In today’s modern times, wherever one looks one is surrounded by rampant consumerism. There is plenty of everything for those with the means to buy it. Exotic foods from all over, the most advanced gadgets, the latest gizmos – anything and everything is available at the click of a button! Everything comes with a handy how-to-use manual, whether it is a mobile phone, a washing machine or a mixie. But when it comes to understanding life and the purpose of living, we falter, for we have no clue!
Fortunately, Lord Krishna’s divine song, the venerable Srimad Bhagavad Gita, comes to our rescue. It is the most comprehensive ‘manual’ one can have to live life from an enlightened perspective. Scriptures are not meant for mere reading, rather, only if an enlightened master ‘decodes’ them, can their wisdom be understood and applied in day-to-day life.
Speaking on ‘The Relevance Of The Srimad Bhagavad Gita In Daily Life’, revered master Anandmurti Gurumaa explained that times might have changed, yet the deep-rooted trio - anger, greed, and desire - still pervades the mind, strong as ever. In fact today in society there is so much of aggression, anger, violence, and hostility that we can say that not just one, but crores of Dhritarashtras and Duryodhans are out there! Wanting to have it all at any cost, lusting for power, money, and status.
As Lord Krishna expounds to Arjuna, it is desire which is at the root of suffering, and desires are never-ending. Unfulfilled desire gives rise to anger, overwhelming mind, and clouding the intellect. However, when desires are fulfilled, one lusts for more and more. Mind is thus a huge bottomless pit – you can go on filling it with all you want but it always remains unfilled, till it gets what it is yearning for – Ananda— the pure bliss. But how does one tap this inner bliss?
Revered master Anandmurti Gurumaa explains that it was only after Arjuna surrendered to Lord Krishna seeking knowledge as a disciple, reverently, with humility and devotion, that the Lord expounded the Bhagavad Gita. And it was this priceless wisdom that smashed Arjuna’s delusion, freeing him from the bondage of ignorance and bestowing everlasting bliss.
Arjuna’s predicament is universal. Like Arjuna, we too often find ourselves at crossroads in life, facing challenges and decisions, not knowing what to do, wondering how to remain equanimous in the midst of all the turbulence.
Lord Krishna explains how it is the interplay of the three gunas - sattvaguna, rajoguna and tamoguna which pervades everything. In the Gita, the Pandavas symbolize sattva – truth, purity, virtue, honesty, nobility, whereas the Kauravas stand for the preponderance of tamoguna – arrogance, pride, laziness, ill will, jealousy.
The predominance of rajoguna makes the mind restless, looking for excitement and titillation; rajoguni mind is never really tranquil and peaceful. According to these guidelines, one should thus introspect, observe, analyze and work on one’s own mind, performing actions that are onward-leading, increasing sattvaguna, rather than disparaging others. The company we keep thus has a huge impact on our life.
Whether one is an aspirant on the spiritual path or a businessman, student or housewife, professional or trader, Gita’s profound message is for every single person aspiring to learn the principles of living. It is indeed time to delve deep into the timeless wisdom of Lord Krishna’s celestial song, the Bhagavad Gita, for it comes to us as a beacon of light, leading us out of the darkness of ignorance and awakening us to our inherent godliness.
Drawn from talk on ‘Relevance of Srimad Bhagavad Gita in daily life.’ At Siri Fort, New Delhi – 2016
The in-depth elucidations of Srimad Bhagavad Gita by the compassionate Master Anandmurti Gurumaa carrying the heart of Sri Krishna's message are available in both detailed and concise formats through the medium of books and videos. For more details, check out the store link here.
