Answer
From this verse we understand that thinking, feeling, and willing originate in the mind and then percolate down to the gross body through the subtle medium of the ethereal element. From there it influences the prana, creating restlessness or stability, and eventually affects the biological functioning of the body.
Modern medical science has understood to some extent the connection between psychological states and bodily conditions. However, it does not fully acknowledge the deeper subtle mechanisms underlying this relationship.
The action of medicines prescribed by doctors can certainly influence bodily and mental conditions. This is because, in our present state, we are not fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness. Since we are still progressing in spiritual life, we may require appropriate methods, including medical interventions, to compensate for our lack of complete absorption in Krishna's service and remembrance.
If Krishna consciousness were fully developed, there would be no possibility of these disturbances affecting us in the same way. A devotee ultimately has only one concern: "How can I become more absorbed in Krishna?"
This is a very important principle. Regardless of whether we face one problem or another, the first thing we should ask is:
"How can I increase my Krishna consciousness?"
Can I read more Bhagavatam? If I currently read for twenty minutes, can I increase it to thirty minutes, one hour, or even more?
People often say they do not have time, yet many hours are spent sleeping or engaged in less important activities. Even a small increase in spiritual hearing and reading can greatly benefit the mind.
Investigate what Srila Prabhupada is teaching. Learn how to think in various circumstances. Whether there is loss in the family, personal difficulty, or emotional upheaval, Prabhupada has already provided guidance. His instructions are available in his books, and devotees can also seek guidance from experienced Vaishnavas.
When we do not seek such guidance and do not regularly hear or read spiritual literature, our ordinary conditioned thinking takes over. Fear, anxiety, and confusion begin to dominate the mind. We then do not know how to properly deal with disturbances.
Some life events are highly emotional. If we become increasingly absorbed in fearful or negative thoughts, our anxiety grows further. Eventually this can contribute to psychological and psychiatric problems.
Obsessive thinking is often at the root of many psychiatric issues. Why does obsessive thinking arise? Because we are not taking guidance from Srila Prabhupada.
Prabhupada has given us a complete process—Krishna consciousness. This process is nourished through association with him by reading his books, discussing spiritual topics, and spending time with Vaishnavas.
The Vaishnava community exists for such positive discussions:
How should I think?
How should I understand this situation?
How should I respond?
Many people have no idea where to begin when facing life's challenges, but devotees have abundant guidance available.
People sometimes summarize the Bhagavad-gita by saying:
Whatever is happening is for my good.
Whatever happened was for my good.
Whatever will happen is for my good.
But when a loved one dies, it may be difficult to understand how that is beneficial.
A devotee can think differently. The person has not ceased to exist. The body may be gone, but the soul continues to live. One can pray for that person's welfare and Krishna's blessings. Such understanding brings clarity and confidence.
Without spiritual knowledge, people may think a person has simply disappeared into the earth. In reality, only the body returns to the earth; the living being continues to exist.
When this knowledge is absent and one becomes obsessed with fearful thoughts, psychological difficulties, panic attacks, and other disturbances can arise because one is living in uncertainty and ignorance.
Srila Prabhupada has revealed these truths. The question is how much absorption we develop in his books and teachings.
Simply diverting attention from one book to another without proper purpose is often not helpful. Rather, one should deeply study Prabhupada's books and seek clarity from sincere Vaishnavas when specific issues arise.
We should become purposeful in life. Time is limited. We should work on our shortcomings one by one and gradually improve ourselves.
Instead of remaining angry, harsh, or difficult to deal with, we should strive to become better human beings and better devotees.
By reading Prabhupada's books, transformation naturally occurs. We cannot truly change ourselves by mere determination. We may decide, "From tomorrow I will become a nice person," but within a short time our old tendencies return.
This is our present condition.
Therefore, in the beginning stages, immediate interventions—including medical treatment when necessary—may be required. However, our primary absorption should remain in Krishna consciousness, which provides a complete, end-to-end solution to all the problems of life.
