The path one takes in life is shaped by their upbringing and the person they are.
We see different ways people live. Some lead unfulfilled lives, while others find fulfillment. Not everyone has the privilege of achieving a fulfilled life. Both types of lives involve sacrifices, but the key difference with a fulfilled life is that it leaves no regrets, as the choices made were one’s own.
Spiritual teachings often emphasize surrender, while other approaches focus on living in the present moment. Across these philosophies, there is a recurring theme of letting go or freeing the mind.
But are these claims reasonable? They seem to undermine the value of determination and diligent effort toward personal achievement.
Before choosing a path or agreeing with any claim, we must have a reason to accept it. These reasons may vary, but one must understand them fully to accept the claim.
Let me propose a rational way to evaluate the claims of spiritual teachings.
The most fundamental state of the mind is witnessing. It observes the world. Before any action, witnessing occurs. The witness, by its nature, is detached. When this witnessing happens, the mind ceases to function in its usual way. This state arises without the mind’s active control—it happens when we allow the mind to settle.
Thus, the fundamental state of the mind aligns with the idea of letting go, as presented by spiritual teachings.
A person can remain a pure witness only when they have freed their mind.