Krishna is an important figure in Hindu philosophy. He is not only seen as a divine
being but also as a wise teacher and guide. In the epic story of the Mahabharata, he serves
as the charioteer for Arjuna, a brave warrior. Arjuna faces a serious existential crisis on the
battlefield of Kurukshetra, where he struggles with doubts and confusion about his duty.
As he prepares to fight, he feels torn because he has to battle against his own family, teachers,
and friends. This heavy burden of sorrow and compassion makes him question if the war is
right and whether he should even fight at all. During this difficult time, Krishna steps in to
help Arjuna. He is not just a divine figure; he is a caring mentor who understands Arjuna’s internal
conflict. Krishna realizes that Arjuna’s struggle reflects challenges we all experience in life.
Through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, he offers advice that goes beyond the battle,
touching on key concepts such as duty, action without attachment and the importance of devotion.
The bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu text that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It tells
the story of a deep conversation between Arjuna and Krishna just before going into battle. In this
conversation, Krishna shares important spiritual wisdom and guidance to help Arjuna deal with his
inner struggles and confusion about fighting in the war. It is important to note that the Bhagavad
Gita isn’t promoting actual warfare or physical conflict; instead, it uses the battlefield as
a metaphor for the inner struggle against the ignorance and moral dilemmas we experience.
And just like Arjuna, we all deal with conflicts and tough decisions. Krishna's wisdom for Arjuna;
well it's for all of us and in this video, we will discuss how we can use
Krishna's wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita to become emotionally strong.
Embrace Your Dharma
Krishna says "Perform your obligatory Duty, Because action is indeed better than inaction".
In Krishna’s philosophy dharma is the idea of duty and living in the right way, in line with
the laws of the universe. It's about doing what is morally correct, even when it’s difficult.
Arjuna, one of the greatest warriors, stands on the brink of battle,
overwhelmed with grief and doubt. He's not just fighting any enemy;
he's facing his own family, friends - people he loves. As he looks out across the battlefield,
he feels utterly heartbroken, unwilling to fight, unwilling to kill those closest to him.
But then, Krishna steps in, offering a life-changing perspective. He reminds
Arjuna that his dharma as a warrior is not about his personal feelings. It’s about fighting for
justice, for righteousness, even in the face of unbearable emotional pain. Arjuna’s mind
is clouded by his emotions, but Krishna urges him to rise above those feelings,
to not act from fear or attachment but from a deeper sense of purpose. Hence emotional
strength is not about ignoring our feelings, but about not letting them control us. It’s about
doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Dharma, as Krishna explains, is different
for each of us. It’s tied to our roles, our responsibilities in life. For parents, it means
nurturing their children, teaching them values, and creating a loving, stable home and this isn’t
easy. It requires patience, selflessness, and a vision for the future. But in doing so, they’re
not just shaping the lives of their children; they’re contributing to the future of society.
For teachers, their dharma is to educate and inspire the next generation. They ignite
curiosity, foster critical thinking, and help build responsible individuals
who will carry the world forward. Their work is foundational to the betterment of society.
And as for soldiers, their dharma is perhaps the most intense. It involves protecting the nation,
standing on the front lines, often risking their lives to safeguard others. Bravery,
loyalty, discipline—these are the pillars of their duty. They put aside personal fears and
desires for the safety and freedom of others. But whether you're a parent, a teacher,
a soldier—or even a farmer, a judge—dharma is about one thing: acting in ways that uphold truth,
justice, and harmony. It’s a personal compass that guides us not just to act in our own interest,
but in the interests of the greater good, creating balance in the world around us. But here’s the
thing. Following dharma isn’t easy. Life throws us curve balls—doubt, emotional struggles,
difficult decisions. It’s in these moments when our commitment to dharma is truly tested.
Krishna teaches us that emotional strength is critical in staying on this path. Life
is full of loss, challenges, tough choices. These situations stir up powerful emotions—grief, anger,
fear and confusion and these emotions can cloud our judgment, stop us from doing what’s right.
But Krishna’s message is clear: even in the midst of emotional turmoil, we must focus on our duty,
on what’s right. While emotions are a natural part of life, they are temporary,
and we must learn to rise above them and stay committed to our duty, our dharma.
2. Practice Karma Yoga According to Krishna “You
have the right to work but never to its fruits.” Once you have identified your responsibilities,
your dharma, it is important to not be attached to the outcome. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches
Arjuna about Karma Yoga, which is the yoga of selfless action. Krishna teaches us that while
it's important to fulfill your responsibilities, you shouldn't get caught up in what you’ll gain
from it. Don’t let the outcome control your actions. Instead, focus on the work itself. When
we work with this selfless mindset, we stay calm, steady, and unaffected by success or failure.
In Hindu philosophy, karma is the idea that every action, thought, and intention sends
out energy that eventually returns to us. It’s the force that keeps us in the cycle of samsara,
the endless loop of birth, death, and rebirth. Each time we act with selfish motives,
we generate karma, binding us to this cycle. The more we desire, the more we act to satisfy
those desires, and this keeps us trapped in the same patterns, over and over again.
Imagine this: you’re working hard, striving for promotions and raises. At first,
it might seem like a laudable goal, but when it becomes an obsession, stress builds, and you're
never satisfied. You want more and more, and with each achievement, a new desire takes its place.
This is how karma works—it keeps us entangled, always chasing, always striving, but never truly
at peace. But here’s the beautiful part of Karma Yoga. When you perform actions selflessly—without
being attached to the outcome—you can break free from this cycle. If your actions aren’t driven
by personal gain, they don’t generate karma that binds you. Think about that for a second.
When you let go of the ego, when you’re not working just to satisfy your desires,
your actions become lighter, more meaningful, and most importantly—free from attachment. Now let’s
examine the opposing example; the person who works with integrity and dedication, but doesn’t obsess
over promotions or rewards. They find satisfaction in the work itself. That’s the essence of Karma
Yoga—acting in line with your dharma, dedicating the results of your work to a higher purpose,
and in doing so, purifying the mind and heart. This process of purification reduces the
accumulation of karma, and ultimately, helps us dissolve past karmic debts. And where does
this lead? It leads to moksha - liberation. Freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
A state where the soul is no longer bound by karma and can unite with the divine.
But let’s bring this back down to the practical level. How can we apply Karma Yoga in our everyday
lives? It starts with adopting a selfless attitude in whatever we do. Whether you’re
a student, a professional, a parent, or a chef—give your duties full dedication,
integrity, and a sense of service. The key here is detachment from the outcome.
Let's say you’re a student. You study hard for an exam, but you don’t let anxiety about the
grade dominate your thoughts. Instead you focus on the learning itself, the process,
and let go of the result. That’s Karma Yoga. You stay calm whether you succeed or fail,
whether you get praise or criticism. This keeps you grounded and helps avoid
the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with chasing results.
Another key aspect of Karma Yoga is being fully present in whatever task you’re performing. When
you give your full attention to the moment, your actions become more meaningful. For example,
a chef carefully preparing a meal, whether it’s for a restaurant full of customers or just for
their family at home, finds joy in the act of cooking itself. They aren’t focused on
the praise they might receive but on the art of the task at hand. That’s
the power of Karma Yoga in daily life. When we perform our duties selflessly,
without attachment, we build emotional resilience. We stay steady through life’s ups and downs,
and we come to see our actions as contributions to something greater—not just means to personal
gain. Remember—life’s greatest rewards often come not from what we achieve,
but from how we approach each moment with purpose, presence, and selflessness.
3. Practice Vairagya Krishna once said to
Arjuna “O mighty-armed son of Kunti, what you say is correct; the mind is indeed very
difficult to restrain. But by practice and detachment, it can be controlled.”
Vairagya is about learning how to release the grip that worldly pleasures and material possessions
can have on us. While Karma Yoga focuses on selfless action, Vairagya emphasizes emotional
detachment from material desires. Now, here’s the important part: Vairagya doesn’t mean withdrawing
from the world or giving up everything you love. It’s about engaging fully in life
while staying emotionally balanced. Krishna explains that while the mind can be restless
and easily swayed by desires, we can train it through consistent practice and detachment.
Let’s look at it through the lens of Maya, which in the Hindu philosophy refers to
the illusions that cloud our perception of reality. Think of Maya as the fog that makes
us believe that things like wealth, status, or relationships are the key to happiness.
But these are all temporary. For example, you might feel proud of your new car, but over time,
it will age, get scratches, and eventually need replacement. If your happiness depends on it,
you’ll feel disappointed when it no longer serves you as it once did. This is Maya at work, making
us attach our worth and joy to things that don’t last. Practicing Vairagya helps us break free from
this illusion. It’s about learning to let go of the emotional weight we attach to material things
and experiences, and instead connect to something deeper—an unchanging spiritual reality. Hindu
philosophy explains this as a journey in stages. The first stage, Yatamana, is where we start to
realize the temporary nature of worldly things. We might simplify our lives, give up unnecessary
luxuries, or focus on finding peace within. Next is Vyatireka, where we begin to
clearly see what truly matters. At this stage, we can distinguish between what’s real and lasting,
and what’s fleeting and distracting. We prioritize spiritual growth and
relationships that enrich our lives. Then, there’s Ekendriya, where our
focus sharpens. We dedicate time to meditation, prayer, or self-study, staying committed to our
spiritual goals despite the busyness of life. Finally, we reach Vashikara, the highest form
of detachment. At this stage, we have complete control over our senses and
desires. We’re no longer swayed by external circumstances—joy and sorrow pass through us,
but we remain balanced and centered. Now, let’s make this practical. Vairagya
isn’t about giving up all your things and walking away from the world. It’s about living without
letting your happiness hinge on external outcomes. Ofcourse, you can enjoy your work, friendships,
and possessions, but understand that your inner peace doesn’t depend on them. Whether
life goes your way or not, you stay grounded. You can start by focusing on the present moment,
doing your best in whatever task is at hand, without worrying too much about where it will
all lead. Reflect regularly—meditate or journal—this helps you recognize when
you’re getting too attached to something so you can realign with your inner self. In the end,
Vairagya is about engaging with life fully—without stressing over what we can’t control. This way,
we can remain calm, strong, and happy, no matter what challenges life brings.
4. Understand Your True Self In the words of Krishna “The
soul is neither born, and nor does it die; it is eternal and beyond the physical body.”
In the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of Atman is profoundly significant in enhancing our
emotional strength. Atman refers to the true self or soul that exists within each
individual. This idea is crucial to the teachings of Krishna, who guides Arjuna,
as understanding Atman allows us to recognize our true nature, which can lead us to spiritual
freedom. One key aspect of Atman is that it is eternal and unchanging. While our physical bodies
experience constant changes—growing, aging, and eventually dying—Atman remains constant,
much like a movie scene that continues to play even as the background shifts.
One vital aspect of Atman is its indestructibility. Krishna emphasizes
that our soul cannot be destroyed. He asserts that weapons cannot cut it, fire cannot burn it,
water cannot wet it, and wind cannot dry it. This metaphor signifies that our true self is beyond
any form of harm. For instance, consider a balloon that floats in the sky. While the
balloon may eventually burst, the air within it continues to exist. Realizing that Atman,
our soul is indestructible fosters a sense of security and reduces our anxiety regarding
the challenges and changes we face in life. Atman helps us rise above the opposites in life,
like pleasure and pain, success and failure, or joy and sorrow. These opposites, or dualities,
are a natural part of life. For example, we all experience moments of happiness and sadness,
victories and defeats. When we understand and connect with our Atman, we realize that our
true self is not affected by these ups and downs and with this understanding helps us stay calm
and balanced no matter what happens around us. Think of it like being a sturdy tree in a storm.
The wind may blow hard, and the rain may pour down, but the tree stands firm and doesn’t get
uprooted. Similarly, when we identify with our Atman, we become emotionally strong and steady.
This calm and balanced state is called equanimity and what that means is that
we don’t get overly excited during good times or too upset during bad times. We maintain a steady
mind and heart. This doesn’t mean we don’t feel emotions, but rather that we are not controlled
by them. We can enjoy happiness without becoming too attached to it, and we can face difficulties
without being overwhelmed by them. When we connect with our Atman,
we become more self-aware and mindful. Self-awareness means knowing what we are
thinking and feeling at any moment, whereas Mindfulness means paying attention to the
present moment without judging it. Combined, these practices help us understand ourselves
better and make clear and thoughtful decisions instead of just reacting without thinking.
Imagine you feel angry about something, but instead of immediately yelling or acting out,
mindfulness helps you notice that you are angry and understand why you feel that way.
From there you can choose how to respond calmly and wisely. This way, you handle the situation
better and don’t end up making things worse. Krishna teaches that being ignorant of our Atman
—not knowing our true self— is a big cause of our suffering. It's like getting lost in a big city;
you feel confused and frustrated because you don’t know where you are or where to go. Similarly,
not knowing who we really are makes us feel lost and unhappy. But once we learn about our Atman,
we find clarity and joy. This bliss has always been inside us, just waiting to be discovered.
To truly understand and realize the Atman, practicing Jnana Yoga is essential. According
to Krishna Jnana yoga is the knowledge of understanding the difference between the atman,
our eternal soul, our true self and the temporary material world. This
discernment helps us see beyond the surface and recognize the deeper truths of existence.
Jnana Yoga involves three key practices: Shravana which means listening, Manana which means
reflecting, and Nididhyasana which means deep meditation. By listening to spiritual teachings,
reflecting on their meanings, and meditating on these truths, we can develop a clear mind.
This clarity allows us to distinguish between what is real and lasting and what is temporary
and illusory. Practically speaking, Jnana Yoga encourages continuous learning, whether through
scripture, philosophy, or wise mentors. Critical thinking is vital for questioning assumptions
and making informed decisions, free from the influence of fleeting emotions or external
pressures. Reflecting on past experiences also helps us grow wiser and avoid repeating mistakes.
Through Jnana Yoga, we come to understand the nature of our true self, and learn to tell the
difference between what is real and what is temporary. By recognizing that our true self,
or soul, is eternal and not affected by these temporary changes, we become less attached to
these fleeting experiences. This lack of attachment reduces anxiety and emotional
distress, making us emotionally stronger and more resilient in the face of challenges.
5. Surrender to the divine In our final quote from Krishna for this video, he
says; “Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, offer obeisances and worship Me. Being completely
absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me." Krishna teaches Arjuna about Bhakti Yoga, which
is crucial for both spiritual growth and emotional strength. So, what is Bhakti Yoga? At its core,
it’s about dedicating our thoughts, actions, and feelings to a higher power—be it a God
or a personal deity we feel deeply connected to. For Arjuna, that higher power is Krishna himself.
One remarkable aspect of Bhakti Yoga is how it helps us rise above our ego. The ego often
makes us focus on our own importance and desires, leading to stress and conflict.
When we’re fixated on our problems, we feel isolated and dissatisfied, and even more so
when things don’t go our way. However, turning our attention to the divine helps us break free from
these self-centered thoughts and connect with a greater reality. By focusing on the divine,
we start to see ourselves as part of a bigger picture, realizing our personal worries are
just small parts of life’s vast puzzle. Practices like prayer and meditation shift
our focus from individual concerns to a higher purpose. This shift is like adjusting a camera
lens for a clearer, wider view of the world. As we adopt this broader perspective,
we understand that chasing material possessions, status, or fleeting pleasures only brings
temporary happiness. Recognizing this truth encourages us to let go of the need to control
every aspect of our lives. Surrendering control means trusting in a greater plan,
even if it’s not immediately clear. This act of surrender, called devotion, lightens our
burdens and eases self-imposed pressure. This acceptance allows us to face life’s
challenges with grace. It doesn’t mean we stop trying to improve,
but we acknowledge that challenges are part of our journey. Feeling connected to the divine is like
having a wise mentor guiding us through life’s ups and downs, reassuring us that we’re not alone.
By turning our focus toward the divine, we discover a deeper joy that doesn’t fade
away. This joy comes from feeling connected to something bigger, like family, community,
or the universe. It’s like being part of a beautiful tapestry, where each thread
matters. This connection gives our lives meaning and helps us stay hopeful during tough times.
Practicing Bhakti Yoga in daily life involves regular acts of devotion, such as chanting
divine names, praying, meditating, and performing rituals. These activities keep our minds focused
on the divine and add a sense of sacredness to our routines and as we nurture this relationship,
we’ll notice significant changes within ourselves. Our emotional landscape stabilizes,
and over time, our hearts fill with love and peace. This consistent devotion builds
emotional resilience, helping us stay grounded amidst all life’s challenges.
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