9 lessons from the Bhagavad Gita on finding balance in life

We all seek balance in life. But do we ever really find it?

I know. It often feels like a never-ending struggle.

You try to evenly distribute your time and energy between work, family, personal growth and everything else life throws at you. And what do you get in return?

You guessed it…more chaos and less peace.

Sometimes it can feel like you’re just a puppet on the strings of life, constantly being pulled in different directions with no control.

If this resonates with you, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

Many of us are sailing in the same boat, trying to find that elusive balance in life.

But what if I told you that the answers to all your dilemmas lie in the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita? Yes, you heard it right.

Today, I’ll share with you nine lessons from this sacred text that have helped me find balance in my own life.

Some may sound challenging.

Just remember, I’m not here to preach but to share my journey of finding balance through these timeless teachings.

Maybe you’re familiar with some of them already…

…let’s see.

1. Let Go of the Outcome

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from the Bhagavad Gita is to detach myself from the outcomes of my actions.

For a long time, I was fixated on the results. Whether it was a project at work or a personal goal, I would stress over the outcome, losing sleep and peace of mind over something I couldn’t control.

Then, I came across this verse from the Gita: “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”

It was an eye-opener. I realized my job was simply to do my best, and then let go. It was tough at first, but gradually, it led me to a sense of peace and balance.

2. Embrace Change

The Bhagavad Gita taught me to accept change as a part of life.

I remember when I switched jobs a few years ago. I was anxious about leaving behind familiar faces and routines and stepping into an unknown world.

Then, one day while reading the Gita, I came across this: “Change is the law of the universe. You can be a millionaire, or a pauper in an instant.”

It made me realize that change is inevitable. We can either resist it or embrace it. Accepting this truth helped me transition smoothly into my new role and maintain balance in my life.

I hope these lessons resonate with you as much as they did with me… let’s continue discovering more.

3. The Importance of Duty

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duty, or Dharma, without concern for personal gain. This concept forms the cornerstone of the teachings in this ancient text.

In the battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna, a great warrior, was torn about going into battle against his own family. Krishna, his charioteer and guide, advised him that it was his duty as a warrior to fight, regardless of who was on the opposing side.

Interestingly, this concept is echoed in many professions today. For instance, in medicine, there’s something called the Hippocratic Oath which doctors take. It obliges them to provide care to anyone who needs it, irrespective of their personal feelings towards the patient.

By focusing on performing our duties selflessly, we can find balance in life and experience a sense of fulfillment.

4. The Power of Selfless Love

The Bhagavad Gita talks about the transformative power of love, not just any kind of love, but selfless love.

This teaching reminds me of an old woman in my neighborhood who was known for her acts of kindness. She was always there to lend a helping hand, whether it was cooking for someone who was ill or simply offering a comforting shoulder to cry on.

She once told me that her actions were inspired by a verse from the Bhagavad Gita: “Selfish attachment has perished, he has lost all sense of possessiveness… such devotees are very dear to me.”

This simple yet profound message made me realize that when we love and serve others selflessly, we don’t just help them; we help ourselves too. It brings a sense of balance and fulfillment that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.

5. Embracing Imperfections

One of the most liberating lessons from the Bhagavad Gita for me has been the acceptance of imperfections.

For years, I’ve struggled with the idea of perfection. Whether it was trying to maintain a flawless work record or striving to be the ‘perfect’ friend, I was constantly battling my own expectations.

Then, I stumbled upon this passage from the Gita: “We are all born imperfect. It’s our imperfections that make us unique and human.”

This was a game-changer for me. I began to see my imperfections not as flaws but as parts of my individuality. I stopped chasing perfection and started embracing my authentic self.

This shift in perspective brought a newfound balance in my life, making me more at peace with myself and the world around me.

6. Living in the Present

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment.

It says, “The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.”

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get lost in the regrets of the past or anxieties about the future. But the Gita reminds us that true peace and balance can only be found when we focus on the present moment.

7. The Power of Patience

Patience is a virtue often praised in the Bhagavad Gita.

In a world that’s always rushing us to move faster and achieve more, this teaching is a breath of fresh air. It reminds us to slow down, be patient with ourselves and others, and trust in the rhythm of life.

Practicing patience has helped me find balance amidst the chaos of life, making me more resilient in facing challenges.

8. Finding Inner Peace

According to the Gita, true peace comes from within.

It states, “A person can achieve everything by being simple and humble.” This has taught me that true contentment and balance cannot be found in external achievements or possessions but lies within ourselves.

By cultivating humility and simplicity, we can find inner peace that radiates outward, bringing harmony and balance to every aspect of our lives.

9. The Oneness of All Beings

Lastly, the Bhagavad Gita teaches us about the oneness of all beings.

This principle has deeply influenced my perspective on life. Seeing everyone around me as a part of the same universal consciousness has fostered empathy and kindness in my interactions with others.

Understanding this interconnection brings a sense of balance to our lives as we realize our actions affect not just us but everyone around us.

In conclusion, these nine lessons from the Bhagavad Gita have provided me with valuable insights into finding balance in life. Whether it’s letting go of outcomes, embracing change, performing our duties, practicing selfless love, accepting imperfections, living in the present, practicing patience, finding inner peace, or understanding the oneness of all beings – each one of these teachings can guide us towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.