Religious Beliefs to Unlearn
The paradox of religious beliefs
I recently came across this suggested post by a Christian group and it got me thinking about how each of these believes lives rent free in my mind and I’m not ashamed of it.
I also see how each idea could be un healthy. Here’s an essay on how each idea is both true and untrue based on the teachings of Krishna in Bhagavad Gita.
Religious teachings often contain profound paradoxes—truths that appear contradictory yet, when examined deeply, reveal a more nuanced understanding. The beliefs listed in the image, which many modern thinkers argue should be “unlearned,” can both be justified and refuted through the lens of the Bhagavad-gītā. This essay explores how each statement is simultaneously true and untrue according to Krishna’s teachings, illustrating the complexity of spiritual wisdom.
1. “I Cannot Trust Myself”
True: The Bhagavad-gītā (2.60) states:
“The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavoring to control them.”
This verse warns that our senses are like wild horses, pulling us in different directions. Without discipline and spiritual guidance, the conditioned soul is prone to illusion (maya) and cannot fully trust its own desires, perceptions, or decisions. The mind, unless purified by devotion, is often an unreliable guide.
Untrue: However, Krishna also states in Bhagavad-gītā (6.5):
“A person must elevate himself by his mind, not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.”
This means that, although the senses are dangerous when uncontrolled, the same mind can become a trusted ally when trained through spiritual practice. Through self-discipline, chanting, and surrender to Krishna, one can cultivate wisdom and gradually trust oneself again.
2. “I Am Nothing Without God”
True: Krishna declares in Bhagavad-gītā (15.7):
“The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.”
Since all beings originate from Krishna, they have no independent existence apart from Him. Just as a spark has no power if separated from fire, the soul loses its divine nature when disconnected from God. True meaning and fulfillment come only through surrender to Krishna.
Untrue: However, Krishna also recognizes the divinity within the soul. In Bhagavad-gītā (10.20), He states:
“I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.”
This means that the soul is inherently valuable and possesses divine qualities. Krishna does not view His devotees as “nothing”; rather, they are His eternal associates. While dependence on God is essential, it does not erase the significance of the individual soul.
3. “My Desires Are Sinful”
True: Krishna warns in Bhagavad-gītā (3.37):
“It is lust only, Arjuna, which is born of contact with the material mode of passion and later transformed into wrath, and which is the all-devouring sinful enemy of this world.”
Material desires, driven by lust, greed, and ego, bind the soul to suffering. Unregulated desires lead to sinful actions, reinforcing the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Thus, unchecked desires should be distrusted.
Untrue: Yet, desire itself is not evil. In Bhagavad-gītā (7.11), Krishna states:
“I am strength devoid of passion and desire, and I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles, O lord of the Bhāratas.”
Krishna acknowledges that desire, when aligned with dharma (spiritual duty), is not sinful. Devotional desires—such as longing to serve Krishna—are actually purifying. The problem is not desire itself, but whether it is selfish or spiritually aligned.
4. “Your Spiritual Self Is All That Matters”
True: Krishna declares in Bhagavad-gītā (2.22):
“As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.”
The eternal soul is our true self, whereas the body is temporary. Focusing solely on spiritual progress is the highest priority, as material pursuits are fleeting.
Untrue: However, Krishna also advocates balance. In Bhagavad-gītā (6.16-17), He states:
“There is no possibility of becoming a yogī, O Arjuna, for one who eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough. He who is temperate in eating, sleeping, working, and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.”
This shows that bodily needs should not be neglected. The body is a valuable vehicle for spiritual progress, and responsible self-care is necessary for a sustainable spiritual life.
5. “I Am Responsible for Saving Others”
True: Krishna instructs in Bhagavad-gītā (18.68-69):
“For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end, he will come back to Me. There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.”
This suggests that devotees should actively help others by spreading spiritual knowledge. Those who bring others closer to Krishna are highly valued.
Untrue: However, Krishna also reminds in Bhagavad-gītā (2.47):
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action.”
One can share wisdom, but ultimately, each soul is responsible for its own salvation. A devotee’s duty is to offer guidance, but not to force or take personal responsibility for another’s spiritual progress.
6. “There Is Only One Right Way to Live”
True: Krishna states in Bhagavad-gītā (18.66):
“Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
This suggests that the ultimate truth is singular—surrender to Krishna. All other paths are secondary to bhakti (devotion).
Untrue: Yet, Krishna also acknowledges different approaches. In Bhagavad-gītā (4.11), He says:
“As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pritha.”
People approach spirituality in various ways, and Krishna reciprocates with them accordingly. While devotion is the highest path, Krishna does not reject those on other spiritual journeys.
7. “I’m Broken and Need to Be Saved”
True: The Bhagavad-gītā (16.21) warns:
“There are three gates leading to this hell—lust, anger, and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul.”
This implies that conditioned souls, dominated by material desires, are in a fallen state. Without Krishna’s mercy, one remains entangled in illusion.
Untrue: However, Krishna also states in Bhagavad-gītā (9.29):
“I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all beings. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.”
This shows that no one is inherently “broken.” The soul is eternally pure, and devotion restores its natural position. Rather than being “saved” in a passive sense, one reawakens their inherent divinity through bhakti.
Conclusion
Spiritual truths are often paradoxical. In India theres a strong presence of grey area. Things are not seen as black and white like they are in the west. The beliefs in the image are both valid and incomplete. One must recognize their dependence on Krishna while also cultivating self-trust. One should aspire to spiritual progress without neglecting bodily needs. Rather than rejecting these statements outright, we must approach them with a deeper understanding—one that harmonizes personal responsibility, divine grace, and balanced living.
What do you believe?