2 Important Teachings From Bhagavad Geeta to Understand Life’s Purpose.

Bhagavad Geeta: A Hindu Philosophical masterpiece for guidance, wisdom, and solace irrespective of the era or circumstance. The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless poetic dialogue that provides comprehensive insights into the diverse philosophies of life by offering the answers to a myriad of profound questions

Have you ever encountered struggles such as existential crisis, self-doubt, and feelings of inferiority? Besides their difference these challenges can intertwine with one potentially leading to another hence impeding your journey towards Life’s Purpose.

Existential crises evoke confusion, anxiety, and emptiness as individuals confront deep questions about their purpose. This can spiral into self-doubt, questioning competence and inducing hesitation and low self-esteem. This sequence can culminate in an inferiority complex, characterized by feeling inherently lesser than others. It can stem from early childhood experiences, negative comparisons with peers, or a history of being undervalued. Individuals with an inferiority complex tend to perceive themselves as less capable or deserving which leads to the feelings of worthlessness and anxiety in social situations.

The Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom and guidance that can be incredibly helpful in navigating existential crises, overcoming self-doubt, and alleviating feelings of inferiority. Bhagawad Geeta also tries to explain this point about philosophy in conjunction with Karma Yoga and sānkhya yoga.

They offer profound insights and practical guidance to navigate and alleviate existential crises, self doubt and inferiority complex. Both paths address different aspects of human existence by providing perspectives that can help individuals find meaning, purpose, and a sense of direction during the times of uncertainty and crisis.

श्रीभगवानुवाच |
लोकेऽस्मिन्द्विविधा निष्ठा पुरा प्रोक्ता मयानघ |
ज्ञानयोगेन साङ्ख्यानां कर्मयोगेन योगिनाम् || 3||

śhrī-bhagavān uvācha
loke’smin dvi-vidhā niṣhṭhā purā proktā mayānagha
jñāna-yogena sāṅkhya-nāṁ karma-yogena yoginām

The Supreme Divine said: O sinless one, there are two paths prescribed in this world by Me of the nature of knowledge and the other of the nature of action.

In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna is addressing the concept of faith or devotion in two distinct paths, each connected to a specific philosophical approach: the path of knowledge (Sānkhya yoga) and the path of action (Karma Yoga).

What is Sānkhya yoga?

Sānkhya is one of the six classical systems of Indian philosophy and is often associated with analytical and metaphysical inquiry. This form of philosophy is very famous among socrates and stoics. In the context of the Bhagavad Gita, Sānkhya Yoga focuses on understanding the fundamental nature of reality, the distinction between the physical body and the eternal soul (self), and the underlying unity that pervades all of existence.

“I was in darkness, but I took three steps and found myself in paradise. The first step was a good thought, the second, a good word; and the third, a good deed” — Friedrich Nietzsche. (Credit: Hamburger Kunsthalle / Wikipedia)

The practice of Sānkhya Yoga involves contemplation, introspection, and a deep study of the nature of existence. Practitioners develop a clear understanding of the components of reality, and the nature of the self as distinct from the body and mind.

It is a path of intellectual inquiry and wisdom that helps individuals attain a higher understanding of reality, leading to spiritual enlightenment. It is one of the paths discussed by Lord Krishna to guide Arjuna towards self-realisation and inner transformation.

Blend Sānkhya Yoga into your ideology

1. Analytical Inquiry: Sānkhya Yoga encourages deep contemplation on the nature of reality, the self, and the material world. It explores the distinction between the eternal and the temporary aspects of reality. It can help individuals realise that the feelings of crisis, doubt, and inferiority are transient experiences. They are not reflective of their true nature. Engaging in philosophical inquiry can lead to uplift one into higher conciousness.
2. Dissolution of Ego and Attachments: Existential crises often stem from egoic attachments. It indetifies with transient aspects of life like achievements, appearance, or comparisons with others.. Sānkhya Yoga’s teachings on the distinction between the eternal self and the temporary body-mind complex can aid in transcending ego-based anxieties.
3. Focusing on Self-Realization: Sānkhya philosophy encourages individuals to seek the truth of their existence beyond the surface-level experiences. By delving into the depths of one’s consciousness, individuals can discover a more profound understanding of themselves and their purpose.
4. Developing Equanimity: Developing equanimity involves cultivating a balanced and calm mindset regardless of external circumstances. It’s about maintaining inner peace, emotional stability, and a non-reactive attitude in the face of both positive and negative events. This mental equilibrium allows you to navigate challenges with a clear perspective and reduced emotional turbulence. Practicing mindfulness, self-awareness, and detachment from outcomes are key components of nurturing equanimity. Through this practice, you can enhance your resilience, decision-making, and overall well-being.

What is Karma Yoga?

“Karma” translates to “action” or “deed,” and “Yoga” means “union” or “discipline.” Karma Yoga, therefore, is the yoga of selfless action performed with the right attitude and intention. It teaches that individuals can purify their minds and hearts by engaging in actions without attachment to the outcomes and without selfish desires.

In the midst of battle against his own kin, Arjuna grappled with doubt. It was then that Krishna imparted the wisdom of Karma Yoga and guiding him to fulfill his duties selflessly.

The practice of Karma Yoga involves performing one’s duties and responsibilities diligently, in alignment with one’s dharma (righteous duty). This practice helps individuals transcend their ego and desires, leading to a state of equanimity and inner peace. By focusing on the process of action rather than the results, the practitioners cultivate detachment and spiritual awareness.

Overall, Karma Yoga entails performing actions selflessly, without attachment, and with a focus on duty and service. Moreover, this approach purifies the mind, fosters selflessness, and leads to spiritual realization while maintaining worldly responsibilities.

Blend Karma Yoga into your ideology:

1. Focus on Action: Karma Yoga advocates selfless actions and duty fulfillment without attachment to outcomes. It prompts sincere engagement, emphasizing process over results to conquer self-doubt. This path values giving one’s best, aligning actions with ethics, and silencing external judgments. Detachment from results is a cornerstone, freeing individuals from the emotional turmoil of success and failure. This steadies self-worth, fostering equanimity amid varying external circumstances.
2. Distraction from Overthinking: Karma Yoga guides individuals to combat overthinking tied to existential queries. It promotes present-moment focus, easing anxieties arising from such contemplations and self-doubt. This path encourages resolute action, prioritizing the process over results. This mindset helps conquer self-doubt by valuing sincere effort and ethical alignment, reducing reliance on external judgments.
3. Service to Others: Karma Yoga redirects attention from personal worries to serving others selflessly, fostering a sense of purpose. Contributing positively to society nurtures fulfillment and connection. Regular engagement in such acts builds self-assurance and achievement, as the visible positive effects boost self-esteem. This process counters feelings of inadequacy and doubt, promoting a healthier self-perception.
4. Identifying your Role: Karma Yoga counters inferiority by highlighting everyone’s distinct role. Recognizing the value of even minor contributions diminishes the sense of being lesser. Selfless service and focusing on positive impact erode inadequacy, fostering a stronger self-perception over time.

Takeaways

Incorporating Sānkhya Yoga’s and Karma Yoga’s principles into daily life entails not only theoretical understanding but also practical application. Through practices like meditation and self-reflection, embracing Sānkhya and Karma teachings can gradually reshape how one addresses existential crises, self-doubt, and inferiority. This transformative process nurtures self-awareness, inner resilience, and a deeper purpose that transcends fleeting emotions and situations.

Follow more philosophical content like this at Thought Theatre.