleled and untainted by material wealth or ambition.

This story teaches us that true sacrifice is not measured by its grandeur but by the purity of intent and the willingness to give selflessly.

The Real Signs of Spiritual Progress

People often ask, "How do we measure spiritual progress?" Just as travelers see milestones along a journey, our spiritual path also has indicators. However, these signs are internal rather than external.

1. Mastery Over Negative Emotions

One of the first and most evident signs of spiritual progress is the ability to remain calm despite provocation. When we encounter situations that normally trigger anger, jealousy, or pride, and yet we remain unaffected, it signifies that our spiritual strength has increased.

Progress means:

• Staying calm when there’s a reason to be angry.
• Remaining humble when there’s an opportunity to be prideful.
• Being free from envy despite someone else’s success.
• Practicing detachment when faced with temptation.

2. Seeing Challenges as Opportunities for Growth

True spiritual evolution changes our perception. Instead of seeing problems as obstacles, we begin to see them as opportunities for inner purification.

The Story of Adi Shankaracharya and the Proud Scholar

Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest spiritual teachers of India, had a deep understanding of the human ego and the necessity of humility in spiritual progress. One day, a proud scholar from Kashi approached Shankaracharya and demanded to be accepted as his disciple.

The scholar, brimming with confidence, proclaimed, "Jagadguru, test my knowledge and you will see my worth! Engage me in a debate, and you will realize my expertise in the scriptures."

Shankaracharya, known for his divine insight, observed the scholar’s aura and understood that his heart was clouded with arrogance. He responded, "You may have vast knowledge, but true wisdom is measured not by debate but by humility. You are not yet ready to be my disciple."

The scholar was taken aback. "What do you mean? I have mastered the scriptures! How can I not be qualified?"

Shankaracharya smiled and said, "If you truly understood the scriptures, they would have made you humble. Knowledge devoid of humility is mere intellectual pride. If you wish to purify your mind and become my disciple, I have a task for you. Go to Braj, the sacred land of Lord Krishna. Perform the Parikrama (circumambulation) of Govardhan daily, beg for your food, and chant 'Radhe Shyam' with every breath. Only then will your heart be purified."

Determined, the scholar obeyed. He spent a year in Braj, practicing intense austerities, chanting the holy name, and living a life of humility. At the end of the year, he returned to Shankaracharya, confident that he had progressed.

Shankaracharya, wanting to test his disciple’s inner transformation, instructed a woman sweeping nearby to throw dust at him as he walked past. When the scholar was struck by dust, he became enraged. "How dare you! Are you blind?" he shouted.

Observing this reaction, Shankaracharya calmly said, "Your sadhana is incomplete. Go back and continue for another year."

The scholar, though frustrated, obeyed and resumed his practice. After another year, he returned, now more composed. Shankaracharya instructed the woman to hit him lightly with a broom. Though the scholar did not lash out externally, his internal anger was evident.

"You still have work to do," Shankaracharya noted. "Go and practice for yet another year."

Now fully determined, the scholar intensified his devotion. He immersed himself in selfless service and surrendered his ego to the divine. After another year, he returned, completely transformed.

This time, Shankaracharya instructed the woman to empty a basket of garbage over his head. But instead of reacting with anger, the scholar folded his hands in gratitude and said, "Mother, you have blessed me. You have helped me see the last traces of my ego. I thank you for purifying me."

Shankaracharya, seeing his true transformation, embraced him and said, "Now, you are ready to receive divine knowledge. True spirituality is not about intellect but about inner transformation. You have conquered your pride. Welcome, my disciple."

This story exemplifies the essence of mind purification. True progress is measured by how we respond to challenges. When negativity no longer affects us and we view every situation as a divine test, we know we are advancing on the spiritual path.

Applying These Lessons in Daily Life

The teachings from these stories apply to our everyday experiences. Here’s how we can incorporate them:

1. Practice Small Acts of Selflessness

Sacrifice is not about grand gestures but about cultivating an attitude of selfless giving. Small acts, like helping someone in need, practicing kindness, and letting go of personal desires for a greater good, contribute to mind purification.

2. Develop Emotional Control

Whenever you feel triggered by anger, jealousy, or pride, pause and observe. Recognize these emotions as indicators of areas that need purification.

3. Reframe Challenges as Spiritual Tests

Instead of reacting negatively to difficulties, see them as opportunities for growth. Ask yourself, "What lesson is this teaching me?"

4. Engage in Daily Spiritual Practices

Chanting mantras, meditating, and engaging in satsang (spiritual discourse) help refine our consciousness and dissolve impurities over time.

5. Subscribe to Swami Mukundanda Youtube channel

Subscriber and watch Swami Mukundananda’s YouTube videos for more spiritual gems of wisdom and practical guidance on purifying the mind and elevating consciousness!"

Conclusion

Spiritual progress is not measured by external achievements but by internal transformation. The Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures teach us that true purification is reflected in our ability to maintain equanimity in all situations.

By practicing selflessness, mastering our emotions, and perceiving challenges as opportunities, we purify our minds and accelerate our spiritual journey. Let us strive each day to embody these virtues and deepen our connection with the divine.

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 FAQs

Q1: How do I know if I am progressing spiritually?

You are progressing if you find yourself responding to negative situations with greater calmness, detachment, and humility.

Q2: Why do challenges arise even when I am on the spiritual path?

Challenges are divine tests that help purify your consciousness and strengthen your inner self.

Q3: How can I control my emotions better?

Regular spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, and reflection help cultivate emotional stability and resilience.

Q4: What is the most powerful practice for mind purification?

Selfless service and mantra chanting are among the most powerful tools for purifying the mind.

Q5: Can I achieve spiritual growth while living a normal life?

Absolutely. True spirituality is about how you conduct yourself in daily interactions. With the right mindset, every moment becomes an opportunity for growth.