Bhagavad Gita: A Sacred Book Within Hinduism
Namaste
Familiar with Hinduism ?
Considering I practice Hinduism, a polytheistic religion, I thought it would be beneficial to those reading this article to gain not just interest, but knowledge as well… about the religion…specifically one of our sacred books, The Bhagavad Gita.
What is the Bhagavad Gita ?
As Some of you may not be aware, due to various reasons, The Bhagavad Gita is a conversational epic, which takes place on th battlefield of Kurukshetra on Earth. Krishna serves as Arjuna’ s charioteer during this moment. A conversation takes places between the Hindu “warriors”- Krishna (avatar of Vishnu (divine deity), and Arjuna (prince, warrior, and mortal devotee). A sage (Holy Person) recorded this conversation and included it within another sacred text “The Mahabharata”. The battle of Kurukshetra was about to take place when all of a sudden, Arjuna becomes confused as to whether to fight or not, so he seeks guidance from Krishna. Krishna guides him in the right direction, by letting him make his decisions by himself. The Bhagavad Gita is essentially a sacred book answering the questions “who am I ?”, “why have I been put on this earth- for what reason ?”, “how are we as humans meant to lead our lives till we pass away ?”- basically the way to live our lives.
Confusion
In life people are always going to get confused, especially if they are faced with a difficult scenario. But these very same people need to realize that their confusion is nothing compared to the power they have within themselves. They have the ability to control any situation which may arise — expectedly or unexpectedly, and make the right decisions by themselves, just as Arjuna did within the “Bhagavad Gita”. The “Gita” builds confidence, strength, and fortitude within oneself.
6 Life Lessons Learned from the Bhagavad Gita
Adjusting to Different Scenarios
Credits: https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/2405073-characters-wearing-summer-and-winter-outfits
People need to learn to adjust to different scenarios, whether it be the changing seasons- people still adjust. They wear appropriate clothing, or the change in environment, such as camping. While camping isn’t as luxurious as being at home, we have to see the positives, compromise. Which in turn will create less stress in our lives. There is always a solution to every change.
Distraction on the Negative
Credits: https://www.theholisticcoachhouse.co.uk/post/hot-and-cold-cognition-how-mindfulness-keeps-us-cool
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We often get ‘distracted’ or focused solely on the negative aspects of everyday life, when we should be focused on the positive aspects, as this will allow us to see how grateful we are, compared to those living off the streets.
You are in Control of Life Decisions
You are in control of your own mind. The mind is very powerful. Our minds are either a “friend” or an “enemy”. If you treat you mind in a positive manner, for example surround yourself with friends, keep yourself happy by doing various activities such as meditation or take up reading, your mind will be your “friend”, otherwise a mind which deals with an “enemy” (for example procrastination, excuses, and what not) will ruin one’s life, as there is no mental productivity. For example the individual may suffer from depression, and other mental illnesses. Treat your mind and brain right, all will go well, and feel well.
Anxiety
Credits: https://www.everydayhealth.com/mental-health-conditions/dating-tips-if-you-have-an-anxiety-disorder/
Anxiety. Everyone gets the nerves at some point ? For example, whether you’re asking someone on a date, performing a presentation in front of a live audience, or even before a job interview. It’s not about reality, the environment, or the people- your uncontrolled mind hijacking the present moment. While initially it is hard to control the “noggin”, through meditation , mind practice and training you will be better able to control your noggin’, which in turn will make it easier to make decisions as your emotions are not as intense.
Fear of Change
Credits: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/do-you-cry-easily/
The Fear of Change. Moving to cities, ending of romantic relationship, “you” lose your job. We all fear how change will affect us, as we weren’t quite prepared for this new transition. What is happening in reality is we as humans tend to cling to the outcomes, for example the outcome of moving to a new city (just in case)…which we assumed we had prepared and controlled within our lives , now that it is happening we feel like we are no longer in control of this transition, and this is what causes “us” fear. It is better to focus on the process as opposed to the outcome/results.
Loneliness
Credits: https://mindfultherapygroup.com/blog-post/the-male-loneliness-epidemic/
Loneliness. When one is completely absorbed in their problems, phone, everyone- acquaintances, friends, family don’t “exist". There is no communication, like there was in the 1950’s before technology existed. We have heard about Krishna and Arjuna, from this article as well as the “Bhagavad Gita” right ? In regards to loneliness Krishna told Arjuna “Be involved in the welfare of all beings”, which to me means be part of society- don’t have to necessarily make friends, but do your best effort to interact with others, whether it’s a hobby like volunteering, compliments to others, paying for the person behind you in line at Starbucks. I would advice always be surrounded by others as it will help with improving social skills, confidence, and social anxiety. It will make you feel as part of the community as well.
Ponder
Would you lead your life based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita ?
Thanks for reading my article, hope you gained some insight.
Inspiration
I wrote about the Bhagavad Gita as I am a devout Hindu, and would like to teach those unfamiliar with the subject matter and terminology, about my religion-Hinduism.
