By Callum 
“Conflict is the beginning of consciousness.” This quote from psychologist M. Esther Harding strikes at the heart of a truth most of us avoid: our greatest discomfort often leads to our deepest growth. Think back to a time when your heart pulled in one direction, but your logic pushed the other way. That tension—that quiet war within—is what the ancient Sanskrit word antarvafna captures. And it’s far more common than most people admit.
In fact, studies show that unresolved inner conflict can lead to chronic stress, poor decision-making, and even physical health issues. But here’s the flip side: when you recognize and work through antarvafna, it becomes a tool—not a trap.
This article doesn’t just define a word. It helps you decode your own emotions. You’ll learn how to spot inner conflict early, what it really means, and how to turn it into something useful—something that propels your growth instead of blocking it.
Let’s dive in.
What is antarvafna?
The word antarvafna comes from ancient Sanskrit. It refers to the emotional and mental struggle that happens inside us when we face difficult choices or feel torn between what we want and what we know is right. This inner conflict can make us feel anxious, confused, or stuck. But when we understand it, we can grow stronger and make better decisions.
Why antarvafna matters in real life
Everyone feels inner conflict at some point. Whether it’s deciding between studying or hanging out with friends, speaking the truth or staying silent, we all go through moments where we feel divided inside. These moments are examples of antarvafna. If we ignore these feelings, they can grow worse. But if we face them, we can learn a lot about who we are and what we care about.
The roots of antarvafna in ancient wisdom
The idea of antarvafna is not new. It appears in many ancient stories and teachings:
- In the Bhagavad Gita, the warrior Arjuna feels deep inner conflict before a battle. He doesn’t want to fight people he loves, even though he knows it’s his duty. His struggle shows what antarvafna feels like.
- In Buddhism, the idea of suffering (dukkha) often comes from clinging to things or fighting with ourselves inside.
- In Stoicism, a type of ancient philosophy, thinkers said we must align our actions with our values. When we don’t, we feel uneasy inside—just like antarvafna.
How psychology explains antarvafna
Modern psychology has terms that are similar to antarvafna:
- Cognitive dissonance: This is when we do something that doesn’t match our beliefs, like lying even though we think honesty is important. That uncomfortable feeling is antarvafna.
- The id, ego, and superego: These are parts of our mind, according to Sigmund Freud. They often clash, causing us to feel stuck or conflicted.
- The shadow self: Carl Jung said we all have parts of ourselves that we hide or ignore. When we don’t deal with them, they create inner tension—another form of antarvafna.
Signs you might be experiencing antarvafna
It’s not always easy to know when you’re feeling antarvafna. But here are some common signs:
- You feel stuck or can’t make a decision
- You avoid certain people or situations
- You feel guilty or ashamed without knowing why
- You keep thinking about the same problem over and over
- You feel emotionally tired for no clear reason
If any of these sound familiar, you might be dealing with inner conflict.
How to deal with antarvafna in a healthy way
The good news is that there are simple ways to face antarvafna and grow from it. Here are a few:
Practice self-reflection
Take a few minutes each day to ask yourself how you feel. Journaling can help. Write about what’s on your mind and what’s bothering you. This helps bring your inner conflict to the surface so you can deal with it.
Try mindfulness and meditation
Being present helps you notice your thoughts and feelings without judging them. When you sit quietly and focus on your breath, you start to understand what’s really going on inside.
Talk to someone you trust
Sometimes, sharing your feelings with a friend, mentor, or counselor can help you see things clearly. Other people can offer new ideas and help you find peace.
Make sure your actions match your values
Ask yourself: “Does this decision reflect who I want to be?” If your choices line up with your values, you’ll feel more confident and less torn inside.
Examples of antarvafna in everyday life
Here are some real-life situations that show what antarvafna looks like:
- You want to stay true to your friends, but they’re doing something you don’t agree with.
- You dream of becoming an artist, but your parents want you to become a doctor.
- You know lying will get you out of trouble, but you also believe honesty is the right path.
In each case, there’s a clash between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Facing that clash and making a choice that feels true to you is how you overcome antarvafna.
Benefits of understanding antarvafna
When you face your inner conflict instead of avoiding it, you grow. Here are some benefits:
- You get to know yourself better
- You learn how to make decisions with confidence
- You feel more peaceful and balanced
- You grow emotionally and mentally stronger
- You improve your relationships by being honest and clear
Building habits to manage antarvafna daily
You can make small changes each day to keep antarvafna from becoming overwhelming:
- Morning check-ins: Ask yourself, “What am I feeling today? What’s bothering me?”
- Mindful breaks: Take short breaks during your day to breathe and check in with your emotions.
- Evening reflections: Before bed, write or think about what went well and what felt off during your day.
These small habits can help you stay in touch with your emotions and catch inner conflicts early.
antarvafna and personal transformation
Inner conflict may feel like a burden, but it can be a powerful tool for change. Think of antarvafna as a signal—not a problem. It tells you that something inside you wants attention. When you face that feeling, you open the door to becoming a better, more peaceful version of yourself.
Many people who work through antarvafna discover their true calling, build stronger relationships, or find peace with their past. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Applying antarvafna in Real Life
Antarvafna is part of what makes us human. We all face it, but we don’t always talk about it. By learning to understand and work through inner conflict, we can grow stronger, make better decisions, and live a more meaningful life.
So the next time you feel confused, unsure, or pulled in two directions—don’t ignore it. Listen. That’s antarvafna trying to teach you something important.