While browsing the internet, I came across a video imbued with such powerful life lessons that I felt compelled to discuss and write about it.
If you are rejected, accept it. If you are unloved, let it go. If they choose something or someone over you, move on. Not everyone you love will stay, and not everyone you trust will remain loyal. I don’t care about losing people who don’t want to be in my life anymore. I’ve lost people who meant the world to me, and I’m still doing just fine. Don’t follow the majority; follow the right way. You can feel it when someone is not being real with you; energy never lies. Always speak your mind and never apologize for being real. Give people time; give them space. Don’t beg anyone to stay. Let them roam; what’s meant for you will always be yours. I feel so much better when people don’t know who I am or what I’m doing. You may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it. Do good, and it will surely come back to you in unexpected ways. Be content with what you have while working for what you need. Remember, something has to end for better things to begin.
At the same time, I found that I could correlate many of the ideas presented with teachings from my favourite book, the “Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.” Therefore, I decided to decode the entire message, drawing parallels with the timeless lessons from the Bhagavad Gita. Here is my take:
Embracing Rejection and Loss
तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥
(Chapter 2, Verse 14)
“O descendant of Bharata, tolerate them (these impermanents).”
The sentiment of accepting rejection and moving on when someone chooses another path is deeply rooted in the philosophy of impermanence highlighted in the Gita. Krishna advises Arjuna to endure transient emotions and events, understanding that they are just fleeting moments that should not disturb one’s inner peace.
On Being Unloved and Letting Go
वितरागभयक्रोधा मन्मया मामुपाश्रिताः।
बहवो ज्ञानतपसा पूता मद्भावमागताः॥
(Chapter 4, Verse 10)
“Being freed from attachment, fear, and anger, being fully absorbed in me, and taking refuge in me, many, purified by the penance of wisdom, have attained my nature.”
This shloka advocates for detachment not just from negative experiences but also from the emotional turmoil of being unloved or rejected. The Gita teaches that true liberation and peace come from releasing attachment to both people and outcomes.
Following Your Unique Path
श्रेयान् स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात् स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
(Chapter 3, Verse 35)
“It is better to engage in one’s own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly, than to accept another’s occupation and perform it perfectly.”
Krishna’s advice to Arjuna to follow his own path, irrespective of its challenges, mirrors the modern idea of not following the majority but the right way. This emphasizes the importance of authenticity and playing to one’s strengths, even in the face of societal pressure or conventional norms.
Discerning Inauthenticity
ज्ञानेन तु तदज्ञानं येषां नाशितमात्मनः।
तेषामादित्यवज्ज्ञानं प्रकाशयति तत्परम्॥
(Chapter 5, Verse 16)
“In whom that ignorance is destroyed by knowledge of the self, that knowledge, like the sun, reveals the supreme (Brahman).”
This verse illuminates the power of true knowledge, which like the sun, dispels the darkness of ignorance and deceit. In terms of human interactions, this aligns with the notion that one can sense when another is not being genuine, as authentic connections are lit by the light of awareness and truth.
The Power of Speaking Truth
सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम्।
प्रियं च नानृतं ब्रूयात् एष धर्मः सनातनः॥
(Not directly from the Gita but aligns with its teachings)
“Speak the truth in such a way that it should be pleasing; do not speak the truth in a harsh manner. Nor should you speak untruth because it is pleasing; this is the path of eternal morality.”
Krishna emphasizes communication that is true and considerate. This ancient advice complements the modern view of expressing oneself honestly and freely without remorse, advocating for a balanced approach where truth is conveyed with empathy and respect.
Detachment and Letting Go
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
(Chapter 2, Verse 47)
“You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”
This fundamental teaching of karma yoga underscores the need to act without attachment to outcomes. This mirrors the contemporary wisdom that advises giving people time and space, letting go of the need to control relationships, and accepting that what is meant for us will not pass us by.
Conclusion
The timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita not only enlightens but also empowers. As I delve deeper into its verses, I find an unbreakable thread connecting the ancient counsel of Lord Krishna to the dilemmas we face in our modern lives. Each shloka, each line from this sacred text provides a robust framework for dealing with life’s vicissitudes with grace and dignity.
In my own journey, these teachings have been a beacon of light, guiding me through personal trials and professional challenges. By embracing Krishna’s counsel to maintain integrity, cultivate detachment, and pursue our unique paths, I have learned to navigate complexities with a calmer heart and a clearer mind.
The Gita teaches us that while we cannot control every aspect of our lives, we can always control our reactions. It reminds us that our true power lies not in outward achievements, but in our inner resilience and the purity of our actions. As we apply these lessons, we find not only peace within ourselves but also the strength to influence our world positively.
Living with this knowledge, we don’t just survive the storms; we learn the art of dancing in the rain. This alignment between ancient wisdom and contemporary experiences doesn’t just enrich our understanding—it transforms our entire way of being, enabling us to lead fulfilled and purposeful lives.
Thus, as we continue to explore and apply the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, let us strive to embody the virtues it extols. In doing so, we uphold a legacy of wisdom that has not only stood the test of time but also promises to guide countless generations to come.
