Thoughts on Gita, a mentoring conversation

Sharing a few thoughts on the occasion of Gita Jayanti, the day when Krishna, the mentor, delivered timeless wisdom to Arjuna, the mentee. As per the epic Mahabharata, this mentoring conversation took place over 5,000 years ago.

I have always been drawn to the profound and timeless wisdom contained in the Gita. This ancient text offers deep insights into life, leadership, and personal growth. The lessons conveyed through the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna as mentee and mentor, are extremely relevant for people in these modern times.

Krishna, as Arjuna's mentor and charioteer, guides him on a transformative journey of self-discovery, helping him recognize his inherent potential and encouraging him to take charge of his dharma, his duty and responsibility per his role in society. This empowering message is particularly powerful for today's youth, who can face challenges and uncertainties with confidence and by seeking the help of right mentors, just like Arjuna did when he was having extreme difficulty in making a decision, whether to fight the war or not.

The Gita emphasizes the importance of action and purpose. It teaches us that even amidst chaos, we must fulfill our duties for which we are here. That is what Indic wisdom refers to as Dharma. Every living being is bound by their Dharma.

The second chapter underscores the necessity of remaining steadfast in our actions without getting distracted about the outcomes. It emphasizes that we only have control over our actions and not on the end results, and if we get too caught up in the end results, our actions will be impacted and it will negatively impact the outcomes.

One example I usually give is about the number of great cricket players who got out at 99, 1 run short of a century. Till scoring 99, they were more likely focused on the ball and using all of their skill to score runs. At 99, the focus shifts to scoring a century, and not on the ball.

Another significant lesson from the Gita is the management of the mind. By training our minds through practices like meditation and surrounding ourselves with righteous people, we can cultivate focus, clarity, and inner peace.

Finally, the Gita encourages us to recognize the divinity in all beings. It teaches that divinity is not confined to temples or scriptures but is present in every aspect of creation. By acknowledging this divinity in others, we foster respect, camaraderie and relationships.

As we celebrate Gita Jayanti (Dec 11 2024), we should acknowledge the wealth of wisdom that the Gita offers to mankind. Its teachings on empowerment, purposeful action, mind management, and recognition of divinity provide invaluable guidance as we navigate life's complexities and strive to make a positive impact on the world.

How has the Gita influenced your life? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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