What I Learned from the Bhagavad Gita and How It Changed My Life
The Bhagavad Gita has undeniably changed my outlook on life, as it has changed many before me. It is not only just a book of Hindu philosophy, but rather, it is a handbook for self-improvement. There are a few things that I have learned and would like to share with you, showcasing the significance these teachings have made in my day-to-day life:
1. Have Faith In Yourself
The Gita states that having confidence in one’s ability to achieve is essential.
The very first time I was supposed to speak in front of a crowd, I was lost, with so much self-doubt surrounding me. It would embarrass me to even imagine speaking to a crowd, as just the thought would make my hands shake. But slowly, I started believing that if I put my mind to it, I could do it. With each attempt, my confidence grew. Now, I feel no fear standing in front of people.
2. Practice Patience
Difficult situations require that one keep their calm.
There was a time when my friend and I had a minor misunderstanding. The old me would have let anger control me, making everything seem worse. But after reading Gita this time, I choose to keep my mouth shut. As a result, there was no struggle because we both wanted to fix our problems.
3. Focus on work, not on results.
One might read in the Gita, set your mind on being active, but do not concern yourself with the end.
As I recall, my goal was getting full marks in an exam throughout the semester. Instead of studying, I see that my worrying about marks prevented me from working. So, I decided that in the forthcoming exam, I would do more than my best.
4. See Things from a Bigger Perspective
Think long and hard about whether a specific decision is worth making or not.
I remember I did not get promoted at work, and I was quite annoyed. But on further reflection, I realized that indeed I was not probably ready for the position. So rather than being down, I started to better myself. A few months later, a better role came up.
5. Accept Change
Change is a way of life for everyone; there is nothing that will ever remain unchanged.
When I needed to relocate to another city for work, I felt a sense of anxiety and was homesick. However, rather than fighting this change, I began to seek out the new environment and make new friends. In that, a few friendships blossomed, and soon it became the best feeling of my life.
6. Your Mind Is Your Best Friend (or Worst Enemy)
It is evident that the harsher emotion will bring you down; however, the more positive you are, the stronger you become.
I remember several years ago I was taken into a class where, each time I attempted to pick up a new skill, my thought went something like, ‘I can’t do this’ The thought pattern shifted once I started to tell myself, ‘What would it take for me to improve with some effort?’ Later on, I actually started improving.
7. The Soul Is Eternal
Only the body has an expiration date, but not the soul.
I remember one of my closest friends who passed away as a result of an accident, but this particular teaching made me feel better too; it reminded me that their soul is still alive, and we can recreate their image in this world through the way we live.
8. Live in the Present Moment
All the past events do not matter; neither does the future. Gita focuses on the current situation.
I used to grab my phone during family dinners to check work emails and social media. But it turned out I lost the opportunity to connect with my family. This has strengthened my relationships, as now I aim to be as ‘present’ as possible.
9. Never Stop Learning
It’s clear that learning never ends for us.
A couple of years ago, I decided to try cooking. I made a lot of mistakes at first, but I kept going, and eventually, I even made pizza.
10. Be Forgiving and Tolerant
My experiences have taught me that peace can also be achieved through forgiveness and patience.
A coworker made a rude comment in a meeting that really upset me. Although I was angry, I chose not to react right away. Instead, I spoke to them politely after the meeting, and they apologized. Letting go of my anger made me feel much better.
I am happy to share the teachings that I have learned through this book called the Bhagavad Gita, as it has changed my very way of living. I believe this can help you too.
Self-control is one of the major aspects that Gita covers. Realizing that life is not free of hardships, one must be self-strong and peaceful. What I truly believe is that even a little bit of such teachings can be impactful for anyone.
I appreciate you for even giving this a read and allowing me to share my thoughts with you. I wish you the best and that the wisdom attained from the Gita allows you to seek clarity and spread happiness as well as achieve success.🙏
happiness is a state of mind and has nothing to do with the external world
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