Is there really any benefit in regret? Think about it—what are you regretting? A mistake you made? But here’s the truth: you are a work in progress. And as such, how can you expect yourself to be completely faultless? Instead of letting regret drag you down, use it as a tool for growth. Let it guide you in the right direction. Make regret your friend, not your enemy.
This inspiring message came from the globally renowned spiritual leader, bestselling author, and IIT-IIM alumnus, Swami Mukundananda, during a live session at the prestigious IIT BHU campus. His words captivated the hearts and minds of students, as he provided deep spiritual insights and practical solutions to real-life dilemmas.
A student asked Swamiji a heartfelt question about struggling to maintain spiritual balance while managing academic and life responsibilities. Swamiji answered with clarity and compassion, emphasizing the philosophy of Karma Yog as described in the Bhagavad Gita.
He explained: Karma Yog means performing your duties while keeping your mind connected to the divine. The problem, he pointed out, is not in the work we do but in the mindset we carry. Our minds are burdened with anxiety about the future, regrets about the past, and stress in the present.
Swamiji clarified that the Gita doesn’t tell us to give up our work. Rather, it says that we can fulfill our worldly responsibilities and still remain spiritually aligned. You could be a warrior like Arjuna and still keep your mind in divine consciousness.
He continued by breaking the common misconception in India—that to be spiritual, one must renounce everything and become an ascetic. On the contrary, Swamiji emphasized that true spirituality lies in staying connected with God while living and working in the world.
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Another student asked about the role of goals in life. Swamiji advised that while it’s important to set goals, it is even more crucial not to tie your happiness to them. Focusing only on the end result often makes the journey stressful and joyless. Instead, put your full effort into the present moment.
He quoted Indian author Ruskin Bond, saying, “There are only two disappointments in life: one is to desire something and not get it, the other is to desire and get it.” Swamiji advised the students to enjoy the process, make the journey joyful, and detach from the results.
According to the Bhagavad Gita, he explained, we have control only over our actions—not the outcomes. Therefore, we should do our best and leave the rest to God.
On the subject of regret, Swamiji again reminded the audience that mistakes are natural. Since we are all works in progress, we shouldn’t be shocked by our imperfections. He encouraged students to illuminate false beliefs with the light of spiritual knowledge. The scriptures offer the wisdom we need to dismantle harmful thoughts.
He concluded with this powerful message: Use regret as a teacher. Let it push you toward positive transformation, not into guilt or despair. Make your journey joyful, stay connected to the divine, and focus on the effort, not the outcome.
Swami Mukundananda’s session at IIT BHU wasn’t just a lecture—it was a spiritual awakening. One that continues to echo in the hearts of those who heard it.
Key Takeaways:
- Mistakes are part of growth—you are a work in progress.
- Spirituality doesn’t require renunciation; it requires divine connection.
- Karma Yog: Perform your duties with divine awareness.
- Enjoy the journey; don’t attach your happiness to goals.
- Hard work doesn’t cause stress—attachment to results does.
- Use regret positively; let it become your inner guide.
Swamiji’s Message: Do your best, and leave the rest to God.
