Principles ofthe Bhagavad Gita That Can Change Your Life

The Bhagavad Gita is sacred to the Hindus, but the teachings and wisdom provided in the book are universal in nature. One of the best things about Bhagavad Gita is that its principles are relevant for every generation and have practical applicability in every sphere of life. Any individual can apply the principles of Bhagavad Gita in their life to achievefulfillment, peace and prosperity. Even organizations can utilize the principles of Bhagavad Gita to improve their relations with clients and customers. Here are some of the most important principles of the Bhagavad Gita that can change your life.

Rise above materialistic pursuits to achieve Krishna consciousness: Krishna tells Arjuna, “Visaya vinivartante niraharasya dehinah rasa-varjam raso ‘py asya param drstva nivartate.” This means that restraining yourself from the enjoyment of materialistic things does not mean that you have reached a higher self. For example, a patient may be restricting his diet to avoid oily/fried food, but the taste of such foods remains in his mind and he may be longing for the same. Such restriction is only beneficial in the short term. For true spiritual advancement, one has to learn to experience Krishna consciousness, which is the supreme taste and real liberation from worldlyattachments.

Your body dies, but your soul is immortal: Krishna tells Arjuna, “Avinasi tu tad viddhi yena sarvam idam tatam vinasam avyayasyasya na kascit kartum arhati.” This means that the soul that is within us is indestructible. The soul continues its journey even after the body dies. The underlying message is that we should not act out of fear, thinking that our body will get hurt or destroyed. We should take righteous decisions, even when we may get hurt in the process. Even if our body is harmed, our soul is imperishable and cannot be harmed or destroyed.

Do not worry because God is everywhere; Krishna is the Vedas:Krishna tells Arjuna, “Sarvasya caham hrdi sannivisto mattah smrtir jnanam apohanam ca vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyo vedanta-krd veda-vid eva caham.” This means that God is present in every being and every particle. God is the source of all that we know; all knowledge, wisdom, our world and the universe. As such, one should stop worrying about death and decay and journey in life with courage and conviction. Krishna further says that he is the compiler of the Vedas and the knower of the Vedas. He is the Vedas himself.

Remain unaffected by both happiness and sorrow to achieve liberation: Krishna tells Arjuna, “Yam hi na vyathayanty ete purusam purusarsabha sama-duhkha-sukham dhiram so ‘mrtatvaya kalpate.” This means that if you want to achieve true liberation, you have to be unaffected by both happiness and sorrow. The underlying message is that life is full of duality and you need to be detached, all while remaining focused on your work (karma). Happiness and sorrow are the extremes of life and one needs to renounce these in favor of the middle path.

The supreme abode is free from all miseries: Krishna tells Arjuna, “Avyakto ‘ksara ity uktas tam ahuh paramam gatim yam prapya na nivartante tad dhama paramam mama.” This means that the supreme abode, which is Krishna consciousness, is indestructible and free from all miseries. This is the ultimate destination for all souls, something that every individual should strive for. Once a soul reaches the supreme abode, they are liberated and are no longer required to come back to the material world. If you dedicate your life to achieve Krishna consciousness, your soul will find the supreme abode and will be freed from all miseries.

Focus on your work, not on the rewards of your actions: Krishna tells Arjuna, “Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani.” This means that an individual only has the right to work and they do not have any power over the fruits of their actions (karma). The underlying message is that one should focus on their work and not on the rewards, as thinking about rewards can distract an individual. When one is distracted, they can never give their best to any type of work they may be doing. An individual focused on rewards will not be able to achieve perfection in life.This is why you need to focus on your work and not think or worry about the associated rewards.

Many people who have read Bhagavad Gita have benefitted from its great wisdom. You will have to take some time to understand the true meaning of the various teachings provided in Bhagavad Gita. Once that is done, you can implement the wisdom in your life. With the teachings of Bhagavad Gita, and complete faith in God, like Arjuna, you can transform your life and that of others as well.