9 mental health lessons from lord krishna — Including the Gita and Vishnu Purana

Lord Krishna, known for his divine wisdom, playful mischief, profound teachings, melodious flute, and eternal love stories, has captivated hearts universally. In this article, we explore valuable mental health lessons from Lord Krishna, as revealed in the holy Hindu scriptures?—?the Bhagavad Gita and the Vishnu Purana.

Here are some lessons from Lord Krishna: The God of Love & Compassion Lord Krishna is revered as the eighth avatar or incarnation of the god Vishnu in Hinduism. He’s often depicted as a young, charming flute player with a peacock feather in his crown. His blue hue symbolizes the infinity of the cosmos and the divine. Krishna played a pivotal role in the Mahabharata and delivered the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred scripture, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. His teachings revolve around dharma, devotion, and paths to spiritual enlightenment. In addition to his philosophical contributions, Krishna’s life is filled with tales of divine love, miracles, and playfulness, celebrated in various myths, music, and art forms.

Bhagavad Gita: Song of the Lord The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that forms part of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is presented as a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. This dialogue covers a broad range of topics, offering valuable life lessons on dharma, the paths of Yoga, the nature of God, and more. The Gita has inspired countless readers and thinkers, including Mahatma Gandhi, and its universal themes resonate across different cultures and beliefs.

The Vishnu Purana: A Vaishnav Mahapuran The Vishnu Purana is one of the eighteen Maha Puranas, focusing on the tales and glory of Lord Vishnu, particularly his avatars. It contains philosophical discussions and moral lessons, emphasizing righteousness (Dharma) and devotion (Bhakti). The Vishnu Purana serves as a spiritual guide and reflects the religious and cultural ethos of ancient India.

The mental health lessons from Lord Krishna include:

1. Live in the Present: Embrace the present moment without obsessing over outcomes, promoting mindfulness and self-awareness.
2. Mastering the Mind: Train the mind to be a friend, not an enemy.
3. Harmony and Balance: Maintain a balance between work, family, and self to prevent falling off life’s tightrope.
4. Seek Guidance in Doubt: Seek help when needed, just as Arjuna turned to Krishna during moral turmoil.
5. The Beauty of Selfless Service: Selfless service fosters purpose, fulfillment, and interconnectedness, enhancing mental well-being.
6. Cultivate Inner Silence: Find moments of introspection to clear mental clutter.
7. Acceptance, Not Resistance: Accept situations and shift perspectives rather than resisting.
8. Compassion Over Judgment: Show empathy and avoid judging others.
9. Attaining Equanimity: Cultivate a balanced and calm mind irrespective of circumstances.
10. Detachment: Cultivate non-attachment to outcomes to reduce suffering caused by excessive desires.
11. Overcoming the Mind’s Turmoil: Gain mastery over thoughts and emotions through practices like meditation.
12. Inner Divinity: Recognize the divine within, cultivating self-love, compassion, and acceptance.
13. Embracing Change: Accept and adapt to change gracefully.
14. Cultivating Gratitude: Develop gratitude for both pleasant and challenging experiences.
15. Developing Emotional Resilience: Build resilience to navigate life’s challenges with strength and stability.
16. Nurturing Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion, promoting mental well-being and self-growth.

These lessons offer insights into mental health, but professional help from mental health experts is crucial when needed. Lord Krishna’s teachings continue to guide individuals in spirituality, morality, duty, and love, providing a timeless source of wisdom.