The Bhagavad Gita as a way of living

"It is better to strive in one's own dharma than to succeed in the dharma of another. Nothing is ever lost in following one's own dharma, but competition in another's dharma breeds fear and insecurity."

The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred Hindu scripture that guides living a purposeful and meaningful life. It consists of a conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, providing profound insights and practical wisdom for navigating life's challenges. Interpreting the entire Bhagavad Gita as a way of living involves embracing its central teachings and applying them to various aspects of our existence. The fundamental principles and their implications for living are as follows:

1. Duty and Responsibility (Dharma): The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities in life without attachment to the outcomes. It teaches that we can attain spiritual growth and inner peace by performing our duties with dedication and sincerity. In the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of duty and responsibility, known as Dharma, is crucial in guiding individuals toward spiritual growth and inner peace. Dharma refers to the righteous path or moral duty one must follow according to their role and station in life.

How can we fulfill our duties and responsibilities with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita?

Understanding your Swadharma: Swadharma refers to one's inherent nature, abilities, and responsibilities based on social roles, occupation, and personal qualities. The Gita emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding our Swadharma. This involves introspection and self-awareness to identify our unique strengths, talents, and duties in life.
Performing duties selflessly: The Gita teaches us to perform our duties without attachment to the outcomes. This means focusing on the action rather than overly concerned about the rewards or results. By doing so, we cultivate a sense of detachment and avoid being driven by selfish desires or expectations.
Acceptance and contentment: The Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to accept their responsibilities and circumstances with joy and gratitude. It emphasizes that every role and occupation has significance and contributes to the functioning of society. We cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony by embracing our responsibilities and accepting our current situation.
Dedication and sincerity: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the need to perform our duties with commitment and sincerity. It encourages individuals to put forth their best efforts, fully employing their skills and abilities. By approaching our duties with commitment and wholeheartedness, we fulfill our responsibilities and grow personally and spiritually.
Overcoming selfish desires: The Bhagavad Gita teaches that selfless action is essential for spiritual growth. It advises individuals to overcome selfish desires and motives that can hinder the performance of duties. By acting selflessly, without seeking personal gain or recognition, we purify our intentions and contribute to the greater good.
Balancing multiple duties: Many individuals have various roles and responsibilities in life, such as being a parent, spouse, employee, or community member. The Bhagavad Gita teaches the importance of maintaining a harmonious balance between these roles. It encourages individuals to prioritize their duties based on their Swadharma and manage their time and energy effectively.
Seek guidance and wisdom: The Bhagavad Gita suggests seeking guidance from wise mentors, teachers, or spiritual leaders who can provide insights and clarity regarding our duties and responsibilities. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as studying scriptures, meditating, or participating in Satsang (spiritual gatherings), can help deepen our understanding and guide fulfilling our duties.

By integrating these principles into our lives, we align our actions with our higher purpose and cultivate spiritual growth. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that through the selfless performance of duties and responsibilities, we not only contribute to the well-being of society but also attain inner peace, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment.

"You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."

2. Selflessness and Detachment: The Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of selflessness, acting without selfish motives and attachments. It emphasizes the need to detach ourselves from the fruits of our actions, recognizing that our true nature is beyond material possessions and external outcomes. In the Bhagavad Gita, selflessness and detachment are essential for spiritual growth and inner peace. The teachings guide individuals to cultivate these qualities by acting without selfish motives and attachments.

How can we practice selflessness and detachment?

Acting without selfish motives: The Bhagavad Gita teaches that selfless action is performed without seeking personal gain or recognition. It involves transcending the ego and considering the well-being of others and the greater good. A selfless act is driven by compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve and uplift others.
Cultivating selflessness: Developing selflessness begins with cultivating a mindset of compassion and empathy towards others. It involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and understanding that our actions impact the world around us. By actively seeking opportunities to help others, practicing kindness, and considering the needs and perspectives of others, we can gradually cultivate a selfless approach to life.
Detachment from outcomes: The Bhagavad Gita teaches that detachment from the results of our actions is essential for inner peace and spiritual growth. It encourages individuals to focus on the present moment and the action rather than excessively being attached to the outcomes or results.
Recognizing the world’s impermanence: The Bhagavad Gita guides individuals to identify the transient nature of material possessions, achievements, and external outcomes. By acknowledging that everything in the material world is subject to change and impermanence, we develop a broader perspective and reduce our attachment to worldly desires.
Performing duty without attachment: The Bhagavad Gita advises individuals to fulfill their duties without being attached to the results. This means offering our actions and their outcomes to a higher power and understanding that the fruits of our actions are not entirely in our control. Focusing on performing our duties with sincerity and dedication, we detach ourselves from the ego-driven desire for specific outcomes.
Cultivating equanimity: Detachment is closely tied to cultivating equanimity, maintaining a balanced state of mind regardless of external circumstances or outcomes. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that we develop inner stability and peace by remaining steady and unaffected by success or failure, pleasure or pain, honor or dishonor.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool to cultivate detachment. By practicing present-moment awareness, we train ourselves to observe our thoughts, emotions, and attachments without judgment or clinging. Mindfulness allows us to develop a deeper understanding of our attachments and gradually release them.
Self-realization and transcending the ego: The goal of the Bhagavad Gita is self-realization, realizing our true nature beyond the ego. The Gita teaches that by transcending the ego, we can recognize our oneness with the divine and experience inner peace and liberation.
Self-inquiry and introspection: The Bhagavad Gita encourages self-inquiry and study to understand the nature of the self and the ego. We can develop a deeper understanding of our true essence beyond the ego through meditation, self-reflection, and contemplation.
Surrendering to the divine: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes surrendering our actions and their outcomes to a higher power. By cultivating trust and surrendering to the divine will, we release our sense of control and allow life to unfold naturally. This surrender helps us detach from our desires and attachments, aligning ourselves with the greater purpose and cosmic order.

Practicing selflessness and detachment requires consistent effort and a shift in mindset. It involves consciously redirecting our focus from personal desires and attachments toward the well-being of others and the higher spiritual truths. By embodying selflessness and detachment in our thoughts, intentions, and actions, we can experience profound inner transformation and move closer to realizing our true nature.

“You have the right to work but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction. Perform work in this world, Arjuna, as a man established within himself – without selfish attachments, and alike in success and defeat.”

3. Yoga and Meditation: The Bhagavad Gita outlines different paths of yoga, each offering a distinct approach to spiritual growth and self-realization. These paths include karma yoga (the path of selfless action), bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), and jnana yoga (the path of knowledge). The Bhagavad Gita teaches that disciplined practice, including meditation, self-reflection, and self-control, is essential for progressing on these paths.

Yoga and Meditation, how do we practice them?

Karma Yoga (Path of Selfless Action): Karma yoga involves selflessly performing one's duties and actions without attachment to the results or personal gain. It is dedicating one's actions to a higher purpose and serving others. To practice karma yoga:

*Recognize your duties and responsibilities in life and perform them with

dedication and sincerity.

*Cultivate an attitude of selflessness, considering the well-being of others and the

greater good.

*Offer the fruits of your actions to a higher power, acknowledging that you are an

instrument of a divine plan.

*Practice mindfulness while performing actions, focusing on the present moment

and the quality of your actions.

*Regularly engage in acts of service and kindness, contributing to the welfare of

others and society.

Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Bhakti yoga is the path of devotion and love towards a chosen divine form. It involves cultivating a deep and personal relationship with the divine through prayer, worship, and surrender. To practice bhakti-yoga:

*Choose a form of the divine that resonates with you, such as divine

consciousness, universal consciousness, spiritual energy, or higher power.

*Cultivate devotion and love towards the chosen form through regular prayer,

chanting, and rituals.

*Offer your thoughts, words, and actions as acts of devotion to the divine.

*Develop a sense of surrender, trusting in the divine's guidance and surrendering

the ego and desires.

*Engage in spiritual practices that evoke a sense of connection and devotion, such

as singing devotional songs or reading sacred texts.

Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): Jnana yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom, which involves the pursuit of self-realization through self-inquiry and understanding the nature of reality. To practice jnana yoga:

*Cultivate self-inquiry and introspection to explore the nature of the self, the mind,

and the world.

*Study sacred texts and teachings that provide insights into the nature of

existence and the self.

*Seek guidance from wise teachers or spiritual mentors who can help clarify doubts

and guide the path of knowledge.

*Engage in contemplation and reflection to deepen your understanding of spiritual

truths.

*Develop discernment and discrimination to distinguish between the eternal and the

transient, the real, and the illusory.

Meditation and Self-Control: Meditation and self-control are essential practices that support progress on all paths of yoga. They help calm the mind, develop focus, and cultivate self-awareness. To practice meditation and self-control:

*Set aside dedicated time each day for meditation. Find a quiet place where you

can sit comfortably and undisturbed.

*Choose a meditation technique that resonates with you, such as focusing on the

breath, repeating a mantra, or observing thoughts.

*Practice mindfulness throughout the day, bringing awareness to your thoughts,

emotions, and actions.

*Cultivate self-discipline and self-control by observing ethical principles, practicing

moderation, and restraining harmful thoughts, words, and actions.

*Seek guidance from experienced meditators or consider joining a meditation

group or retreat to deepen your practice.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can deepen your spiritual journey and progress on the paths of karma yoga, bhakti yoga, and jnana yoga. Each path is unique, but they are interconnected, and individuals may resonate with different paths at different stages of their spiritual evolution. Remember that consistent practice, sincerity, and an open heart are vital to experiencing the transformative power of yoga and meditation, as presented in the Bhagavad Gita.

"When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place."

4. Equanimity: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes cultivating peace, maintaining a balanced state of mind amidst life's ups and downs. It encourages individuals to remain steady and unaffected by external circumstances, neither elated by success nor disheartened by failure.

Equanimity, how to enable it?

Recognize the impermanence of life: The Bhagavad Gita teaches that everything in the material world is subject to change and impermanence. Understanding this fundamental truth helps cultivate a broader perspective and reduces attachment to fleeting experiences or outcomes. Recognizing circumstances' transient nature, we develop the capacity to remain steady and composed.
Detach from the outcomes: Equanimity is closely tied to detachment from the results of our actions. The Gita advises individuals to perform their duties without attachment to the outcomes. Focusing on the present moment and the quality of our actions rather than being excessively concerned with the results can cultivate a sense of detachment and inner stability.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness plays a crucial role in cultivating equanimity. Practicing present-moment awareness, we observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment or attachment. Mindfulness allows us to respond to situations with clarity and composure rather than being carried away by impulsive reactions. Regular meditation and mindfulness exercises can help develop this skill.
Cultivate self-control: Equanimity requires self-control and mastery over our minds and emotions. The Bhagavad Gita teaches the importance of self-discipline and self-restraint. By cultivating self-control, we are less likely to be swayed by external circumstances or driven by impulsive reactions. This involves observing our desires, fears, and aversions without getting entangled.
Develop inner resilience: Equanimity is closely related to inner stability and emotional strength. The Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to cultivate patience, tolerance, and acceptance. By building resilience, we can navigate challenging situations calmly and maintain a balanced state of mind.
Cultivate a spiritual perspective: The Bhagavad Gita recognizes our higher nature and the universe's divine order. By cultivating a spiritual perspective, we understand that there is a larger purpose beyond our immediate experiences. This broader view helps us maintain stability despite success, failure, pleasure, or pain.
Seek inner peace through spiritual practices: Engaging in spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, prayer, or yoga can cultivate inner peace and equanimity. These practices help quiet the mind, connect with the inner self, and develop a sense of tranquility that transcends external circumstances.

Remember that cultivating equanimity is a gradual process that requires consistent practice and self-awareness. It is a skill that can be honed over time by applying the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. By consciously working on maintaining balance and inner stability, we can experience greater peace, clarity, and resilience in facing life's challenges.

“The nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”

5. Renunciation of Ego: The Bhagavad Gita highlights the importance of overcoming the ego, which causes attachment, desire, and suffering. It teaches that true wisdom lies in recognizing the impermanence of the material world and identifying with the eternal and unchanging Self. Renunciation of the ego is a central teaching in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the need to transcend the ego's hold on our thoughts, actions, and perceptions. We can reduce attachment, desires, and the resultant suffering by overcoming the ego.

Renouncing the ego, how to practice it?

Recognize the nature of the ego: The ego, or the sense of a separate self, identifies with our identity, thoughts, and desires. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the ego creates a sense of separateness and attachment to the material world, leading to suffering. Understanding the nature of the ego is the first step in transcending it.
Cultivate self-awareness: Self-awareness is essential in recognizing the ego's influence on our thoughts, emotions, and actions. By observing our thoughts and identifying ego-driven patterns such as self-centeredness, defensiveness, or attachment, we can begin to disentangle ourselves from its grip.
Practice self-inquiry: Self-inquiry involves investigating the true nature of the self beyond the ego. Through introspection, contemplation, and asking fundamental questions such as "Who am I?" or "What is the essence of my being?", we can direct our attention towards the unchanging and eternal aspect of ourselves, the true Self or Atman.
Develop humility: Humility is the antidote to ego. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that humility is the recognition of our interconnectedness and acknowledging that all beings are part of the divine consciousness. By cultivating humility, we let go of the need to assert our individuality and approach life with reverence and respect for all beings.
Practice selflessness and service: Engaging in selfless actions and service to others helps diminish the ego's dominance. By focusing on the well-being of others and contributing to the greater good without seeking personal gain, we shift our attention away from the ego's desires and attachments.
Surrender to the divine will: The Bhagavad Gita teaches that surrendering to the divine will and recognizing the presence of a higher power can help transcend the ego. By acknowledging that there is a greater plan beyond our limited understanding, we release the need to control outcomes and reduce the ego's influence.
Seek spiritual guidance: Seeking guidance from wise teachers, spiritual mentors, or scriptures can provide insights and practices to support the renunciation of the ego. Their wisdom can shed light on the nature of the ego and guide cultivating detachment and recognizing the higher Self.

Practicing the renunciation of ego requires consistent self-reflection, introspection, and a sincere desire for self-transformation. It is a gradual process that involves letting go of identification with the transient aspects of us and recognizing the eternal essence within. By transcending the ego, we align ourselves with the higher truths of existence, experience a sense of liberation, and cultivate deep inner peace and contentment.

"They are forever free who renounce all selfish desires and break away from the ego cage of 'I', 'me', and 'mine' to be united with the Lord. This is the supreme state. Attain to this, and pass from death to immortality."

6. Compassion and Nonviolence: Compassion and nonviolence are core teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the importance of treating all beings with respect, kindness, and understanding. The Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to recognize the interconnectedness of all existence and cultivate empathy and non-harm.

Compassion and nonviolence and how to practice them?

Cultivating empathy and understanding: Compassion begins with empathy and understanding toward others. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that all beings are interconnected and share a common essence. By recognizing the inherent humanity in others, we can cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion for their joys, sorrows, and struggles.
Practicing nonviolence in thoughts, words, and actions: Nonviolence, or Ahimsa, is a fundamental principle in the Bhagavad Gita. It involves refraining from causing harm to oneself, others, or any living beings. To practice nonviolence:

*Cultivate mindfulness of your thoughts, words, and actions. Observe if they align

with a nonviolent attitude and consciously choosing peaceful alternatives.

*Avoid physical, verbal, and emotional harm to others. Refrain from engaging in

violence, aggression, or harmful speech.

*Extend nonviolence towards yourself by cultivating self-compassion and self-care,

avoiding self-criticism or self-harm.

Cultivating a compassionate lifestyle: Compassion extends beyond individual interactions and can be embodied in our lifestyle choices. The Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to adopt a compassionate approach toward the environment, animals, and the world. This can involve making conscious choices that minimize harm and promote the well-being of all beings.

*Adopt a plant-based or vegetarian diet, reducing the harm caused to animals.

*Minimize waste and pollution by practicing sustainable living habits.

*Support initiatives and causes that promote social justice, equality, and

environmental sustainability.

Practice forgiveness and reconciliation: The Bhagavad Gita teaches the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation as acts of compassion. By letting go of grudges and resentments, we free ourselves from negative emotions and create space for healing and growth. Practicing forgiveness allows for the restoration of harmony and the nurturing of compassion in relationships.
Engage in service and kindness: Compassion is expressed through acts of service and kindness towards others. The Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to engage in selfless acts that alleviate the suffering of others and promote their well-being. This can involve volunteering, assisting those in need, or engaging in charitable activities.
Develop patience and understanding: Compassion requires patience and understanding, especially in challenging situations. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that by developing patience and seeking to understand the perspectives of others, we can respond to conflicts or difficulties with empathy and find peaceful resolutions.
Cultivate gratitude and appreciation: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes cultivating gratitude and appreciation for the blessings and interconnectedness of life. By recognizing the goodness in others and expressing gratitude, we foster a positive and compassionate mindset.

Practicing compassion and nonviolence requires conscious effort and a commitment to ethical living. We create a more harmonious and compassionate world by embodying these qualities in our thoughts, words, and actions. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita serve as a guide for cultivating compassion, promoting nonviolence, and fostering a deep sense of interconnectedness with all beings.

"Calmness, gentleness, silence, self-restraint, and purity: these are the disciplines of the mind."

7. Seek Self-Realization: The ultimate goal of the Bhagavad Gita is to attain self-realization, to realize our true nature as immortal, divine beings. It teaches that by transcending our limited identities and realizing our oneness with the universal consciousness, we can experience lasting peace and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Self-realization, how to seek it?

Self-Inquiry and Self-Knowledge: The path to self-realization begins with self-inquiry and self-knowledge. The Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to question the nature of the self and explore who they are beyond their temporary identities and roles. We gain insights into our eternal and divine essence through introspection, contemplation, and study of spiritual texts.
Transcending the Ego: The ego, with its attachments, desires, and identification with the material world, is considered a significant obstacle to self-realization. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to recognize our true nature as immortal souls by transcending the ego. Selflessness, surrender, and detachment help diminish the ego's hold on our thoughts and actions.
Cultivating Spiritual Practices: The Gita emphasizes the importance of disciplined spiritual practices to facilitate self-realization. These practices may include meditation, self-reflection, chanting, yoga, and other forms of devotion. Regular and dedicated practice helps quiet the mind, increase self-awareness, and establish a connection with the divine within.
Seek Guidance from Spiritual Teachers: Seeking guidance from enlightened spiritual teachers or gurus can provide invaluable insights and support on self-realization. Their wisdom and guidance help clarify doubts, offer teachings, and provide a roadmap for spiritual growth. Their presence and teachings inspire and guide seekers on their journey.
Live a Virtue and Righteousness: The Bhagavad Gita teaches the importance of virtuous, righteous, and ethical conduct. By aligning our actions with principles such as truth, compassion, nonviolence, and integrity, we create a foundation conducive to spiritual growth and self-realization.
Develop Love and Devotion: Cultivating love and devotion towards the divine is another way to seek self-realization. Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion, encourages individuals to develop an intense passion and devotion towards a chosen form of the divine. By offering one's hearts and actions in devotion, seekers can experience a profound connection and union with the divine.
Integrate Spiritual Insights into Daily Life: Self-realization is not limited to secluded spiritual practices but extends to every aspect of life. The Bhagavad Gita teaches the integration of spiritual insights into our daily lives. It involves applying spiritual principles, such as selflessness, compassion, and mindfulness, to our relationships, work, and interactions with the world.

Remember that the path to self-realization is personal and unique for everyone. It requires sincerity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to spiritual growth. By incorporating the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita into our lives and practicing self-inquiry, selflessness, and spiritual disciplines, we can progressively unveil our true nature and experience the peace, liberation, and divine connection that self-realization brings.

Incorporating the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita into our lives involves integrating these principles into our thoughts, words, and actions. It calls for self-discipline, introspection, and a constant striving for spiritual growth. By following the path outlined in the Bhagavad Gita, individuals can lead a purposeful, harmonious, and fulfilling life while progressing toward self-realization.

“For the soul, there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.”

Julie Shimoni