5 Important Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita

Focus on your action and not on the results: (BG 2.47)

Simply said, you must constantly put your attention on your own actions rather than the results they produce.

Which do you think is more crucial: Results or Actions? 

activities are obviously important since improving your activities will lead to better results.

Focus on the sure (actions), not on the unsure (results). Because if the results are not as per your expectations, pain is unavoidable.

Lord Krishna also stated that you should never believe yourself to be the source of the results since they are not exclusively dependent on your efforts. It is dependent on a variety of things, such as the scenario, other persons involved, and so on.

Also, do not tie yourself to inaction (निष्क्रियता), because we sometimes turn to inaction when the task is difficult and burdensome. So never lose interest in your work.

Be fearless – Consciousness within you is neither born nor does it ever die (BG 2.20)

Be unperturbed. "Fear of Death" is our greatest fear in life. We are all aware that we will die one day. But don't be concerned.

The consciousness within us is glorious, fearless, free from old age, and immortal. Death is solely the destruction of the body. The consciousness is neither born nor does it ever die.

It has always existed and will continue to exist. Remove the dread of death from your head since it produces a deterrent in everything you wish to pursue in life.

Three gateways to downfall and self-destruction – Lust, Greed, and Anger: (BG 16.21)

Lust, greed, and rage are the paths that lead to one's demise and self-destruction. These are the core causes of almost every difficulty in human existence.

If a person is lustful, greedy, and remains angry, then this leads to the downfall of self-destruction.

It all begins with desire. Greed results from lust because you desire more and more of something in any way possible.

Finally, when you are no longer able to have that thing, your passion changes to rage. This is associated with self-destruction since it undermines your peace of mind.

So, lust, greed, and anger actually disturb the balance of mind and consciousnesses. These things block the spiritual path and are therefore called the gateways to self-destruction.

Learn to tolerate – Nothing is permanent in this world: (BG 2.14)

In nature, winters and summers are just ephemeral. Similarly, pleasure and misery are transient (anityāḥ). They will come (āgama) and go (anityāḥ).

Tough times will come and go away. Learn to tolerate them without being affected by them. Nothing is permanent in this world.

The only thing that never changes is itself. So don't be concerned!

Become stable like the ocean: (BG 2.70)

Rivers blend in the ocean 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the ocean maintains steady despite the constant influx of water from rivers.

Endless thoughts will flood your head, much like the waters of a river. It is quite natural. Nothing to be concerned about.

Bad ideas also hit the psyche. However, you will only find serenity in your life if you remain stable, like the ocean, regardless of the poisonous ideas that come to you.

Reject the thoughts that take you away from your aim. Remove the temptations and wants that keep you from achieving your ultimate aim. Learn to make decisions. Do not allow your mind to take control of your life. Instead, take charge of your mind and make it work for you.

Just say to yourself and act upon it: “I will not fulfill every desire of mine. I will only fulfill those desires which are focused and going to help me in reaching my ultimate goal in life”.