Is that supernatural? Not really.
Is it useful? Possibly.
Is it real? That depends on what “real” means to you.

So, does Mind Control Work? TLDR: I think it depends on your belief systems.

Growing up, my parents encouraged me to think rationally, but they also reminded me that life goes beyond the mind. Rationality helps us survive and navigate the world. Spirituality helps us embrace life as it is. By grace and luck, the kind of luck outside my control, I was already in a good position to internalize mind control and the various techniques.

Why Isn't This Taken Seriously?

One reason could be that most people today are deeply attached to logic. Thought processes are trained to prioritize evidence, data, and what can be measured. And while that has its place, it often leaves no room for ideas that are not immediately quantifiable.

The result? Anything that sounds even slightly abstract, like mind control, intention, or manifestation, is quickly dismissed. It is easier to put it in the "wishful thinking" bucket than to sit with the discomfort of not knowing exactly how something works.

But the question is not whether mind control can be measured in a lab. The real question is simpler: does it help in some way? Does it lead to more focus, clarity, or even a little bit of peace? If yes, then maybe that is reason enough to pay attention.

Why Do People Dismiss It So Quickly?

Many people lack a grounded approach to ideas like mind control or manifestation. They are quick to pick a side, either to believe or to reject, because certainty feels more comfortable than ambiguity. It is easier to say "this is nonsense" or "this definitely works" than to sit with the idea that something might work for some people in some ways and not in others.

But the ability to consider different possibilities is a sign of a healthy mind. It is not about blind belief, and it is not about automatic doubt either. A more balanced mindset explores the idea, observes its effects, and stays open to both outcomes and exceptions.

This kind of thinking is rare, especially today when many people look for quick answers or seek validation from like-minded groups. Most individuals do not go out of their way to challenge their own beliefs. That is how confirmation bias keeps people stuck - on either end of the belief spectrum.

Mind control is not being suggested here as something that will work miracles. It may or may not. But something is better than nothing. Sometimes all it takes is a change in perception, and that alone can shift things. Mind control might simply do that. Maybe it just helps you feel a little more positive than before.

The Power of Thought Is Easy to Forget

Sometimes the skepticism around all of this feels confusing. Think about it for a second. Everything that exists today was once just a thought. The phone you are holding. The city you live in. The job you are doing. Even this text you are reading. None of it was real until someone imagined it.

Ideas are invisible, but they are not powerless. In fact, everything real begins with something unreal. That is the nature of creation. So why do we draw the line when it comes to manifestation or focused thought? Why is it so hard to believe that thought could shape experience in ways we do not yet fully understand?

And here is a bit of a loop to think about. For those who do not believe in mind control, is that not exactly what is happening? It is not working because they have already decided it will not. So in a way, it is working. Yes, that might sound like circular logic, and maybe it is. But it makes the point.

Sometimes thought leads. Sometimes belief follows. Either way, the mind is not as powerless as we make it out to be.

The Guru Problem

One of the biggest issues with this space is how it is marketed. There are too many people who advertise themselves as experts and promise instant results. Manifest this in five days. Change your life overnight. Unlock infinite abundance. It sounds great, especially when someone is feeling desperate or just looking for a break.

But that is exactly where the problem begins. These promises are often made to people who are already vulnerable. When the results do not show up as expected, disappointment follows. Not just with the method, but with the entire idea. People end up rejecting everything, even the parts that might have helped.

The truth is, mind control or manifestation or focused thought, whatever you want to call it, is not a magical fix. It is not about sitting back and waiting for life to change on its own. It is about aligning thought with action, about showing up with intention and clarity.

Belief alone is not enough. It works best when it is paired with patience, consistency, and real effort. That is the part most people are not told. And that is why so many feel let down.

A Few Points to Keep in Mind

• Mind Control is not a Shortcut. Do not take it as an excuse to become lazy. It does not replace effort or discipline. It simply helps direct your attention more intentionally. Thought alone does not guarantee results. Thought combined with consistent action often does more. Daydreaming and manifestation are not the same. Visualization can support your goals, but action is what moves things forward.

• Feedback loops disappear as we grow. No one tells us what’s right or wrong anymore. But the right mindset can recreate feedback - sometimes through subtle signs, sometimes through sheer coincidences.

• Why doesn’t everyone become a millionaire then? Maybe because not everyone actually wants that. Despite what popular culture suggests, I think most people are not chasing fame or fortune - they are searching for peace, fulfillment, or even just a sense of direction. For those who are truly aligned with themselves, wealth is often not the top priority. It becomes a byproduct, not the main pursuit.

• Don’t try to dissect it too much. I personally feel trying to establish the causal linkage will cause the practice to collapse. No overthinking. No forcing. No need for ifs or buts - just the flow. Sometimes it is okay to believe simply because it works.

So where does that leave us?

You do not have to believe in mind control. You do not have to believe in anything, really. Belief is not a requirement. It is a choice. But sometimes, when something helps you live a little more fully, a little more calmly, or a little more positively, it is worth holding on to. Even if it is just for a while. Even if you do not fully understand why.

Not everything has to be explained to be meaningful. And not everything that works needs external proof to be valid. Pursue what rings the bell for you, and stay grounded enough not to be deluded. Navigating the grey zone is the art we all have to master anyway.

Why I felt like writing this?

“If you are nothing without this CV, then you shouldn’t have it.” - Me (well, technically Tony Stark said “suit,” but you get the point)

I thought studying from the best institutes of India, working on research projects and almost unimaginable in my first or second year of studies, working with a scientist at an Ivy League would make me a confident and fulfilled individual. But you know what, in my final semester I am feeling the exact opposite. I do not know exactly why but I feel more and more empty and life seems monotonous and dull. The same notebooks, the same code, the same routine. To what extent? It is not that I do not like what I do, I am just questioning why.

And in these moments, the uncertainty in the world, whether it is AI, tariffs, or anything else, makes life feel almost unbearable. But honestly, while I am thinking like this, I can actually empathise with others for the first time in my life. So many people, so many aspirations, so many dreams.

I went to Tirupati (for the unversed, a place of pilgrimage in India, widely believed to grant any wishes, speaking from my personal experience as well but of course correlation does not imply causation) a few months back and I could only care about what I could ask for. But now when I think about that crowd, so many dreams, so many wishes, just how and why? How many of them come true? How many of them are out of desperation? How many have blindly put their faith in a higher power?

A Higher Power

The more I think about this, the more I realise that it was never about whether a higher power exists in the first place. It was simply about hope. And hope is a sad thing, rare and difficult to come by. So what is wrong if someone wants that glimmer of hope, even if it means worshipping an entity with a trident in his hands and a snake as an ornament around his neck?

I used to ridicule every ritual, every practice, as a kid. I stand corrected. Let people do what gives them hope, as long as it is reasonable of course. I still stand by the belief that blindly following something is wrong. But if it is a reasonable practice, one that does not discriminate or degrade any section of society, then let them. Let them feel that hope, that silver lining.

Do not ridicule traditions. Question them? Definitely yes. But never ever trivialise them. If only your own dream were attached to that ritual, you would understand the pain behind performing it. And these traditions, they have been coming down for generations. There must be a reason for sure. One might argue how relevant that reason is in the present day, but you get the point.

Faith in God and Beyond

I have slowly come to believe that faith in God does not mean that he will come down and lift his little finger for me. No. He will not. That faith, that act of delegation to something beyond you, instills the right mindset.

Trying to learn Machine Learning? God will not spoonfeed you. But what took you three months before might take just a month now. Preparing for job interviews? Maybe you will end up preparing exactly what is going to be asked in the interview. That faith eases the situation by changing your mindset. It relieves you of agency.

That sense of delegation helps you grasp the essence of Karma Yoga. Let not any work cause a ripple in your mind. And when you are not attached to the outcome, you end up learning and growing the most. Counter intuitive, but it is true. In modern slang: Fuck it, I am going in.

Is it possible? What will happen? This is not up to you. This was never up to any of us. Leave it to fate, leave it to something greater. You take care of the little things with great attention to detail, and someone or something will take care of the rest.

And does God exist? I think for the most part, humans do not really care if God exists. As long as he serves as a metaphor, a symbol of protection, a symbol of hope, people will not question the true nature of his existence. And maybe, not understanding him is part of why he is so appealing. Maybe that is why the faith works.

Not everything in life needs to be dissected. And no, I am not trying to trigger a Science versus Religion debate. I want the best of both worlds. Simple. I want to learn how life works. If it comes wrapped in mystical elements, I am happy. If it comes with a bunch of equations, I am equally happy. Though I might prefer the mystical elements.

Beating a River into Submission

Doctor Strange remains one of my favorite films. Not because of the action sequences or mystical aspects (okay maybe I fancy using my astral projection to read more) but because of the pearls of wisdom dropped, especially by the Ancient One:

“You cannot beat a river into submission. You can only use it’s flow as your strength.”

And I think I have a rather humorous experience that made me realise the value and importance of that statement.

So my mouse has been double-clicking. I do not know why, and please do not ask me. It is rather annoying. Every time I try to fix it in frustration, it only gets worse. But if I take a moment and step back, the same double-clicking mouse works just fine. Why? I do not know. Maybe in that moment of calm, I just happen to press the right area that works.

People have forgotten how to relax. In fact, relaxing almost feels like a sin these days. But no, it is actually the best feeling ever.

Another way to appreciate this idea is through a simple mental image. Imagine you have some sand in one palm, and you need to go from point A to point B. If you try to go as fast as possible, you will grip the sand tightly. Sure, you might reach first, but you will lose a lot of that sand on the way. Or you can go slowly, carefully, and end up with more sand when you reach your destination.

The point is, people today seem to prefer the first approach. They want to control everything, rush through life. But is that really practical? You might be losing sight of all the things you are leaving behind. I am not saying one is right or wrong - just putting things in perspective.

Lessons from Po (Kung Fu Panda)

I loved Kung Fu Panda as a kid. So much so that I even tried collecting a few action figures - Po, Shi Fu, Oogway, and the rest. As a kid, I liked the movie because of the comical angle and the martial arts touch.

But now… I think the movie carries such a beautiful message.

“There is no secret ingredient.”

And faith works exactly like that. Do not burst the bubble for anyone who believes something is sacred. They found something. Let them value it. Let them keep moving forward. Let them protect it. If possible, help them defend it.

Also, I love the transformation of Po. He does not change completely. He remains who he has always been but with more training. That is all. He did not lose weight. He did not become something he is not. He simply learnt new things.

And I believe that is truly a remarkable thing.

Change does not have to mean taking radical steps. You start with the baby steps. The bigger ones take care of themselves. Did Po come up with a precise roadmap to defeat Tai Lung? Not exactly (at least in my opinion). He did what he could. He trained to the best of his capabilities. That is what helped him in the final showdown.

He retained the crux of who he is and added a layer of training over it. And that is perfect alignment with the self. Self-erasure may not equate to growth always.

My Greatest Strengths (and Weaknesses)

I think my greatest strengths have been asking the right questions, being candid with people, and building trust. No sugarcoating, no exaggeration of my capabilities. I know my strengths. I know my weaknesses. And even though I may not always admit the weaknesses in front of others, I never deceive myself into believing they do not exist. I work on them in private.

I am highly self-aware, and I know my place. And whenever I feel lost, I turn inward. I rely on myself and self-help books more than external sources.

The more I observe myself, the more I understand how I operate. And I think the following quote sums it up perfectly:

“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.”
— Abraham Lincoln (probably)

I might be slow to start - going over every little detail, maybe even needing a small push. But once I begin to see the patterns, I pick up pace rapidly.

Growing Cynicism in my Inner Voice and Trigger Points

I realised I was getting triggered lately. Every little voice, every minor delay while working and it runs deeper than I thought.

The main culprit? Me, trying to do everything on my own, paired with a schedule that is practically impossible to follow. If I do not get that result on Monday, I have to wait an entire week before I can even revisit it. So even though I was getting a lot of things done, I was not able to sit and work on all of them consistently. That frustration built up over time, and eventually, even the slightest delay started causing real inconvenience.

One of my friends once said: “You cannot do everything at once.”

Maybe he was coming from a place of slight jealousy (that’s what I felt at the time), but it is true. Doing less is more. More than you can possibly imagine.

I think the entire cycle of hustling and relaxing is never ending. You choose when to stretch and when to let go. That, to me, also settles the whole debate about work-life balance. It is entirely personal - who wants to stretch, which phase of their life they are in, and why.

Lately, I find myself casting doubt on myths and miracles. But I still want to reach a place where I am analytically sound when needed, while still being open to the idea of miracles.

Maybe even practice alchemy in my free time (nervous laughter).

Opinions on Social Media Gyaan

Here’s my take (and claim), most people on the internet are insecure. Their advice is coming from a deep rooted sense of insecurity and uncertainty. They survived and deep down they know what they did to survive may not be the best or efficient. They try to impose this on others to validate their own experiences. They want others to walk the same road so they can feel better about themselves. So take everyone’s piece of advice with a pinch…. nah a sack of salt.

There. I said it. And I am not taking this back anytime soon.

That said, me writing this and you reading this? It’s me giving you ‘gyaan’. Paradoxical, ain’t it?

So here’s a question for you: How will you take my advice on not taking advice? 😉

Piece of Advice for Myself and Others

Ever feel lost? Practice the following:

Turn off the lights. Keep all distractions away. Sit in complete isolation and complete darkness.

For the first few days, this might feel impossible. Especially if you're used to constant stimulation. But be forgiving with yourself. Keep at it.

Create space between what you believe to be your thoughts and yourself. This is tricky to describe in words. One can only experience it.

Regardless, once you feel satisfied, come outside and just observe the world around you. Note down what you feel. Do this for a while, and you will start to notice recurring themes in your thoughts and emotions.

Try breaking these cycles. You are already ahead of most people.

Know when to rest:

Preserve your energy for tomorrow. Just when you feel like doing more, switch off. If your body is aching or unwilling, just get up. Listen to it. It is a marathon. Treat life as such.
Your sudden burst of energy on Monday will lead to burnout by Friday. Instead, maintain consistency.

Conclusion

Circling back to the first question on this page - why am I writing this?
Because my journalling diary is out of pages. 😂

Jokes apart, I want the reader to know that what you think is the peak often turns out to be something else entirely.

As a student, I had been chasing some form of activity, one way or the other. Now that I finally have some free time before job hunting and the whole shabbang, I realised something. I had been filling gaps within myself using external things. That one certification gave a little kick. That one result from the code gave a dopamine boost. But internally, the hole just kept getting bigger.

And now I am at a point where I do not really know what I want.

I used to scoff at people flexing their cars or houses or spouses or children. I still do - to be honest, they wouldn’t be doing it if they felt fulfilled.

But I also realise now that on a global scale, true fulfilment is hard to come by. How many can actually lead a good life, a fulfilled life? What does it mean to lead a fulfilled life?

Undergrad did bring a lot of changes in me. And I am grateful that one of them is empathy. Not to the fullest extent, but if you had asked the 14 year old me to be empathetic or to even think about others - I would have never.

Maybe I have actually grown up. And I can only hope to grow into a mature and wise individual.

I sincerely believe this churning is just the beginning for me. A moment to shed and grow.
And of course, how can I forget? I worship Shiva after all. There is no end or beginning. It is the same thing over and over again.

The lecture titled "My Life and Mission" was delivered by Swami Vivekananda to the Shakespeare Club of Pasadena, California, in January 1900. In this poignant address, he vividly depicted his deep compassion for the suffering millions in India and outlined his vision for restoring his motherland to its former glory. This occasion stands out as one of the rare moments when Swami Vivekananda spoke so intimately about his personal struggles and sorrows.

I first came across Swami Vivekananda's lecture, "My Life and Mission," as an early teenager during a visit to Pragati Maidan. At that time, I was not mature enough to fully appreciate the profound contents of this lecture. Now, as I revisit it for the fifth time (I guess; I have lost count honestly), I wanted to share a summary of this remarkable address.

📝 Originally written on July 10, 2024, in my Notion blog. I felt it was only fitting to begin my Substack with this piece.

India: A Nation in Ruins with an Indomitable Spirit

Against the backdrop of colonial rule, Swami Vivekananda opens his address with a stark portrait of India - a land weighed down by poverty, oppression, and shattered institutions. On the surface, it appears to be a nation in ruins. But beneath this visible decay lies something enduring and unshaken: a spiritual fire that refuses to die out.

India, he says, is not driven by the same motives that animated the rise and fall of other great civilizations. Where others pursued wealth, territory, or conquest, India’s mission has always been spiritual. And it is this mission - this sacred orientation toward truth and liberation - that sustains her through centuries of hardship.

Swami points to a powerful truth: every nation has a mission. When that mission is lost, the nation begins to wither. Rome collapsed when its imperial ambition was broken. Greece faded when its intellectual brilliance dimmed. But India? India survives, because her mission is centered around God, the soul, and the search for ultimate meaning.

Perhaps this is why, even today, amid faltering governance and endless challenges, India endures. The body may struggle, but the soul refuses to surrender.

Sectarianism: A Sign of Life

In a strikingly counterintuitive observation, Swami Vivekananda turns the common critique of sectarianism on its head. The proliferation of religious sects in India, far from being a symptom of decay, is a sign of spiritual vitality.

Rather than uniformity, it is diversity in pursuit of the divine that marks a living tradition. The birth of new sects and paths signals that the spiritual current is still flowing, still seeking, still alive.

“The stronger the current, the more the whirlpools and eddies.” - Swami Vivekananda on Sectarianism.

The Sacred Order of Sannyasins

Swami Vivekananda offers a powerful reflection on the Sannyasin Order, a cornerstone of India’s spiritual tradition. Unlike priests who typically follow a hereditary path, often tied to rituals, family life, and property, Sannyasins renounce the world entirely. They take a vow of celibacy, possess nothing, and dedicate their lives solely to the pursuit of truth and liberation.

At the heart of this tradition lies the sacred bond between teacher and disciple. A relationship not built on authority or doctrine, but on deep reverence, surrender, and mutual transformation. It is spiritual kinship in its purest form.

Swami then offers a striking critique of civilizational mindsets. In the West, he observed, there is often intolerance toward the renunciate, toward those who choose a life of inwardness. In contrast, Indian society, despite its spiritual roots, has sometimes shown intolerance toward those who seek material joy or worldly success. He calls out both tendencies as two faces of the same flaw - a "tyranny of the wise", where one path is exalted at the expense of the other.

True freedom, he reminds us, lies not in choosing the “right” path as judged by others, but in honoring the sincerity of one’s own quest.

“There should be a perfect balance between the monastics and the householders.” - Swami Vivekananda

Embracing Multiple Paths to Truth

Swami Vivekananda, drawing from the spiritual universality of his guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, highlights one of India’s most profound contributions to humanity: the acceptance of multiple paths to the Divine.

Ramakrishna’s life was a living experiment in this belief - he practiced and validated the truths of various religious traditions, affirming that each path, when walked with sincerity, leads to the same ultimate reality. Not every soul seeks in the same way, and not every seeker finds truth in the same form. This diversity is not a weakness but it is a testament to the richness of India’s spiritual soil.

This principle, I believe, forms the very crux of Hinduism - a faith not tethered to rigid dogma, but anchored in tolerance, adaptability, and inner experience.

As expressed in the Rigveda:

"Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti" - Truth is one, the wise speak of it in various ways.

In a world increasingly drawn to absolutism, India’s spiritual heritage stands apart. Not because it has all the answers, but because it allows for many questions.

Cultural and Methodological Differences

Swami Vivekananda draws attention to a fascinating cultural distinction between India and the West: the relationship between religion and politics.

In the West, religious work often relies on political organization. Laws, institutions, and movements are the vehicles through which moral or spiritual agendas are advanced. In contrast, in India, it works the other way around: political ideas must often be wrapped in religious language to truly reach the hearts of the people.

This inversion reveals something profound. In India, religion is not confined to rituals or sermons. It is deeply woven into everyday life, ethics, and even civic engagement. The sacred and the secular aren’t separate realms; they flow into each other like two rivers meeting at a confluence.

(Guess that explains Indian politics. 😂)

Swami's Personal Struggles

Swami also shared his personal struggles and the immense challenges he faced. He spoke candidly about his own sorrows, the hardships endured, and the tireless efforts to uplift his fellow countrymen. Swami recounted how he often faced immense physical and mental exhaustion, sometimes feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the work ahead. He described the deep sorrow he felt witnessing the dire poverty and suffering of his people, which often left him in profound distress. Despite these challenges, he remained resolute, drawing strength from his spiritual convictions and the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahansa. This lecture stands out as one of the few occasions where he opened up about the difficulties that marked his journey, offering a rare glimpse into the personal sacrifices behind his public mission.

Conclusion: Swami's Vision for India's Future

Swami Vivekananda’s words remain a powerful compass for us today. He reminds us that India’s true strength lies not in material conquests, but in the spiritual reservoir that runs through its people.

His vision is not a return to the past, nor a blind chase of the West. It is a synthesis - a future where spiritual depth and material progress walk hand in hand. A society where technology doesn’t eclipse truth, and success doesn’t come at the cost of soul.

If India is to reclaim her rightful place in the world, it will not be through imitation but through remembering who she truly is.

A civilization rooted in silence, but roaring with purpose. Ancient in spirit, yet ageless in relevance. Timeless not because she resists change, but because she transcends it.

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In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often find ourselves yearning for moments of reflection and deeper understanding. When I seek insights and guidance, I turn to books, finding solace and wisdom within their pages. This blog is a collection of my thoughts - some drawn from timeless spiritual texts, others sparked by moments of stillness, curiosity, or surprise. Whether you are a seasoned philosopher or simply a curious soul, I hope these writings offer you a space to ponder, reflect, and find inspiration.

Sometimes, you might find posts on forecasting or just quirky, fascinating things I stumble upon. It’s all part of the journey.

Whether you are a seasoned philosopher or simply a curious soul, I hope these writings offer you a space to ponder, reflect, and find inspiration.

Warm Regards,

Sai.