In today’s hyperconnected world, negativity finds us more easily than ever. Whether it's unsolicited opinions on social media, backhanded compliments at work, or disapproving glances from those close to us, encountering negative people has become an inescapable part of life. But while we may not have the power to silence criticism or avoid toxic interactions, we absolutely have the ability to choose how we respond.
Drawing from the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the practical wisdom of Swami Mukundananda, we explore how to maintain our mental peace, stay focused on our spiritual path, and rise above negativity with grace and strength.
The Inevitable Reality of Criticism
One of the earliest truths Swamiji emphasizes is this: if you're waiting for universal approval, you'll wait forever. Regardless of how noble your actions are, someone will disapprove, criticize, or misinterpret them.
Take for instance the story of Edward Jenner, the father of vaccines. In 1796, he performed a revolutionary experiment that ultimately laid the foundation for modern immunization. Despite proving that exposure to cowpox could protect against smallpox, he was ridiculed and rejected by the Royal Society in London. Even after further successful experiments — including one on his own son — Jenner remained the target of public criticism and clergy condemnation. Satirical cartoons painted him as demonic, simply because his ideas were ahead of their time. Over the years, of course, his discovery became one of the most celebrated milestones in medical history.
Swamiji shares this story to highlight a powerful truth: even if you serve the world, you may not be praised. The lesson here is to detach from external validation.
This echoes the Bhagavad Gita, where Shree Krishna advises:
दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमना: सुखेषु विगतस्पृह:।
वीतरागभयक्रोध: स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते॥ 2.56
He who is not disturbed by distress and is not elated by happiness, who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.
→ Read on holy-bhagavad-gita.org
Negativity Grows with Your Success
One of life’s paradoxes is that the more successful you become, the more criticism you'll attract. When you receive a promotion, accolades, or recognition, don’t expect unanimous applause. Some might say it was earned by flattery, others might credit manipulation or luck.
Even Mother Sita, upon returning to Ayodhya after her rescue from Lanka, was not spared. A washerman voiced doubts about her purity, leading to one of the most heart-wrenching decisions in the Ramayan. If such divine figures are subjected to criticism, then ordinary humans like us must be prepared for similar treatment.
Swamiji explains that people project their inner discontent and insecurities outward. It's rarely about you — it’s about them.
As Shree Krishna declares in the Gita:
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ 2.47
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.
→ Read on holy-bhagavad-gita.org
Focus on doing what is right — not what is liked.
Lesson from Ratan Tata: Success Is the Best Response
The life of Ratan Tata offers a striking example. When he first introduced the Indica car, it was met with lukewarm reviews. Advisors suggested he sell the passenger car division to Ford. During a meeting in Detroit, the Ford chairman humiliated him, implying he knew nothing about making cars.
Rather than react emotionally or respond in kind, Tata remained silent and returned to India. Years later, when Ford was on the verge of bankruptcy, Ratan Tata bought two of their struggling brands — Jaguar and Land Rover. The same chairman now praised him for “doing us a great favor.”
This is the essence of the Gita’s wisdom: do not descend to the level of those who insult you. Instead, rise higher, refine yourself, and let your success speak louder than any retort.
The Donkey and Maya: How Lower Nature Escalates Conflict
Swamiji shares a fable that underscores how unchecked emotions can lead to destruction. A donkey tied to a tree was released by Maya Devi. It wandered into a neighboring farm and caused damage. In a spiral of retaliation — from shooting the donkey to arson and death — an entire village descended into chaos. When questioned, Maya simply said, “I only released the donkey.”
This story illustrates how our inner animals — anger, lust, envy, pride — destroy peace when given free rein. The Bhagavad Gita calls us to conquer these impulses:
काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भव:।
महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम्॥ 3.37
It is lust only, Arjun, which is born of contact with the mode of passion and later transformed into anger; know this as the sinful, all-devouring enemy in the world.
→ Read on holy-bhagavad-gita.org
Power of Detachment: Don’t Take the Bait
In another tale, Swamiji recounts a humorous situation at a school for hearing and speech-impaired children. Two students were involved in a dispute. One furiously gestured at the other, who sat turned away, smiling and unaffected. When asked, the calm student explained that since he hadn’t seen the insults, they hadn't reached him emotionally.
This simple act of turning away reflects a powerful truth: you can refuse to let others' negativity touch your mind.
Shree Krishna also guides Arjun:
समदु:खसुख: स्वस्थ: समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चन:।
तुल्यप्रियाप्रियो धीरस्तुल्यनिन्दात्मसंस्तुति:॥ 14.24
One who is equal in pleasure and pain, who is steady, regarding a clod of earth, a stone, and gold as the same; who is wise and impartial in praise and blame... that person is truly established in transcendental knowledge.
→ Read on holy-bhagavad-gita.org
The Art of Constructive Detachment
Another touching example is the story of a student artist who placed his painting in public, inviting criticism. By evening, it was covered in crosses. Disheartened, he turned to his teacher, who asked him to do it again — this time with a twist. He requested viewers to improve the painting with provided tools. A month later, the painting was untouched.
This story teaches us that anyone can criticize, but few are willing to contribute. Negative words often reflect more about the critic than the subject.
Our response, as the Gita suggests, should be driven by awareness:
योगस्थ: कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्यो: समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥ 2.48
Perform your duties equably, O Arjun, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called Yog.
→ Read on holy-bhagavad-gita.org
The Inner Source of Self-Worth
So often, people’s judgments shake us because we have unknowingly handed them control of our self-worth. Swamiji reminds us through a real-life anecdote: a juice carton that sells for ₹100 outside the airport can cost ₹300 inside. The juice is the same — only the context has changed. Likewise, your value is intrinsic, not dictated by others' opinions.
Our true worth stems from our divine origin:
ममैवांशो जीवलोके जीवभूत: सनातन:।
मन:षष्ठानीन्द्रियाणि प्रकृतिस्थानि कर्षति॥ 15.7
The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal, fragmental parts. But due to conditioned life, they struggle with the six senses, including the mind.
→ Read on holy-bhagavad-gita.org
You are a part of the Divine. Your dignity cannot be defined by external opinions.
The Sadhu and the Rock: Purifying the Heart
Swamiji also tells a poignant story of a sadhu who tried to rest using a stone as a pillow. Village women mocked him — first for seeking comfort, then for reacting to the criticism. Each remark triggered a reaction until a wise woman pointed out: the problem isn’t the comments — it’s the attention you give them.
This lesson is echoed in Shree Krishna’s advice:
श्रीभगवानुवाच
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन:॥ 6.5
One must elevate, not degrade, oneself by one's own mind. The mind alone is the friend and the enemy of the self.
→ Read on holy-bhagavad-gita.org
Until we gain mastery over our mind, we will remain vulnerable to the world's noise.
Learning from Saints: Using Negativity as Fuel
Great saints were not immune to slander, but they saw it as a spiritual gymnasium — an opportunity to build virtues like tolerance and humility. Criticism became a mirror, not a battlefield.
One sadhu, for example, used public derision to reflect on his own attachment to comfort, and eventually thanked the critics for unveiling his inner shortcomings.
Swamiji explains that if we develop such a mindset, critics become assets, and negativity becomes a catalyst for purification.
Elephant and the Pig: Choosing Dignity Over Ego
A beautiful metaphor used by Swamiji is that of an elephant and a pig. When a dirty pig blocked the elephant’s path, the mighty creature quietly stepped aside. Onlookers mocked the elephant, assuming submission. But when asked why he didn’t crush the pig, the elephant replied, “What’s the use of fighting a pig and getting covered in filth?”
This is the highest form of dignity and self-restraint.
As Shree Krishna teaches:
विहाय कामान्य: सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति निःस्पृह:।
निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: स शान्तिमधिगच्छति॥ 2.71
That person who gives up all desires and moves about without longing, without the sense of mine and ego, attains peace.
→ Read on holy-bhagavad-gita.org
Constructive vs. Destructive Criticism
Not all criticism is harmful. Swamiji encourages us to be receptive to constructive feedback, especially when it comes from those who care about our growth — a teacher, a mentor, or even a discerning critic.
In fact, one administrator appointed a journalist — known for publicly criticizing him — as his personal advisor. His logic? “You’re the best at showing me where I go wrong.”
Discernment, therefore, is key. Learn to distinguish between genuine guidance and destructive noise. Absorb the former, rise above the latter.
Conclusion: Rise Above, Refocus Within
The presence of negative people is not the problem — it is the lack of inner steadiness that makes us vulnerable to them. Through the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the guidance of enlightened masters like Swami Mukundananda, we can train our minds to be like the still ocean — deep, unshaken, and purposeful.
Let the world say what it will. You walk your path, anchored in divine purpose.
Want to deepen your journey?
- Subscribe to Swami Mukundananda’s YouTube Channel for daily wisdom and spiritual tools.
- Start reading the Bhagavad Gita — a manual for mastering life.
Your peace is too precious to surrender to someone else's negativity.