Ranchi: Yogoda Satsanga Society of India monk Swami Ishwarananda Giri said on Sunday that the Gita teaches one to engage wholeheartedly in life’s duties, while remaining inwardly free from attachment to outcomes.
He was addressing an online discourse at the YSS ashram here on the occasion of the Gita Jayanti.
Giri elucidated Paramahansa Yogananda’s insights and emphasized that the yogi learns to act energetically, selflessly, and with inner poise, recognising that God is the true Doer behind all actions.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that true fulfillment in life comes not from external achievements but from self-realization and inner peace. Krishna emphasizes that the mind can be both a friend and an enemy, depending on whether it is focused on material desires or on the higher truths of existence. By cultivating a disciplined, focused mind, one can achieve a deeper connection to the Atman (Self) and Brahman (the Supreme Reality).
This lesson underscores the importance of inner work. While external circumstances may change, the state of one’s mind remains a critical factor in how we experience life. Meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection are practices that align with this teaching, allowing individuals to live with equanimity regardless of external circumstances.
Another important lesson of the Bhagavad Gita is the power of devotion or bhakti. Krishna emphasizes that through surrendering to God and devoting oneself to divine guidance, an individual can transcend worldly worries and attain liberation (moksha). Arjuna is encouraged to trust in Krishna’s wisdom and guidance, allowing the divine to take the lead in the battle of life.
In today’s context, this lesson encourages trust in a higher power or the universe, particularly when faced with uncertainty or difficult decisions. It teaches the importance of faith and the belief that, no matter how challenging life may seem, there is a higher purpose guiding our journey.
