The Bhagavad Gita, a timeless yogic scripture dating back over two thousand years, unfolds profound lessons on life, purpose, and the practice of yoga. In this revered text, a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna transpires, offering guidance on various paths of yoga, including Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge).
One of the most impactful chapters for me has been Chapter III - The Way of Action (Karma Yoga). The fundamental teaching of Karma Yoga is recognizing that the outcome of our actions is not within our control. This understanding doesn't necessitate faith in any particular deity; it's a simple truth applicable to our daily lives. While results may fluctuate, the second lesson from the Gita is clear: Engage in your work with skill and dedication, maintaining equanimity in the face of life's ups and downs. This balanced state of thoughts and intellect is the essence of Yoga.
The Gita states, "Man does not attain freedom from action without entering upon action; nor does he reach perfection merely by ceasing to act." This captures the essence of Karma Yoga – perform your duties diligently but detach yourself from the results.
Yoga, over the years, has been my guide in learning about discipline, dedication, focus, and hard work. More importantly, it has been a teacher in letting life unfold naturally without attachment or expectations. Are we taking actions toward our goals, and can we find peace and calmness within ourselves during the journey? These questions find their answers in Yoga, particularly in the path of Karma Yoga.
The Gita urges us to perform our duties without attachment, a concept echoed in the lines, "He who restrains his senses with his mind and directs his organs of action to work with no feeling of attachment, he is indeed superior." This detachment from the fruits of our actions is the key to inner strength and resilience.
Yoga teaches us the art of living in the moment. True peace and freedom lie in embracing the present, as stressed by the powerful message from 'The Way of the Peaceful Warrior': "Where are you?...HERE. What time is it?...NOW. What are you?...THIS MOMENT."
In essence, Yoga is the pathway to mindfulness, inner calm, and the liberation from the burdens of the past and anxieties of the future. It's a journey of self-discovery and living authentically in each moment.
👌🏻nicely written 🎈