Living With Purpose: Wisdom From the Bhagavad Gita
One must do one’s duties, but one has no control over the fruits
I have been re-reading the Bhagavad Gita, a text rich with dense philosophical concepts that offer an abundance of fruits stemming from the same tree.
The term Bhagavad Gita, derived from Sanskrit, translates to Song of God.
It’s a small chapter within the epic saga known as the Mahabharata, a war that was fought around 3000 B.C. in Kurukshetra, India. This chapter comprises a conversation between the warrior Arjuna and Krishna, his charioteer, who symbolizes divinity.
Their dialogue delves into profound concepts such as dharma righteousness, devotion, and the nature of reality.
One notable principle is the emphasis on performing one’s duty without fixating on the outcomes. This perspective contrasts with Western modern-day teachings that prioritize results in both professional and personal spheres.
In the Gita, the focus lies on taking action and fulfilling one’s responsibilities to the best of one’s abilities, regardless of passion or immediate meaning, while attaching minimal concern to the fruits of those efforts.
Although this philosophy seems unfamiliar to me, I find myself drawn to it.
