Transform your life with timeless lessons from the Bhagavad Gita
By: Rakesh Malhotra, Founder – Five Global Values
We all have our darkness — our fears, doubts, insecurities — and our light — our strengths, passions, and talents. We must choose which one we want to nurture and which we want to overcome.
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Dvaraka, a young man named Arjun found himself at a crossroads. He was overwhelmed by the pressures of his career, relationships, and the relentless pursuit of success. One day, seeking solace and guidance, he wandered into an ancient library where an old, wise librarian named Krishna invited him to sit.
“Tell me, Arjun,” Krishna began, “what troubles your heart?”
“I feel lost,” Arjun admitted. “I strive so hard, yet peace eludes me.”
With a knowing smile, Krishna pulled out a timeworn book — the Bhagavad Gita. “This ancient text has guided many souls. Let me share its wisdom with you through five teachings that can transform your life.”
1. Perform Your Duty Without Attachment to Results
Krishna opened the book to a familiar verse: “Your right is to perform your duty, but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor your attachment be to inaction.”
Arjun frowned. “What does this mean?”
Krishna explained, “Focus on your actions, not the outcomes. You find true satisfaction when you do your best without obsessing over success or failure. Let go of the anxiety tied to results.”
“कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥”
(Karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
Mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ‘stvakarmaṇi || Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
2. Find Balance and Equanimity
Turning the pages, Krishna continued, “The Gita teaches that maintaining balance in success and failure, pleasure and pain, is key to inner peace.”
Arjun remembered his highs and lows, the rollercoaster of emotions. “Balance sounds impossible,” he sighed.
Krishna chuckled. “It’s challenging but not impossible. Practice viewing life’s events with a calm mind. This equanimity helps you stay grounded and resilient.”
“सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।
ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि॥”
(Sukha-duḥkhe same kṛitvā lābhālābhau jayājayau
Tato yuddhāya yujyasva naivaṁ pāpam avāpsyasi || Bhagavad Gita 2.38)
3. Embrace Your Dharma
“What’s Dharma?” Arjun asked, curious.
Krishna smiled. “Dharma is your true calling, your duty in life. The Gita emphasizes understanding and embracing your unique path rather than imitating others.”
Arjun thought of his passion for art, often overshadowed by societal expectations. “So, following my heart is important?”
“Absolutely,” Krishna affirmed. “Pursue what you’re meant to do. It brings fulfillment and aligns you with the universe’s flow.”
“श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥”
(Shreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt
Sva-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ || Bhagavad Gita 3.35)
4. Selfless Service
“The Gita speaks of selfless service,” Krishna continued. “Act for the benefit of others, without expecting anything in return.”
Arjun pondered this. “How can one stay selfless in a world driven by rewards?”
Krishna nodded. “It’s tough but gratifying. When you help others without seeking personal gain, you experience joy and a deep sense of purpose.”
“यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः।
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसंगः समाचर॥”
(Yajñārthāt karmaṇo ‘nyatra loko ‘yaṁ karma-bandhanaḥ
Tad-arthaṁ karma kaunteya mukta-saṅgaḥ samāchara || Bhagavad Gita 3.9)
5. Control Over Desires
Finally, Krishna shared, “The Gita teaches that uncontrolled desires lead to suffering. Master your desires, and you master your life.”
Arjun reflected on his constant cravings for material success. “How can one control desires?”
Krishna said, “By practicing mindfulness and contentment,” appreciating what you have and focusing on inner growth will cause desires to lose power over you.
“ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्तपो यज्ञः परं तपः।
सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते॥”
(Dhyānāt karma-phala-tyāgas tapo yajñaḥ paraṁ tapaḥ
Sarvaṁ karmākhilaṁ pārtha jñāne pari-samāpyate || Bhagavad Gita 4.33)
Epilogue: Arjun’s Transformation
Arjun left the library with a lighter heart and a clearer mind. Over time, he applied these teachings, finding peace in his actions, balancing his emotions, and joy in his true calling. He served others selflessly and tamed his desires, transforming his life.
Years later, he returned to the library with a serene smile. “Thank you, Krishna. “The Bhagavad Gita truly is a timeless guide.”
Krishna, now frail but wise as ever, nodded. “Remember, Arjun, the journey of self-discovery and growth is continuous. Keep the Gita’s teachings close to your heart.”
So, Arjun continued his journey, living the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and inspiring others to find their path.
In our fast-paced world, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita remain profoundly relevant. We can navigate life with peace and purpose by performing our duties without attachment, maintaining balance, embracing our true calling, serving selflessly, and mastering our desires. Let the Gita be a guiding light on your journey.
Rakesh Malhotra
