Gita to Go: Simple Steps for Daily Spiritual Practice
The Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata. It is a conversation between the warrior Arjuna and the god Krishna that takes place on the battlefield of the Kurukshetra. At the start of the conversation, Arjuna is struggling with feelings of doubt and despair, and he seeks guidance from Krishna on how to proceed.
Krishna responds by explaining the concept of dharma, or moral duty, and the importance of fulfilling one's role in life. He also teaches Arjuna about the nature of the self, the eternal nature of the soul, and the ultimate goal of spiritual realization. Through the course of their conversation, Krishna helps Arjuna overcome his doubts and fears, and he emerges as a more enlightened and confident person.
The teachings of the Gita follow a non-dualistic philosophy that transcends race, religion, gender, and economics. Its message is universal and applicable to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Gita teaches that the ultimate goal of life is to realize the true nature of the self and to become liberated from the cycle of reincarnation. To achieve this goal, the Gita identifies four major paths or "yogas": Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga.
Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom. It is based on the belief that the ultimate goal of spiritual development is to realize the true nature of the self and the universe. Those who follow Jnana Yoga seek to gain knowledge through study, contemplation, and meditation, and to use this knowledge to achieve enlightenment.
Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion and love. It is based on the belief that the ultimate goal of spiritual development is to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with a deity or higher power. Those who follow Bhakti Yoga seek to achieve this through acts of devotion and service, such as prayer, worship, and chanting.
Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action. It is based on the belief that the ultimate goal of spiritual development is to become liberated from the cycle of reincarnation through selfless action. Those who follow Karma Yoga seek to achieve this through acts of service and by performing their duties without attachment to the results of their actions.
Raja Yoga is the path of meditation and self-control. It is based on the belief that the ultimate goal of spiritual development is to achieve control over the mind and emotions through the practice of meditation and other techniques of self-control. Those who follow Raja Yoga seek to achieve this through the discipline of the body, the mind, and the senses.
Here are ten easy ways to incorporate the teachings of the Gita and the Yogas into your everyday life:
Practice mindfulness and self-awareness through meditation and other techniques of self-control.
Cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy towards others.
Practice acts of selfless service and help those in need.
Seek to gain knowledge and wisdom through study and contemplation.
Cultivate a sense of devotion and connection to a higher power.
Perform your duties and responsibilities to the best of your ability, without attachment to the results.
Seek to understand the true nature of the self and the universe.
Cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment.
Treat all beings with respect and kindness.
Seek to live in harmony with the natural world.
It's important to note that people do not need to be physically advanced to practice Yoga and the teachings of the Gita. The Gita teaches us not to be overly concerned about the physical practice as much as the mental and spiritual practices. While it is important to maintain a healthy body as a conduit to divine realization, the focus of the Gita's teachings and the traditional Yoga practices is not solely on the physical aspect.
If you're ready to begin your journey of spiritual growth and self-realization, consider incorporating the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Yogas into your daily life. Remember, you don't need to be physically advanced to practice Yoga and you don't need to be a Hindu to benefit from the universal wisdom of the Gita. Whether you're a seasoned spiritual seeker or just starting out on your path, the Gita has something to offer everyone. So why wait? Start exploring the Gita and the Yogas today, and discover the path to inner peace, fulfillment, and enlightenment.