BY MS. ASHWINI ISHTE : 5 min read
Great warriors like Lord Krishna and Arjuna stand in front of everyone’s gaze after reciting the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita is not just a scripture, it is a guru who guides ordinary people like you and me. This scripture has a total of 18 chapters and 700 verses in which Lord Krishna gives a lesson to Arjuna about his true self. What is the meaning of real life? Who am I? What is the soul? What is the truth? In this scripture, you will find the answers to many of the questions that are lingering in your mind. If you want to come out of this ignorance and “ignorance,” which is the biggest enemy of man, then I would definitely like to recommend you Bhagwat Gita…. A practical tool in everyday life.
1) Learn from everyone, but follow no one
Shreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt
swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ !!
In this verse of the Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna about the importance of one’s natural prescribed duty rather than following the path of another. He said, “It is far better to perform one’s natural prescribed duty, tinged with faults, than to perform another prescribed duty, perfectly.”
We have a natural tendency to imitate others, and hence fail to take control of our lives. In order to perceive something in your life, follow your heart. Nobody is born with talent; our learning attitude and passion make a difference in our life.
2) Our mind can be a beautiful servant or dangerous master
Bandhur ātmātmanas tasya Yenātmaivātmanā jitaḥ
Anātmanas tu śatrutve Vartetātmaiva śatru-vat !!
In this verse of the Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna how the mind can be our best friend or worst enemy. Lord Krishna stated that, “For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is his best friend, but for one who has failed to do so, his very mind will be his greatest enemy.”
We don’t obtain clarity since our mind is always flooded with turmoil. We create a mess in our head and fail to overcome negative emotions in our mind. If we cultivate mindful habits, we will no longer suffer and nothing will control you until you allow it to do so. Because the mind is the most valuable asset of a human being, and it depends on how you use it.
3) Be patient with results, but impatient with your action
Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,
Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani !!
The meaning of this verse is, “You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.”
Here in this verse, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna to follow your duty and not to be concerned about the outcomes. Consider your work first and deliver something valuable in the service of others.
That means, we should act without selfish motives and be ready to work at all times. Giving our 100 percent is the key to climbing the ladder of success and Surrender yourself in terms of results, not in terms of acts, is all I get from this verse.
4) Anger is the root cause of all the miseries
Krodhād bhavati sammohaḥ sammohāt smṛiti-vibhramaḥ
smṛiti-bhranśhād buddhi-nāśho buddhi-nāśhāt praṇaśhyati !!
Lord Krishna stated to Arjuna, “Anger leads to clouding of judgment, which results in bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, the intellect gets destroyed; and when the intellect is destroyed, one is ruined. “
As I grew, I realize how anger can destroy you, not someone else. There’s a meaningful story that aids me in channelizing my anger. Once, a man asked the saint, “What is anger?” He answered, “It is a punishment we give ourselves for somebody else’s mistake.” The same lesson I learned from Bhagwat Gita.
For instance, in boiling water, you can’t see your reflection. Similarly, you can’t perceive the truth when you’re angry. Clarity emerges as the water calms. So, finding a peace with your chaos is the best way to control your anger.
5) Compassion is the ultimate expression of your higher self
Atmaupamyena sarvatra samaṁ paśhyati yo ’rjuna
sukhaṁ vā yadi vā duḥkhaṁ sa yogī paramo mataḥ !!
In this verse, Lord Krishna says, “I regard them as perfect yogis who see the true equality of all living beings and respond to the joys and sorrows of others as if they were their own.”
This verse is talking about love, empathy, kindness, and compassion for all living beings. There’s a very thin line between love and compassion without this life is meaningless. It doesn’t come to you naturally, but by understanding and respecting the other person’s view. There’s a saying that goes, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
Everyone is going through something, but sometimes your one message, your one smile, your one act of kindness may transform other people’s lives. So, keep doing all the good work, support each other, and grow together. That’s what all people need from you.