The Bhagavad Gita’s Lessons for Daily Living

Navigating Life’s Journey with the Bhagavad Gita

Amongst the ancient scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita stands as a timeless beacon of wisdom; and its annual celebration, Gita Jayanti, offers a profound opportunity for introspection and growth in our modern lives. The Gita, a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra more than 5000 years ago, transcends its historical context, providing universal insights that remain relevant today.

The Bhagavad Gita is revered as a spiritual guide, and its teachings offer timeless insights that remain invaluable in our pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling existence. Its life lessons transcend time and culture.

Central to its teachings is the concept of Dharma or the righteous path, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making in our lives. The Gita encourages us to uphold our duties and responsibilities, fostering a sense of purpose and integrity. It guides us in making righteous choices, aligning actions with principles. In the hustle of modern life, the Gita teaches the art of balanced living—navigating challenges with equanimity and maintaining inner peace.

One of its pivotal teachings is the idea of detached action. The Gita advocates performing one’s duties without attachment to the results, enabling us to handle both success and failure with resilience. This principle guides us to focus on the process rather than fixating on outcomes, fostering a mindset conducive to personal growth and self-discovery.

The Gita’s discourse on the nature of the self underscores the importance of self-awareness. Understanding the eternal soul (Atman) within each individual cultivates a sense of inner harmony. It encourages a shift in perspective from the transient nature of the physical self to the enduring essence of the soul.

Furthermore, the Gita introduces the concept of Yoga as a path to spiritual realization. It delineates various forms of Yoga, including Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge). These diverse paths cater to the varied temperaments and inclinations of individuals, providing a holistic approach to spiritual development.

The Gita’s emphasis on selfless action inspires us to contribute meaningfully to society. It encourages resilience in the face of adversity, reminding us that challenges are opportunities for growth. By cultivating a yogic mindset, integrating meditation and mindfulness, we can find tranquility amid life’s chaos.

Applying the Gita’s principles in our daily lives empowers us to lead purposeful lives, promoting harmony in both personal and societal spheres. As we celebrate Gita Jayanti, let us infuse the essence of this timeless scripture into our daily narrative, enriching our lives with wisdom, purpose, and inner strength.

In essence, the Bhagavad Gita is a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of life. It provides a roadmap for harmonizing our inner world with the external challenges, fostering a life imbued with purpose, resilience, and spiritual depth.

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How to Overcome Envy in 5 Simple Steps

Envy is the longing for someone else’s possessions. You may covet what the other person has, such as his talents, looks, material possessions, qualities, and yes, even his good fortune! Envy may lead to a feeling of discontentment, resentment, and bitterness. You are consumed with the idea that you have been shortchanged by life.

Being envious is not unnatural, as long as you can control it. But the problem arises when you become obsessed with the feeling. You are overwhelmed by it, and it overrides your good sense. That’s when you allow it to harm your relationships and affect other areas of your life .

Being envious is a sign of low self-esteem. It indicates that you consider yourself lesser than the other person as a whole or in certain aspects. This may be because of your present situation or due to some past experiences. Whatever the reason for the envy, it turns you into a different person.

But fear not! You can overcome this feeling in simple ways. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. You need to develop your willpower and make it so strong that the feelings of envy are nipped in the bud as soon as they arise.

1. Practise gratitude

Be grateful for all the blessings in your life. Practice gratitude every day so that your mind remains stable. Where there is gratitude, there is no room for ego. So stop thinking that you deserve more. Remember, there are millions who are homeless and don’t get even one square meal a day.

2. Appreciate what you have

Focus on the good things in your life. Learn to be contented with your own life and stop complaining that you have too little. Yes, we all go through rough patches, but that’s when you must guard against bursts of envy. Appreciate all the little things and episodes in your life and your qualities, not just the big ones – your creative talent, your ability to smile during tough times, the time you rescued a stranded kitten, when you lent a shoulder to someone to cry on and so many more. Don’t overlook these!

3. Understand that no one can have all that they want

We complain that life is unfair, but we fail to understand when and where to draw the line. Learn to live within your means. It will save you a lot of grief. The beauty of contentment is that enough is not a number; it’s a decision! Truth is, you can’t have all that you want, simply because when you possess more and more, you don’t sit back and say, ‘Okay, I have enough, I don’t need any more.’

This is the age of materialism. People are tempted by 24×7 advertisements on social and electronic media to buy things that they don’t require. This marketing lures consumers in ways that they can’t resist. So beware!

4. Forsake greed

He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough. – Lao Tse Tsu

The more you have, the more you want. Isn’t that true? If you are fortunate to have the resources, you will fulfill your desires. But if you don’t have the required resources, you will end up envying those who have what you desire but can’t get. This will leave you feeling morose and bitter. So, it would be more prudent to know your limits and give up greed. Wants are the source of all misery.

5. Learn to give instead of coveting what others have

Be generous. Don’t covet what others have and sink into depression. Give – your time, compassion, empathy, advice and yes, monetary aid as well to someone who genuinely requires it. When the focus is on helping others, you will have no time to crib about what more you want. The joy of giving is so strong that all your sorrows will end.

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Diwali: Blending Ancient Wisdom with Contemporary Living

Lighting Up the Path With Timeless Wisdom

As the Diwali celebrations begin, the festival also reminds us of the timeless wisdom that flows through the ages. This age-old tradition deeply rooted in our culture has the power to illuminate our contemporary lives.
Let’s explore the inspiring journey of Diwali’s traditions and how they seamlessly blend with modern living, creating a beautiful mixture of light, hope, and inspiration.

Ancient Rites, Timeless Insights

Diwali is a culmination of many ancient rituals and traditions. From lighting oil lamps (diyas) to worshipping the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, every act holds a deep significance. They symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Such noble values and beliefs that our ancestors lived by are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

Illuminating the Inner Self

We all light up our homes during Diwali. Why not illuminate our inner selves just as well? The modern world often weighs us down with stress, distractions, and negativity. Diwali teaches us the art of self-purification and introspection, guiding us to find the light within.

Renewal and Rejuvenation

The rituals of cleaning and decorating homes during Diwali signify more than just a physical cleansing. We must use this opportunity to renew our spirits. Diwali traditions teach us to let go of the burdens of the past and welcome new opportunities that await us. We often find ourselves bogged down by clutter, both physical and mental. Diwali’s tradition of decluttering empowers us to declutter our minds, making room for new opportunities and positive energy.

Fostering Unity in Diversity

Diwali is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across India and among Indian communities worldwide. People of diverse backgrounds rid their hearts of petty conflicts, prejudices, and enmities and gather to celebrate and spread joy. In a world where divisions seem to be growing, the celebration of Diwali’s traditions achieves a unity that transcends boundaries and cultures.

Nurturing Family Bonds

Amid the busy schedules and fast-paced lives of today, Diwali brings families together, often crossing oceans to meet their loved ones. Spending quality time with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals emphasize the importance of family bonds. In a world where digital connections sometimes replace personal ones, Diwali inspires us to nurture and cherish our relationships.

The Power of Giving

In our neverending pursuit of success, we should not forget the importance of giving back to the community, sharing and helping those in need. Diwali teaches us that true wealth lies not just in what we accumulate but in what we share.

A Timeless Celebration of Light

Diwali’s traditions offer a unique perspective on blending ancient wisdom with contemporary living. The values, rituals, and insights of our ancestors are not relics of the past but guiding stars for the present and future. Diwali is not just a celebration of light; it’s an inspiration to lead a life that radiates positivity, knowledge, and goodwill.

In a world that often seems chaotic, Diwali’s traditions provide a path to finding balance, inner peace, and unity. So, this Diwali, let the ancient wisdom of our traditions guide you in creating a life that’s not just contemporary but deeply meaningful and inspiring. Light up your heart and home, and let the glow of Diwali illuminate the path to a brighter, more harmonious world.

Tell us how you incorporate Diwali traditions into your modern life.

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5 Toxic Beliefs and How to Overcome them

We all aspire to live a happy, successful, and fulfilling life. But our toxic beliefs hold us back. They sabotage our success and steal our joy.

Toxic beliefs are the negative thoughts and beliefs that we’ve internalized over time. They can be about ourselves, our abilities, or our worth. Sometimes, they are so subtle that we don’t even realize we have them.

Toxic beliefs are the negative thoughts and beliefs that we've internalized over time.

Toxic beliefs are the negative thoughts and beliefs that we've internalized over time.

Toxic beliefs are the negative thoughts and beliefs that you have internalized over time. — Pic courtesy: Wepik.com

Here are some common toxic beliefs and how to overcome them:

1. I’m not enough.

This is not only the most common toxic belief of all but also the most damaging mentally. You believe that you’re not good, smart, or attractive enough. You are not worthy of love and happiness.

Low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, the side effects of this belief, may prevent you from taking risks and chasing your dreams.

How to overcome it: When such negative thoughts arise, ask yourself if there’s any evidence to support your belief that you’re not enough. Chances are, there isn’t. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Remember, you are worthy of love and happiness.

2. I’m too old to learn.

This toxic belief is common among adults. Never postpone learning something new because you think you’re too old. The truth is, you’re never too old to learn. In fact, learning new things can help to keep your mind sharp and prevent cognitive decline.

You may learn anything you want. It depends on how ready and firm you are to learn.

How to overcome it: Identify something you’ve always wanted to learn, and then take the plunge. Enroll in a class, read a book, or watch online tutorials. Keep learning and watch your self- belief grow.

3. I need approval/validation from others.

This toxic belief can lead to a life of people-pleasing and self-denial. If you’re constantly seeking approval from others, you’ll never be truly happy. By all means, seek advice from someone you trust, but decide your own course of action.

The truth is that being happy or successful is not dependent on external validation. Each person has his own set of beliefs aligned with his principles and values. So, just go with your instincts.

How to overcome it: Set boundaries with others. Say no to requests that make you uncomfortable. Focus on your own goals and values, and don’t worry about what other people think.

4. I must be perfect to succeed.

This toxic belief can lead to procrastination. If you believe that you have to be perfect in order to succeed, you’ll never take any risks.

The truth is, perfection doesn’t exist. You are not perfect, but who says anyone else is? And the sooner you accept that, the sooner you can start moving towards your goals. Your success depends on your determination and hard work.

How to overcome it: Mistakes are proof that you are trying. Mistakes teach you where you went wrong so you can improve. Strive for progress, not perfection.

5. It’s not my fault.

This toxic belief can lead to a victim mentality. If you’re always blaming others for your problems, you’ll never take responsibility for your own life. The ability to own up to your mistakes is rare and inspiring. It reflects your strength of character.

How to overcome it: Take responsibility for your actions and choices. Accept your lapses, rectify them, and move on. Focus on what you can control, and don’t worry about what you can’t.

Here are a few tips for shedding your toxic beliefs:

• Identify your toxic beliefs. What are the negative thoughts and beliefs that you keep repeating to yourself? Once you know what your toxic beliefs are, you can start to challenge them.

• Ask yourself if your beliefs are true. Is there any evidence to support your negative beliefs? Or are they simply based on fear or self-doubt?

• Replace your toxic beliefs with positive affirmations. Instead of believing that you’re not good enough, believe that you’re worthy of love and happiness. Instead of believing that you’re too old to learn, tell yourself that you’re capable of learning anything you set your mind to.

• Seek support from others. Talk to a trusted friend or consult a therapist or counselor. They can help you to challenge your toxic beliefs and develop a more positive outlook on life.

It may not be easy to give up your toxic beliefs, but with time and effort, you can do it. You are capable of achieving so much more. Believe in yourself and chase your dreams.

Is there any toxic belief holding you back? How are you trying to overcome it? Share your inspiring story with us.

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How to Handle Challenges like a Champion

“Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes them meaningful.” – Anonymous

What are challenges?

God throws challenges at you from time to time to test your persistence, fortitude, ability, and self-belief to overcome any hurdles that come in the way of achieving your goal.

A challenge is any difficult task or action that requires great physical or mental effort to perform. It may include overcoming a financial setback, dealing with a health issue, your first public performance, a divorce or finding a suitable job successfully. Life is full of unexpected tough times; and many of them can be difficult to overcome without tenacity, effective survival skills and support.

You may feel like the situation is crumbling around you while the world is indifferent to your troubles. The whole world is against you. You feel helpless and turn into a nervous wreck. But don’t feel defeated – the good news is, you aren’t alone. There are so many other people going through similar distress, each one trying to overcome some challenge or the other. So, never give up. Take inspiration from all the other people who have fought and won their battles.

How to Overcome Challenges

These are a few important things to keep in mind while navigating life’s challenges:

1. Accept the challenge: You must first admit that a problem exists before you can resolve it! Most people ignore the problem that plagues them or worse, don’t even accept that it exists. Although it may bring unpleasant issues to the fore, the important thing is to acknowledge it as real. Accept the fact that you are the only one who can solve your problems so don’t run from the responsibility. Do not procrastinate.

2. Evaluate the facts: Once you are mentally and emotionally prepared to take up the challenge, try and understand the situation fully and figure out the details. Ask yourself: Do I see the situation as it actually exists or am I distorting facts? How big is the problem? Am I blowing things out of proportion? Evaluate these facts and assess the situation in its entirety. But don’t let the enormity of the task overwhelm you. Break up the challenge into smaller tasks. Figure out the finances or other resources you will require.

3. Evaluate the possibilities: Ensure that you explore all the possibilities to solve your issue or overcome the challenge. There may be several options available which you can use, but it is up to you to decide which is the best one or the one that suits you the most according to the specific situation. You may need to explore more than one path to reach your goal. Trust your instinct, judgment, and abilities in handling the situation.

4. Ask for help: Once you understand the problem and evaluate the facts and possibilities, you may require help. Talk to someone who has experienced a similar situation, join an online community, read up the particular matter in a book or online, talk to your parents, children or friends. Put aside your ego. Take advice as and when required to continue making progress. But always bear in mind, it is your problem, you will have to solve it.

5. Take action: The most vital step after charting out a plan is to act on it. Once you’ve decided what needs to be done, be prompt in taking action. Make sure it is broken down into smaller tasks so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Set a time limit for each task. Begin with the simplest task so that you gain confidence. Ensure that you don’t give up until the hurdle is crossed.

6. Change your perception: If you suddenly realize that things are not going how you want them to, it’s okay. Don’t panic. Remain positive. Try to alter your perception and view the situation from a fresh perspective. You will be able to approach the task with enthusiasm.

7. Don’t give up: Don’t be discouraged if you go wrong or suffer a reversal in any of your tasks leading up to your goal. At least, you will have learned a lesson from the setback. This will help you to improve your future efforts and eventually you will achieve success. The important thing is, never become so disheartened or disappointed that you give up. Rectify your mistakes and start again.

8. Be flexible: Whenever you feel that your chosen path is not giving you the outcome you expect, don’t be rigid. Be flexible. If required, you must be able to alter the plan or even change the entire plan itself at any point, if required. Don’t worry about it or blame yourself for it. It’s normal. The point is, your actions should be meaningful. If you’re going nowhere with them, then ditch them.

9. Believe in yourself: Since you have accepted the challenge, you must be mentally, emotionally, financially and physically prepared to meet it. Don’t overthink. You must have the self-belief and confidence that you will surely overcome all obstacles and emerge successful in reaching your goal.

10. Be grateful: Above all, be grateful that God has chosen you and given you the ability to take up the challenge. It’s because He believes in you, much more than you believe in yourself.

So, how do you handle challenges in your life?Share your experiences with us.

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How to Handle Criticism

A creative life cannot be sustained by approval any more than it can be destroyed by criticism.
Will Self

You often wonder why life is so unfair! You take painstaking effort to fulfill your duties both at home and at work, yet your family members at home and your boss and colleagues in the office never have a good word to say about you. Instead, you are mostly criticized on some pretext or the other.

Haven’t we all experienced this!!?? These are tough times we live in!

Criticism isn't always fair. It is up to you to use your wisdom to differentiate between the two. — Pic courtesy: Wepik.com

Criticism is a kind of evaluation or judgment, which may be either good or bad. When someone criticizes you, they are evaluating you according to a certain set of standards which they may have carved out conforming to their own beliefs and values.

Criticism may be constructive or destructive – it is up to you to use your wisdom and perceptive power to differentiate between the two. That definitely is a challenge, but you can do it with resolve.

Our first reaction to criticism is generally negative. This is because we have always believed that people who criticize us are either jealous of us or have poor judgment. In fact, they may even be lacking knowledge about the subject that they are criticizing you for!

Well, that may be true sometimes, but not all the time. There are times when people who point out your mistakes do so with good intentions. They are genuine well-wishers who want you to rectify your mistakes and make progress. So, don’t be in a hurry to discard such advice. Accept it with a calm mind and positive mindset and take corrective steps. Don’t procrastinate.

Those who offer constructive criticism do so in a gentle and encouraging manner. Their concern is not superficial. Their sole aim in giving you honest feedback about your actions or performance is to make you aware of areas of improvement. It would be a lesson well learnt. When you recognize constructive criticism, which you should, you must express gratitude to the giver for wanting you to succeed.

Destructive criticism, on the other hand, is meant to break your spirit. It is conveyed in a mocking and insulting manner. It is hurtful and malicious. Such criticism creates feelings of inferiority and inadequacy that can adversely impact your, mental state, self-esteem, self-belief and creativity. If and when you notice a pattern of destructive criticism involving a particular individual, you need to cut off any association with that individual, however close they may be.

So the idea is to identify and accept advice that is meant to uplift you and turn a deaf ear to those who are waiting for you to fail.

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6 Lessons my Mother Taught me

I am a confident and secure woman because a strong woman raised me.

You gave me life
And you gave me pride
You gave me worth and value.
When the skies were cloudy
And the pathless way led nowhere
You gave me direction new.
You taught me to look beyond the ordinary
And reach for greater goals
To ensure my confidence grew.

Family plays a pivotal role in shaping your identity and who you become; and mothers play the most comprehensive role.

My mother taught me to treat everyone equally, not to surrender when faced with difficulties and how to be stable and firm. Instead of giving up at the outset, she showed me how to believe in myself and to trust my capabilities.

My mother ingrained invaluable teachings in me to tide me through the journey of life. Instead of stressing myself out trying to juggle too many things, she taught me how I should cut out the irrelevant things and keep my life in balance. Instead of allowing myself to get caught up in the nitty-gritties of life, she showed me how to back off and learn to be flexible and adapt to the situation.

There are certain meaningful lessons in life that only a mother can convey to you. You receive advice and valuable life lessons from people around you all the time, but the most impactful words are uttered by a mother. I believe the most enlightening guidance of immeasurable worth came to me from my mother – to be strong and self-reliant and to make my own choices in life.

You don’t have a handbook to guide you through life, but God gave you a mother to hold your hand every step of the way.

1. Value yourself
It is only when you appreciate and respect yourself that you can inspire others. You have a lot to offer to this world. If you want to shine your light on others, you will have to first value yourself. Use it to encourage, energize and uplift others. Recognize your own talents, abilities and uniqueness. Only then will you motivate others.
Even though your hard work is appreciated, it must not be at the cost of your health, well-being and happiness. That amounts to workaholism.
Remove all toxic influences and relationships from your life. They only serve to pull you down, drain your energy and shatter your self-esteem. Imagine your state of mind if you allow every denigrating word to affect you! Wasteful thoughts and useless gossip lead to negativity. Learn to make a distinction between constructive criticism offered with compassion and derogatory words intended to harm your self-esteem.
You are here for a purpose. Recognize it and work on it with zeal. Your contribution to this universe is immeasurable and priceless.

2. Make your own decisions
You must be self-reliant and confidently make your own decisions instead of constantly depending on someone else to make decisions for your life. No one else can judge what’s best for you. You must be the author of your own life story. Even if you make an error in judgment, it will serve as a lesson and leave you wiser. Never hesitate to start over.
Don’t get browbeaten into doing something that doesn’t feel right. Stand by your principles even if you must stand alone.
Don’t feel guilty if you have to sometimes discard advice given by friends and well-wishers. Do what your gut instinct tells you is the right thing to do. Agreeing to things only to keep peace at the expense of your own well-being is a violation of your own boundaries.

3. Never say never
When faced with obstacles, don’t give up. You are strong enough to overcome hurdles and move ahead. Don’t surrender your dreams to fear, nervousness and inaction.
Hold on to your convictions in the face of all odds. In every situation, be steadfast and resolute. Don’t just profit from the good things in life, but learn from every experience. Act with determination and resilience in every sphere of life.
A crisis in life serves to empower you and moulds your personality. It all adds up to your personal growth. You never know when the situation may change in your favour through your relentless efforts.
Embrace new ideas. Change is an inevitable aspect of life. Don’t get weighed down by past burdens. Learn to let go of anything that causes you grief.

4. Don’t be afraid
Yes, that’s true.
Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Don’t be afraid to take a stand. Don’t be afraid to choose a career path that suits you. Above all, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.
While the world is enticed by superficialities, artificial beauty, fake charm and meaningless words, don’t be afraid to remain simple at heart. Your clarity and consistency will enable you to do what is right rather than doing what is popular. Don’t be afraid to go against the flow.
You are adequate and have nothing to fear. You are responsible for your happiness. Make your own reality and create the life you deserve.

5. Keep your integrity
For me, the most essential quality I have imbibed from my mother is honesty and right-mindedness. I was taught early in life that maintaining probity is important even as you climb the ladder of success. When you uphold the ideals of your life, you will expect nothing less from others.
Dedicate yourself to your values and be humble. Match your words and actions. Tell the truth even if it is unpalatable. When you delude others, you delude yourself too.
Fame, glory and wealth gained by wrong means count for nothing. It is only through integrity and hard work that you must fulfill your goals. You will do a great service to society if you emerge as a role model for others.

6. Have faith in God
God is your guide, companion, protector and friend. He will always be with you through your journey of life. Whatever the circumstances you are faced with, keep faith in God. He will hold your hand and take you ashore during every storm in your life.
Be optimistic and trust in God even when you don’t understand what is happening in your life. He will bless you in abundance.

Tell me how your mother’s teachings have influenced you. I would love to hear from you.