Freedom

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita

Introduction:

Many people who studied Bhagavad-Gita say that it changed their life. They quit many bad habits, and they hence push themselves towards some positive habits. Gradually, as a result of studying Bhagavad-Gita, they become elevated. Many people who read this religious book, by the way, it is not meant for only Hindus. The people of different religions and regions can read this because Gita is for everyone.

Understanding that Gita is not a religious Book:

Lord Krishna taking chariot between the two armies on request of Arjuna

Many people who read this religious book, by the way, it is not meant for only Hindus. The people of different religions and regions can read this because Gita is for everyone. When Lord Krishna sang the Gita to Arjuna, He didn’t tell that this Gita is exclusively for you, my dear Arjuna. But, the Gita has spoken between the two armies of the war. So, that all people who are fighting the conflict can be gain some knowledge. Now we will see what can be the life lessons we can take up from Bhagavad Gita.

Life lessons from Bhagavad Gita:

We are not bodies:

Lord Krishna describes the soul to Arjuna, who was lamenting for no reasons

We are not bodies, but we’re souls. So many people think that we’re dying, but it is not authentic. We are not the one who passes away it is simply our soul which leaves our body and goes to another body. Just like we gave up our old clothes and accepted new clothes, the soul is doing like that. Gross and subtle bodies wrap our souls. So, we are eternal. Since every living entity is an individual soul, each changes his body every moment, sometimes manifesting as a child, sometimes as a youth, and sometimes as an older man. Yet, the same spirit soul is there and does not undergo any change.

We should not expect anything from results:

 The Lord advised that Arjuna not be inactive, but that he perform his prescribed duty without being attached to the result

According, to Bhagavad Gita we should stop expecting results as we only have the right to perform our duties but not expect a fruitive result. If we do so, if the output is good, then we are happy at the same time. On the other hand, if the product of our work goes unexpectedly, then we feel sad. Therefore, don’t expect anything from your work. Any attachment, positive or negative, is cause for bondage. 

The mind can be our best friend, or it can be our greatest enemy:

For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but his very mind will be the greatest enemy for one who has failed to do so.

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna said that the one who has controlled his mind is his best friend, whereas, if someone has failed to do so, it can be his greatest foe. So, whatever is said in Gita is true. However, if we want to know-how, it can be helpful to us. For instance, we take an example of a knife. If it is in the hands of a surgeon, he can save us from many things, but if you give that same knife to someone who has an evil mindset, he can kill you. So, it all depends on how we’re using our intelligence.

You cannot change your past nor you can see your future you can just enjoy your present time:

“Change is the eternal law”

The above thing may seem like it’s a modern philosophy among many young people to enjoy the present. But it’s been said by Krishna that one should try to live in his present life rather than living in the past or future. Because the past is over, we cannot change it, and the future is what we cannot see. Therefore, only our present life can guide us to a better future.

Bhagavad Gita also helps us in many ways some of them are:

(i)Bhagavad Gita teaches you the art of controlling your senses, meditation, and procedures to attract all the positive power of the universe, which helps you make your life peaceful.

(ii)You can become a great student, successful entrepreneur, manager/CEO of any company, or you can even become a motivational speaker. The best example of this is Dr. Vivek Bindra

(iii)Though the Gita gives us the tools to transcend this world, it also teaches us how this world works. It mentions that there are three modes of nature, goodness, passion, and ignorance. These three modes permeate every aspect of the world from food, religions, action, determination, renunciation, charity, occupations, etc.

Influence of Bhagavad Gita on some famous personalities across the world

1. Hollywood actor Will Smith, his video is available on YouTube.
2. World Famous scientist Albert Einstein
3. American astronaut Sunita Williams
4. The first governer general of British India Lord Warren Hastings