Every thought we think, every word we speak, and every choice we make is influenced—directly or subtly—by our beliefs. Beliefs are not just mental ideas; they shape our identity, guide our decisions, and ultimately, determine our destiny.
In the illuminating talk “Train Your Mind to Change Your Destiny – The Power of Beliefs,” Swami Mukundananda dives deep into the nature of beliefs, their origin, and how to discern between true faith and blind faith. With practical examples and timeless spiritual wisdom, he shows us how to reshape our inner world—and in doing so, transform our outer reality.
Let’s explore the key insights from this powerful discourse.
Why Beliefs Matter More Than We Realize
"Everyday actions—haircuts, meals, flights—are built on silent faith. But when misdirected, that faith turns into blind belief."
Swamiji begins by pointing out a simple truth:
“Nobody can live without faith.”
From visiting a barber or eating at a restaurant to boarding a plane or taking advice from a friend—faith is deeply embedded in our everyday actions. We constantly place trust in people and systems.
But here's the catch: when beliefs are misplaced or based on incomplete understanding, they become dangerous. These are what we call blind faiths, and they can severely impact our lives.
A Cautionary Tale: The Story of Clever Hans
Swamiji recounts a fascinating incident from 19th-century Germany. A horse named Clever Hans became famous for its apparent ability to solve math problems and answer questions. Its owner, a schoolteacher named Wilhelm von Osten, believed the horse had remarkable intelligence.
However, upon closer investigation, it was discovered that Hans wasn’t solving problems—he was simply reading Wilhelm’s body language. Unconsciously, Wilhelm would signal the correct answers with subtle body cues.
Wilhelm wasn’t trying to deceive anyone—he was fooled by his own belief. This example shows how blind faith, even when well-intentioned, can distort reality.
The Tragedy of Blind Faith: The Story of Jem Gilbert
Another chilling example comes from the 1930s. Jem Gilbert, a talented tennis star from England, developed a deep-rooted fear of dental clinics after witnessing her mother pass away during a dental procedure.
Even though it was just a coincidence, she internalized the belief that dental clinics were dangerous. As a result, she avoided dentists for decades. When she finally visited one, she became so overwhelmed that her body shut down—and she passed away the next day.
This real-life tragedy highlights the devastating power of irrational beliefs.
Where Do Our Beliefs Come From?
Swamiji identifies three main sources of belief formation:
1. Limited Experience
When we draw conclusions based on single events or minimal data, we often develop unjustified beliefs. For instance:
- A boy rejected by one person may believe he’ll never be loved.
- A failed interview may convince someone they’re unemployable.
These are beliefs born out of incomplete experience, and they often hold us back from growth.
2. Hearsay
Many people form beliefs based on what they hear from others—friends, influencers, or social media. Swamiji warns:
“Just because three of your friends say real estate is the best investment doesn’t make it true.”
This is especially dangerous in the digital age, where misinformation spreads faster than truth.
3. Environment and Upbringing
The company we keep and the surroundings we grow up in deeply shape our thinking.
- A teenager hanging out with the wrong crowd may start believing that drinking or reckless behavior is the key to happiness.
- Family conditioning can instill self-doubt, fear, or unrealistic expectations.
We often guard our diet and wardrobe but remain unaware of the mental inputs we’re absorbing, which are even more crucial.
How to Build True, Empowering Beliefs
Swamiji then answers the vital question: How can we distinguish true faith from blind faith?
He quotes Saint Tulsidas from the Ramayan:
“Without true knowledge, there cannot be true faith.
Without true faith, there cannot be true love.”
In other words, knowledge must form the foundation of belief. Just as we wouldn't study a subject without a proper textbook and teacher, we shouldn’t base our beliefs on guesswork.
The Three Pillars of Reliable Knowledge
To develop authentic, empowering beliefs, Swamiji recommends a timeless threefold approach, rooted in Vedic wisdom:
1. Shastra (Scriptures)
These are the eternal truths revealed by God, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayan, Mahabharat, Puranas, and more. They are infallible and divine, offering guidance across all aspects of life.
2. Guru (Spiritual Master)
Just like a teacher helps us interpret textbooks, a true Guru helps us understand scriptures in a living, practical way. But how do we know if a Guru’s interpretation is correct?
3. Sadhu (Saintly Persons)
We verify the teachings by cross-checking them against the explanations of past saints and sages. If a belief aligns with Scripture, Guru, and the teachings of saints, it is trustworthy.
This triad—Guru, Sadhu, and Shastra—serves as the gold standard for developing faith that is intelligent, authentic, and uplifting.
A Rosebud and a Life Lesson
In a beautiful metaphor, Swamiji shares the story of a disciple who felt his life was falling apart—finances, health, and future all seemed grim.
His Guru handed him a rosebud and said, “Open it.”
Despite trying, the disciple couldn’t do it without destroying the flower.
The Guru then said:
“You couldn't open this rosebud, yet every morning, God opens countless rosebuds with the sunrise. Why not trust that divine power to unfold your life too?”
This powerful analogy reminds us that when we anchor our faith in God and divine knowledge, we no longer live in fear, confusion, or self-doubt. We become participants in a divine plan, guided by inner strength and higher purpose.
Conclusion: The Power to Change Your Destiny Is in Your Beliefs
Swamiji's insights lead us to a transformative realization:
Our destiny isn't written in stone—it’s shaped by the beliefs we hold.
If we develop beliefs based on fear, falsehood, or limited experience, we shrink our potential.
But if we cultivate beliefs grounded in wisdom, divine knowledge, and spiritual truth, we awaken the courage to take control of our life and walk toward our highest destiny.
Action Step: Shift Your Beliefs, Shift Your Life
It’s time to pause and reflect:
- Are your beliefs lifting you up or holding you back?
- Are they based on truth or hearsay?
- Are they rooted in knowledge—or emotional scars?
If you’re ready to transform your mindset and grow spiritually, immerse yourself in the profound teachings of Swami Mukundananda.
👉 Subscribe now to Swami Mukundananda’s YouTube Channel to gain life-changing wisdom, practical tools for mental training, and deeper insight into how you can live with clarity, peace, and purpose.
Let your beliefs become the bridge between who you are today—and the divine potential within you.