A JOURNEY FROM CONFUSION TO CLARITY

 A JOURNEY FROM CONFUSION TO CLARITY

Lessons from Epics for a Successful Life

Introduction

A confused mind is always like a radarless ship lost at sea—directionless, anxious, and vulnerable to the onslaughts of storms. However, just as Arjuna emerged victorious after receiving divine guidance from Lord Krishna, modern-day individuals can overcome confusion with the rightful insight, discipline, and reflection.

One’s mind is said to be confused when it cannot make a decision properly when such a need arises. An error in memory affects decision-making. If one’s thinking capacity is impaired, s/he cannot judge or forecast the outcome of his/her activities. Making a wrong decision out of bewilderment may lead a person into deep peril.

In the journey of one’s life, confusion is a common ingredient yet a critical crossroads that every human faces once or, at times, again. The epic Mahabharata captures this reality powerfully through the character of Arjuna, the mighty warrior who remained paralyzed by unqualified doubts and inner turmoils at the onset of the Kurukshetra war. Despite being exceptionally skilled, prepared, and righteous, Arjuna found himself unable to act due to deep emotional conflict and confusion. His dilemma reflects the struggles many individuals face daily, day in and day out, whether in choosing a career, handling relationships, or making ethical decisions.

In this materialistic world full of chaos, distractions, uncertainty, and abrupt changes, confusion is inevitable. But with effort, guidance, and discipline, one can move from darkness to light, from doubt to confidence, just as Arjuna did on the Kurukshetra battlefield.

Confusion is never a sign of weakness—it is a phase that precedes wisdom when faced with life’s critical choices. In the Mahabharata, the battlefield of Kurukshetra symbolized more than just a war—it represented the inner conflict between right and wrong, duty and emotion, fear and faith. Arjuna, the greatest archer of his time, was gripped by intense confusion and despair at the moment of truth. His paralysis before action reminds us that even the most capable individuals can falter when the mind is confused, clouded.

Joy and sorrow do not arise from material things, but from a person’s mental dispositions. An alcoholic feels pleasure in drinking, whereas a teetotaller does not prefer the beverage. Will people ever choose to undergo sufferings rather than enjoy comforts and pleasures? Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavat Geeta that people should try to hold pleasures and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat, and the like without differentiating.

Joy and sorrow are temporary, only. People should never be too ecstatic for happiness nor too sombre for unhappiness. Surrendering to God’s feet will help a person to treat both alike. In Ramayana, Hanuman asked Sita whether she could undergo such severe pains in Ashokavanam. But Sita replied that the sins could not be extinguished without experiencing them.

A person who does not long for joy will never be upset by the pain of sorrow. Confused in the battle, Arjuna pleaded to Lord Krishna, “With my heart stricken by the fault of weak compassion, with my mind perplexed, I request you to say what is good for me?” When we are at a loss, we should seek the advice of the great Acharyas, pious people, and wiser elderly persons to help and guide us.

Characteristics of a Confused Person

Usually, a confused person will demonstrate one or the other characteristic of the following:

1. Indecisiveness: Confused individuals struggle to make decisions, often delaying actions or oscillating between choices due to fear of making the wrong move.

2. Overthinking: They tend to dwell on possibilities, analyze endlessly, and magnify the negatives, which creates a mental fog.

3. Low Confidence: Persistent confusion erodes self-belief, leading to hesitancy and dependency on others for validation.

4. Emotional Instability: Confused minds are frequently swayed by moods, causing frequent shifts in emotions such as frustration, anxiety, sadness, or anger.
5. Procrastination: Since they lack clarity, such individuals often postpone important tasks, compounding their stress and confusion.
6. Disconnection from Purpose: Like Arjuna, even the simplest actions become burdensome when one loses sight of the larger goal or duty (dharma).
7. Indecisiveness: Confused individuals often postpone decisions or frequently change their minds. Their inability to trust their judgment keeps them stuck indefinitely.

Remedies to Overcome Confusion

One may use one or all of the following in overcoming confusion:

1. Self-Inquiry and Reflection: Like Arjuna’s dialogue with Krishna, engaging in honest introspection helps in identifying the root of confusion. Journaling, meditation, or quiet walks can provide mental clarity.
2. Seek Wise Counsel: Just as Arjuna sought Krishna’s guidance, confused individuals should approach mentors, spiritual guides, educators, or therapists. An external perspective often sheds new light on the problem.
3. Clarify Your Values and Goals: Confusion often arises from conflicting desires or unclear priorities. Setting clear life goals and aligning decisions with personal values can reduce mental conflict.
4. Take One Step at a Time: Instead of seeking immediate, perfect answers, taking small, actionable steps builds confidence and clears any uncertainty progressively.
5. Detach from the Result: The core teaching of the Bhagavad Gita is to act without attachment to outcomes. This reduces fear and pressure, allowing more courageous and clear-minded actions.
6. Control the Mind and Senses: A confused mind is often overstimulated, leading to failure. Reducing distractions, practicing mindfulness, and managing desires bring better mental discipline.
7. Read Uplifting Kinds of literature and Scriptures
Sacred texts like the Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharat, and Bhagavad Gita offer timeless wisdom and can serve as mental compasses when emotions cloud judgment.
8. Strengthen Body and Mind
A well-rested, active body contributes to a clear mind. Nutrition, exercise, and rest are the foundations of balanced thinking.

Conclusion

Victory Lies Beyond Confusion. Arjuna's confusion did not end his journey—it refined him. His vulnerability became a doorway to divine wisdom. Under Krishna's guidance, his transformation—from a hesitant warrior to a resolute hero—teaches that clarity does not come by avoiding conflict, but by confronting it with faith, wisdom, and self-awareness. Every confused person holds within them the potential to become decisive and successful. The key lies in calming the mind, understanding the self, and trusting the journey.

In the end, clarity is not the absence of doubt, but the courage to rise above it. Every confused soul has the potential to become focused, fearless, and successful through reflection, guidance, and purposeful action.

By Prof. (Dr.) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya

(The writer is a Hyderabad-based freelance author, journalist, speaker, leadership coach, and Emeritus Professor of Management Studies)