Gurudev AI

How do I let go of the past?

Asked by 2 real people using Gurudev AI · Answered from 3 of his talks, books and articles · Reviewed by a human on 3 Sept 2026

In short

To let go of the past, recognize that negative emotions stem from past experiences and choose not to let them affect your current life. Forgive yourself and others to release the hold of past events. View the past as a dream, focus on the present, and trust the journey for growth and peace.

Letting go of the past is a significant step towards living a happy and fulfilling life. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar teaches that holding onto past events, whether they are mistakes, betrayals, or regrets, only serves to burden the mind and prevent us from experiencing the present moment fully. The first step is to recognize that these negative emotions stem from past experiences and make a conscious decision to not let them affect your current life.

Forgiveness plays a crucial role in this process. Whether it's forgiving others or yourself, it is essential to release the hold that past events have on you. Gurudev emphasizes that to continue regretting past mistakes is itself a mistake. By forgiving yourself, you free yourself from the cycle of regret and open up to new experiences without the shadows of the past.

Furthermore, Gurudev suggests viewing the past as a dream, something that has happened and is now gone. This perspective allows you to reclaim your mind and energy, which might otherwise be consumed by past events. By letting go of the past, you naturally bring your attention to the present moment, allowing your spirit to kindle and your consciousness to expand.

Ultimately, letting go involves accepting that you cannot control everything and that life is about trusting the journey. By releasing guilt, regrets, and the desire to control, you create space for growth and peace in your life. This approach not only liberates you from the past but also empowers you to face the future with renewed strength and clarity.

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