It was on 30th January, 2020 when the relentless rage of this Covid-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency and we really started finding ourselves in the midst of an unprecedented global war; in times impregnated with murk. People started blaming this tragedy on Wuhan wet market, selling exotic animals i.e. to a down and out culture of directionless. Therefore in these times Gita can be seen as a support, a salutary preacher which can avoid self-destruction of this world lacking the inner depth of authentic metaphysical consciousness. Its teachings display a joyous serenity one receives in connection with the lord, our ‘Thakurji’, Krishna.
Bhagavad-gita gives an individual the way to live. The setting of the Bhagavad-gita is in a battlefield where Arjuna is confused and Lord Krishna becomes his mentor, gives him guidance so that he can start doing what he is meant to do. That’s what every person is going through. Everyone is in dilemma: “What to do, what not to do?”
Then Krishna guides Arjuna and tells him to make his own choices. Krishna acts as his facilitator and empowers Arjuna to understand that he is way more powerful than those whom he is going to face in the battlefield.
Everyone seeks pleasure and is searching for happiness but that’s aimless for we know not its real meaning; henceforth we are bearing the consequences. We need to cut through all sorts of commercialism and aim at lasting loving union with Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna because he promises that he is our friend and will always help us in our miseries (BG 7.14):
“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto ‘Me’ can easily cross beyond it.”
We need to understand that this planet is nothing but a material manifestation, a place where there is danger in every step-‘padam padam yad vipadam’.
Thereafter Bhagavad-gita has rightly conveyed the simple principle “Live simply so others can simply live”. It may be hard to accept but the natural world is not meant for our sense gratification. This is one of the basic panaceas to all our problems; Bhagavad-gita has been telling and retelling us: to be what we are really meant to be-humble and compassionate.
Bhagavad-gita is an ultimate health guide as well for we are duly informed that foods such as milk and products made from milk, grains, fruits, and vegetables “increase the duration of our life, purify our existence, and promote strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction.” It also informs us about external and internal cleanliness.
Continuing in this respect, procrastination has emerged as a serious problem in lockdown but Gita tells us to act diligently, gradually increase the influence of sattva guna so that procrastination diminishes proportionately.
“One who engages fully in Bhakti Yoga at once transcends the Gunas and comes to the level of Brahman (BG 14.26).”
Gita wisdom also helps us address grief by outlining three-level vision of the self: body, mind and soul. The mind is a material element and it gets easily wounded by our bereavement. Much prevalent in these times and some losses may wound us so deeply that we may never move on from them but still we can learn to move on with them. Gita insight helps us to understand that while the body is destructible; the soul is indestructible (BG 02.18). This helps us to re-envision grief by strengthening our will explaining that our loved ones continue to exist even after their bodily death.
There’s a particular verse from the second chapter of Bhagavad-gita where we are told to learn to tolerate the ups and down and not be distracted what we are going through. We need to understand that every reversal has a hidden meaning; even if all that happens is not good, it can be for good. The Bhagavad-gita assures that the Supreme is benevolent and he oversees and sanctions whatever happens (BG 13.23). Such predicaments or tragedies are opportunities to reveal our greatest strengths. Moreover such unpalatable experiences are the result of our own karmas. Chaitanya Charan Prabhuji has affirmed: “To get the consequences of our wrongdoings may feel like misfortune, but it can save us from misfortune.”
The age of Kali is very unfortunate and to counteract the dreadful situation in this age Bhagwad-gita and Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given a simple formula: “Just always chant Hare Krishna”. This is the most important advice which kind of resonates with each and every person. This way we start looking at the presence of divinity; feel the splendor of Creator and creation.
“Yes, brief is life;
So be not vain of thy small worldly works,
But sing, sing, and ever sing
The Name divine!”
Regards,
Rachit Bansal 19 year Old
