9 life-changing insights from the Bhagavad Gita that will help anyone feeling lost in life

Navigating life’s complexities can often leave us feeling lost and unsure of our path. In such moments, ancient wisdom can provide an unexpectedly refreshing perspective.

The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture, is one such reservoir of wisdom. It’s not just religious text, but a profound philosophical guide that addresses the dilemmas we face in life.

This sacred text offers insights that are timeless and universal. No matter where we are in our journey, these teachings can help us find our direction and purpose.

Here are nine life-changing insights from the Bhagavad Gita that can provide solace and clarity to anyone feeling lost in life.

1) Embrace the impermanence of life

A significant part of our distress in life arises from our resistance to change and our attachment to the transient. We cling to people, possessions, and circumstances, forgetting that everything in life is impermanent.

The Bhagavad Gita reminds us of this fundamental truth. It teaches us to accept change as an inherent part of life and view it not with fear, but with acceptance.

“Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good only” is a well-known verse from the Bhagavad Gita that encourages us to trust the flow of life.

This acceptance of impermanence can liberate us from our fears and anxieties about the future. It can guide us towards living fully in the present, knowing that every moment is fleeting and precious.

Embracing impermanence means recognizing our own temporary existence and making the most of our time here. It’s about living authentically, fearlessly, and in alignment with our deepest values.

This insight from the Bhagavad Gita can be a comforting beacon when we feel lost, reminding us that change is not only inevitable but also a path to growth and transformation.

2) Understand the true nature of the self

In our day-to-day life, we often identify ourselves with our bodies, our minds, our roles, our achievements, and our failures. But according to the Bhagavad Gita, these are not our true selves.

The Gita teaches us that beneath the surface of these transient identities lies the eternal soul or “Atman”. This inner self is immutable, infinite, and beyond physicality. Recognizing this true self within us can shift our perspective on life and help us navigate its challenges with greater serenity.

I’ve found a deep sense of peace in this understanding. It has helped me to detach from the rollercoaster of life’s ups and downs and find an inner stability.

This realization that we are not just our bodies or minds but eternal souls can bring a profound shift in our perspective. It can help us to loosen the grip of fear and worry, knowing that our true self remains untouched by life’s dramas.

As spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle wisely said, “You are not in the universe, you are the universe, an intrinsic part of it. Ultimately you are not a person, but a focal point where the universe is becoming conscious of itself. What an amazing miracle.”

This point aligns with this insight from the Bhagavad Gita, reminding us of our inherent interconnectedness with the cosmos and our role in its conscious evolution.

3) Let go of attachments

Life is a constant flow of experiences, and each one leaves an imprint on us. However, the Bhagavad Gita teaches us to engage with life without becoming overly attached to the outcomes of our actions. It encourages us to live fully, act sincerely, but always be ready to let go.

“Perform your duty equipoise, O Arjuna, abandoning all attachment to success or failure,” the Gita instructs. This timeless wisdom helps us to lessen our suffering by detaching from the fruits of our actions.

The main point here is to release the tight grip of expectations and open ourselves up to the full spectrum of possibilities. This can be a challenging concept to grasp, which is why I’ve created a video to explore this idea more deeply.

If you’re feeling stuck or anxious about where your life is heading, my video on “the illusion of happiness” might offer some clarity. In it, I challenge the common belief that pursuing happiness is the key to a fulfilling life and propose that true contentment comes from within. It’s about embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself.

You can watch the video here:

YouTube video

If you find value in my videos and want to join 20,000 others in exploring a life with more purpose and freedom, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel here. I’m dedicated to sharing insights and strategies that align with the wisdom of texts like the Bhagavad Gita to help you navigate your journey.

4) Take responsibility for your life

One of the most empowering teachings in the Bhagavad Gita is about self-accountability. It encourages us to take full ownership of our lives and understand that our current situation is largely a result of our past decisions.

Rather than blaming circumstances or other people for our predicaments, we are urged to look inward, identify where we might have erred, and make a conscious effort to improve.

In the Gita, Lord Krishna says to Arjuna, “You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.” This verse encourages us to focus on our actions without getting overly attached to the outcomes. It’s a call for us to take responsibility for our actions, knowing that we can control our efforts but not the results.

It’s raw and honest because it confronts us with the reality that we are the architects of our lives. It may be tough to swallow at times, but embracing this truth can be the first step towards real change and personal freedom.

5) Recognize the interconnectedness of all beings

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that we are all part of an intricate web of existence. It says that every living being, from the smallest insect to the largest elephant, is an integral part of the cosmos. This understanding can bring about a profound shift in how we view and interact with the world around us.

It challenges us to look beyond our individualistic approach to life and recognize our deep interconnectedness with all beings. It urges us to treat others with kindness and respect, not because it’s morally right, but because we’re all part of one cosmic family.

In the Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, “I am the same to all beings… I have no favorites, nor have I any enemies.” This encapsulates the essence of a universal love that transcends divisions and disparities.

This aligns with my belief in the fundamental dignity and worth of every individual. It’s raw and honest because it confronts us with a reality that’s often overlooked in our competitive society.

If you’re interested in exploring this concept further, my video on new age spiritual narcissism might offer some valuable insights. I delve into some of the misconceptions prevalent in new age circles and emphasize the importance of recognizing our shared humanity.

You can watch the video here:

YouTube video

6) Embrace your duty without attachment

The Bhagavad Gita introduces a powerful concept known as “Svadharma,” or one’s own duty. According to the Gita, each of us has a unique role to play in life, and fulfilling this role with diligence and sincerity is our highest duty.

But here’s the twist. The Gita also teaches us to perform our duties without any attachment to the results. This might seem paradoxical. After all, why should we commit to our responsibilities if we’re not invested in the outcome?

The wisdom here lies in understanding that our efforts are within our control, but the results often aren’t. When we let go of our expectations and focus solely on doing our best, we free ourselves from the anxiety of outcomes and find joy in the act itself.

7) Balance is key to a harmonious life

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us the importance of balance in all aspects of life. Whether it’s our duties, our desires, or our relationships, maintaining equilibrium is crucial for a harmonious existence.

In the Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to avoid extremes in his habits and lifestyle. “Yoga is not for him who eats too much or too little, nor for him who sleeps too much or too little”, he says. This underscores the importance of moderation in all aspects of life.

A balanced life isn’t just about regulating our physical activities. It also extends to our thoughts, emotions, and desires. It’s about finding that sweet spot between excess and deficiency where we can live with contentment and peace.

8) Compassion is the highest virtue

Compassion is a recurring theme in the Bhagavad Gita. Despite being a warrior, Arjuna is encouraged to fight with compassion, recognizing the divine presence in all beings.

The Gita teaches us that compassion involves recognizing the inherent unity of all life and treating everyone with respect and kindness.

“Strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world; by devotion to selfless work one attains the supreme goal of life”, says Lord Krishna in the Gita. This verse emphasizes selflessness and service as paths towards spiritual growth.

This aligns with my belief in the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships. Compassion strengthens these bonds and helps us create a more inclusive and empathetic world.

9) Spiritual growth is a continuous journey

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. It’s not a destination we reach but a path we continuously walk.

Arjuna, the protagonist of the Gita, evolves from a confused and reluctant warrior to a wise and enlightened being over the course of his conversation with Lord Krishna. This transformation is a testament to the power of self-awareness and personal growth.

The Gita encourages us to stay open to learning and growing, no matter where we are in our spiritual journey. It reminds us that each moment presents an opportunity for self-reflection and evolution.

The timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita

 These teachings, rooted in ancient wisdom, remain relevant even today, offering solace and guidance in our modern world.

From embracing the impermanence of life to recognizing our true self, from understanding the importance of duty to cultivating compassion, each insight offers a unique perspective to view life. They invite us to reflect, question, and probe deeper into our existence, fostering a sense of inner peace and equanimity.

Although the path of life may seem daunting at times, the Bhagavad Gita reminds us that we’re not alone in our journey. Its timeless wisdom can illuminate our path and help us navigate through life’s complexities with grace and resilience.

As we conclude this exploration of the Gita’s wisdom, I invite you to ponder on these insights and reflect on how they resonate with your personal journey. How can these teachings guide you when you feel lost? How can they inspire you to live a more authentic and fulfilling life?

If you found value in these insights and want to explore more about living a life of purpose and authenticity, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Join me and thousands of others as we navigate this incredible journey called life together.

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Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. As the co-founder of Ideapod, The Vessel, and a director at Brown Brothers Media, Justin has spearheaded platforms that significantly contribute to personal and collective growth. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

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