ADHD – Canchal Maan (the restless mind, or egoic-complex)
In contemporary (ego-fixing) psychology, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often framed as a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by restlessness, inattention, and impulsivity. Gurmat (the Sikh wisdom tradition) and Gurmat Psychology, however, offer a different lens: these behaviors are not merely neurological dysfunctions but manifestations of the “monkey mind” (chanchal mann), the ego-driven, restless nature of human consciousness described extensively in Gurbani. Gurmat teachings guide individuals toward recognising the nature of the egoic-complex, cultivating awareness, focus, and inner stability through the disciplined practice of Naam Simran (sacred sound frequency based – mantra meditations ), focusing on the breath (pavan), and through self-inquiry (Khoj).
This article explores ADHD in light of Gurmat wisdom, including relevant Gurbani references, practical spiritual tools, and a comparison with conventional medical treatments and their limitations.
1. ADHD and the Monkey Mind in Gurmat Psychology
Restlessness and Inattention in Gurbani
Gurbani describes the mind as inherently restless, fickle, and distracted:
“Chanchal mann na tikai thir, Har ras nahi piya” (The restless mind does not remain stable; it does not taste the essence of the Divine). (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 624)
This mirrors the restless energy of ADHD, where the mind is constantly jumping from one thought or activity to another.
“Jio sugandh vasai kumkum mehla; Tio Ram naam basai mann mehla” (Just as fragrance resides within the flower, so too does the Divine Name reside in the mind—but the restless mind must be stilled to perceive it). (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 39)
The tendency of the ADHD mind to be distracted parallels the challenge of accessing inner awareness when dominated by external stimuli.
The Seeking Nature of the Mind
The ADHD mind’s perpetual novelty-seeking behavior is addressed in Gurbani’s depiction of the mind’s constant chasing of desires:
“Mann hova na keen rehen; Nirbhau naam japai din raat” (The mind cannot rest until it meditates on the Fearless Name day and night). (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1010)
This restlessness arises from egoic desires and can only be subdued through connection to the Divine.
2. Gurmat Guidance: Cultivating Awareness and Focus
Gurbani provides clear and actionable steps for addressing the restless and inattentive nature of the mind, emphasizing the breath (pavan) and Shabad as key tools.
Focusing on the Breath (Pavan)
Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasizes the importance of pavan, the breath, as a medium for cultivating awareness:
“Pavan guru paani pita mata dharat mahat” (The breath is the Guru, water is the father, and the great earth is the mother). (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 8)
Breath awareness is foundational to Sikh meditative practices. Mindful breathing slows down the restless mind, grounding it in the present moment. This aligns with modern mindfulness-based approaches for managing ADHD, which use breath awareness to enhance focus and emotional regulation.
Meditation on the Divine Name (Naam Simran)
“Saas saas simro Gobind, mann antar ki utrai chind” (With each breath, meditate on the Divine, and the anxiety of the mind will be removed). (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 295)
The repetitive chanting or silent remembrance of the Divine Name (Naam) helps stabilize attention and creates a sense of inner calm. In ADHD, where the mind is scattered, Naam Simran acts as an anchor, training the mind to focus.
Mantra and Shabad Practice
The vibration of Shabad has profound psychological and spiritual effects, helping to redirect the mind from chaos to clarity:
“Har ka naam ridai na basai, mann chanchal bahu jaye” (Without the Divine Name in the heart, the restless mind wanders endlessly). (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 827)
Mantra recitation slows mental chatter, fostering neuroplasticity and improving cognitive focus—paralleling studies on how repetitive sound patterns can help manage ADHD symptoms.
3. Conventional ADHD Medications and Their Limitations
Common Medications for ADHD
- Stimulants
- Examples: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Amphetamines (Adderall)
- Mechanism: These increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, enhancing focus and reducing hyperactivity.
- Non-Stimulants
- Examples: Atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv)
- Mechanism: These affect norepinephrine pathways more gradually than stimulants.
Known Side Effects of Medications
- Stimulants:
- Insomnia, reduced appetite, headaches, increased heart rate, potential for dependency or abuse.
- Emotional blunting or increased anxiety.
- Non-Stimulants:
- Fatigue, mood swings, gastrointestinal issues, slower onset of symptom relief.
While these medications can offer short-term symptom management, they do not address the deeper restlessness of the mind, nor do they cultivate inner focus or emotional resilience.
4. Gurmat as a Holistic Alternative or Complement
Building Long-Term Inner Stability
Unlike pharmacological approaches, which primarily manage symptoms, Gurmat offers a pathway to fundamentally transform the restless mind. Practices like Naam Simran and breath awareness cultivate not just focus but a deep connection to the self and the Divine, addressing the root causes of restlessness.
Practical Steps for ADHD Management through Gurmat Psychology
The Gurmat Mindfulness Based 8 week course (GMBi)
- The GMBi 8 week program has demonstrated consistent and sustainable improvements in individuals with ADHD, anxiety, stress and depression, Including a range of other mental health disorders. The GMBi is evidence based and available from Gurmat Therapy or
www.the-flame,co.uk - Community Support (Sangat)
Regular participation in Sangat (spiritual community) reinforces focus through collective practice and shared discipline.
5. Conclusion: A Gurmat Perspective on ADHD
From the Gurmat lens, ADHD is not merely a neurological disorder but a manifestation of the natural restlessness of the egoic complex desire driven mind. Gurbani provides profound guidance on cultivating focus and awareness through the breath (pavan guru) and the sound-based mantra/frequency meditation practices. While modern medications offer temporary relief, Gurmat psychology offers a transformative path to inner stability, transcending the limitations of external treatments.
By integrating Gurbani’s timeless wisdom with practical strategies, individuals can learn to tame the monkey mind, transcending restlessness and achieving lasting mental clarity and spiritual fulfillment.
“Man jeetai jag jeet” (By conquering the mind, the world is conquered). (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 6)
© D S Panesar 2025 Introduction to Gurmat Psychology Series