18 Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita-change your Behavior and Life

The Bhagavad Geeta is a sacred Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is a conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna on a battlefield and contains teachings on duty, self-realization, and the nature of reality.  The word “Geeta” is derived from the Sanskrit word “geet” which means “song” or “poetry”. It is called the “Bhagavad Geeta” because it is a song or poem spoken by Lord Bhagwan (God) Krishna.

 The Bhagavad Geeta was first said by Lord Krishna to Suraya dev before Arjuna, However, when he was given the teachings of the Gita, he had already taken birth on earth as a king." He forwarded it to his son Mannu. Mannu forwarded it to his son Ichavaku, and after that, it got disappeared for some time. So Lord Krishna again spoke to the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

The Bhagavad Geeta is part of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, which is traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. Vyasa is said to have composed the Mahabharata, including the Bhagavad Geeta.

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1.The Knowledge of the Self, or Atma Gyan, 

Knowledge of the Self or Atma Gyan is one of the 18 teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. It is understanding the true nature of the self beyond the body and mind. According to the Gita, the Self or Atma is eternal, immortal, and beyond birth and death. The body is only the self's temporary dwelling place and the mind is an instrument for the self's use. By gaining Self-knowledge, one can realize one's true nature and attain inner peace and happiness. The Gita teaches that the ultimate goal of life is self-realization and liberation from the cycle of life and death.

In very simple words we soul (Atma) were originally created from Paramatta i.e. Lord Krishna(Supreme Soul). we come into this mortal world for performing Karmas according to Lord Krishna, so for performing Karmas, duties, and responsibilities, he depicted Vedas and Upanishads as having books of rules and regulations to move in Life. (examples in daily life are Home, School, countries, etc run by rules in the form of Values, Time table, and constitution respectively) The purpose of life is to again reunite with Paramatta by proving yourself by performing karmas.

2. The Impermanence Of The Physical Body or Anitya

The impermanence of the physical body or Anitya is another teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. It refers to the fact that the physical body is temporary and subject to constant change, decay, and death. According to the Gita, the body is not the true self, but only a temporary covering of the self. The body goes through different stages of growth, decay, and death, but the self remains eternal and unchanging. Therefore, one should not be overly attached to the physical body and instead focus on the Eternal Self. This teaching emphasizes the importance of detachment from the material world and the need to focus on spiritual growth and self-realization.   

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3. The Difference Between The body, Mind, and Soul (Triguna)

The difference between body, mind, soul, or Triguna is another teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. Triguna, according to Hindu philosophy, there are three basic aspects of human existence. these are:

• Body (Stura Sharira): It refers to the physical aspects of human existence, such as the body, senses, and organs.

• Spirit (Sukshma Sharira): This refers to subtle aspects of human existence, such as the mind, intellect, and ego.

• Soul (Atma or Jivatma): It refers to the spiritual aspect of human existence, the eternal and unchanging self. 

According to Gita, these three aspects are interrelated. The body and subtle mind are mutable and impermanent, but the soul is eternal and unchanging. The mind and body are subject to his three qualities or gunas of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas which represent purity, activity, and lethargy respectively. The soul is beyond these qualities and is the source of true knowledge and wisdom.

By understanding the difference between these three aspects of human existence, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the true purpose of life. The Gita teaches that the ultimate goal of life is to realize the true nature of the soul and break free from the cycle of life and death. 

4. The Nature of Action (Karma)

• Accountable for their deeds : Another significant lesson contained in the Bhagavad Gita is about the nature of action or karma. All actions have repercussions, according to the rule of cause and effect, which is known as karma. All people, according to the Gita, are accountable for their deeds and must bear the repercussions of those deeds.

• The intention of Action: Actions taken with good intentions have positive outcomes, whereas those taken with bad intentions have negative outcomes. We must therefore concentrate on acting sacrificially and without becoming emotionally invested in the results of our deeds.

• Karma yoga(spiritual) entails carrying out deeds without regard for the results:  Gita places a strong emphasis on the idea of Karma Yoga, or the way of altruism. Karma yoga entails carrying out deeds without regard for the results, dedicating those deeds to a greater goal, and serving others. One can acquire spiritual development and a sense of detachment from the worldly world through the practice of karma yoga.

In general, Bhagavad's karmic teachings in his Gita stress the need of accepting responsibility for one's actions and carrying them out with noble motives and selflessness.

5. The Law of Cause and Effect, or Karma Phal

Consequences that arise from actions. Another lesson contained in the Bhagavad Gita is the concept of Karma Phala or the law of cause and consequence. It is strongly tied to the idea of karma, which is used to describe one's activities. Karma Phala is the term used to describe the results of those deeds.

 The type of reaction depends on the nature of the activity: The Gita states that every action one takes results in a proportional reaction. The type of reaction—which could be good or negative—depends on the nature of the activity. For instance, when one does nice things from the heart, it will have pleasant and uplifting effects. The results of harmful or selfish behavior, on the other hand, will be detrimental and bad.

 Put all your effort into doing things without worrying about the results:  Gita advises that acts should be carried out with a sense of duty and detachment rather than becoming emotionally invested in the outcomes. This implies that one should put all their effort into doing things without worrying about the results or trying to get something for themselves. Instead, one should channel their efforts into helping others or serving a greater good.

 Become more conscious of your behaviors: The necessity of individual responsibility is also emphasized by the law of cause and effect. Every person is accountable for their choices and must deal with the results of those choices. One can become more conscious of their behaviors and seek to produce positive outcomes in their life by knowing the law of cause and effect.

6. Detachment as a concept (Vairagya):

 In the Bhagavad Gita, detachment, or vairagya, is a crucial idea. It describes a condition of detachment from the physical world and its transient pleasures. According to Gita, genuine detachment can be attained by concentrating on the self's or the soul's eternal, unchanging essence without being influenced by the fleeting oscillations of the material world.

 One can break free from the chains of attachment and desire, which are the main sources of suffering, through detachment. The Gita instructs that maintaining one's feeling of detachment while carrying out one's obligations and responsibilities does not entail abandoning them or attaching oneself to the outcomes.

7. The Nature of Devotion (Bhakti):

 Bhakti, or devotion, is another important teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. It emphasizes the importance of developing a loving relationship with the divine, or the ultimate reality, through devotional practices such as prayer, chanting, and service.

 The Gita teaches that devotion can be expressed in many ways, including through action, knowledge, and meditation. It is considered the easiest and most direct path to achieving spiritual liberation and attaining union with the divine.

8. The importance of meditation (Dhiyan):

A potent instrument for gaining spiritual development and self-realization is meditation or dhyan. The Gita places a strong emphasis on meditation as a way to quiet the mind, regulate the senses, and find inner peace.

One can increase their awareness and comprehension of themselves and the world around them through meditation. It can also aid in the development of detachment and a stronger sense of dedication.

9. The concept of renunciation (Saniyas):

The concept of renunciation, or sanyas, is yet another fundamental Bhagavad Gita value. It refers to the action of renunciation of worldly connections and dedicating oneself to the pursuit of spiritual understanding and self-realization.

According to the Gita, the routes to this state of renunciation are detachment, devotion, and meditation. It is not necessary to physically withdraw from society; instead, one can create an attachment-free perspective that is centered on spiritual growth.

These teachings on renunciation, concentration, commitment, and detachment are frequently related and seen as essential for achieving spiritual liberation and realizing one's true nature.

10. The Nature of the Intellect (Buddhi):

The Bhagavad Gita explains that the intellect, or buddhi, is the faculty of discrimination that helps one distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad. It is the seat of reason and judgment, and it helps a person make wise decisions. However, the intellect can also be clouded by desires, attachments, and otherworldly influences, which can lead to wrong choices.

11. The importance of yoga (Yoga): 

Value of yoga: The Bhagavad Gita places a strong emphasis on the value of yoga, a spiritual discipline that facilitates union with the divine. It is a way to achieve inner peace and harmony while also cleaning the mind, body, and soul.

The Gita teaches different types of yoga: jnana yoga, bhakti yoga, and karma yoga (the yoga of action) (the yoga of knowledge).

12. The concept of equanimity (Samatva): 

The Bhagavad Gita stresses the importance of maintaining equanimity or balance of mind in all situations, whether pleasant or unpleasant. It teaches that one should not get attached to the outcomes of one's actions, but should perform them with a spirit of detachment and surrender to the divine will. This helps one avoid the cycle of pleasure and pain, and achieve a state of inner peace and contentment.

13. The Nature of the three modes of material nature (Triguna Vibhava Yoga):

 The Bhagavad Gita describes the three modes of material nature, which are sattva (purity), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). These modes influence one's thoughts, actions, and emotions, and can either elevate or degrade one's consciousness. The Gita teaches that one should strive to cultivate sattva and transcend the influence of rajas and tamas, in order to achieve spiritual progress and ultimately, liberation.

14. The Concept of Sharanagati or surrender to God

 Surrender to God: The concept of Sharanagati or surrender to God is one of the central teachings of the Bhagavad         Gita. It involves completely surrendering oneself to God and placing all one's faith and trust in Him. 

 Mental and Emotional surrender: This surrender is not just a physical act, but a mental and emotional surrender as well, where one's thoughts, actions, and intentions are all directed towards serving God and accepting His will.

 God brings many benefits: According to the Bhagavad Gita, surrendering to God brings many benefits, including freedom from worldly anxieties, protection from dangers, and spiritual progress toward the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Several ways to practice Sharanagati: There are several ways to practice Sharanagati, such as by offering all one's actions and thoughts to God, chanting His names and glories, and seeking His guidance and protection in all aspects of life. The practice of surrendering to God requires a deep sense of humility, faith, and devotion, and can lead to a profound spiritual transformation and a deepening of one's relationship with the Divine.

15. The Concept of Nishkama Karma or performing actions without attachment

The concept of Nishkama Karma or performing actions without attachment is another important teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. It involves performing one's duties and responsibilities without being attached to the results or outcomes of those actions.

According to the Bhagavad Gita, attachment to the results of one's actions can lead to anxiety, stress, and disappointment. By performing actions without attachment to the outcome, one can achieve a state of equanimity and inner peace, regardless of the results.

Nishkama Karma is not the same as inaction or laziness. Rather, it involves performing one's duties and responsibilities to the best of one's ability, with a sense of detachment and surrender to the Divine. This practice is considered essential for spiritual growth and development, as it helps to purify the mind and cultivate detachment from material desires and attachments.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that performing actions without attachment can lead to many benefits, including the attainment of inner peace, spiritual progress, and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is a powerful practice that requires discipline, selflessness, and a deep sense of devotion to the Divine.

16. The Concept of Divine Grace (Kripa)

The concept of divine grace (Kripa) is also emphasized in the Bhagavad Gita, as the grace of the Supreme Soul is necessary for one to attain spiritual realization and liberation. It is said that by surrendering to the Supreme and performing selfless actions with devotion, one can earn the grace of the Divine.

18. The Path to attain salvation (Moksha)

The path to attain salvation (Moksha) is also elucidated in the Bhagavad Gita. It emphasizes the importance of developing a deep understanding of the nature of the self, detachment from material desires, and devotion to the Supreme Soul. The path to liberation involves purifying the mind and senses, performing selfless actions without attachment, and developing equanimity towards the ups and downs of life. Ultimately, the attainment of Moksha is the release from the cycle of birth and death and the realization of one's true nature as the Supreme.

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Answers of FAQ

1. What is the importance of self-realization according to the Bhagavad Gita?

Answer: Self-realization is the highest aim of human life according to the Bhagavad Gita. It is the process of understanding one's true nature beyond the physical body and mind. This realization helps one attain inner peace, happiness, and spiritual growth.

2. How does the Bhagavad Gita teach us to deal with stress and anxiety?

Answer: The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past and future. It emphasizes the importance of detachment and self-control to maintain mental equilibrium in difficult situations.

3. What does the Bhagavad Gita teach us about karma?

Answer: The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that every action has consequences, and we must take responsibility for our actions. It also emphasizes the importance of performing actions without attachment to the outcome and with a sense of duty towards the greater good.

4. How does the Bhagavad Gita teach us to control our mind?

Answer: The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to control our mind through the practice of yoga and meditation. It emphasizes the importance of concentration, discipline, and detachment to achieve a state of equanimity.

5. What is the Bhagavad Gita's view on materialism?

Answer: The Bhagavad Gita views materialism as a source of suffering and distraction from spiritual growth. It emphasizes the importance of detachment and focusing on inner wealth rather than external possessions.