Gita offers a roadmap for holistic self-development, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
Its teachings on Dharma (duty), Karma (action), and Bhakti (devotion) provide practical guidance for leading a purposeful and ethical life.Moreover, the Gita provides insights into personality development, emotional mastery, and the attainment of Moksha (liberation).
Its universal principles resonate across disciplines like psychology, philosophy, and leadership, offering a framework for self-realisation and collective well-being.
A LOOK INTO LIFE
The Bhagavad Gita often referred to as the essence of the Upanishads. Known as Brahmavidya or “Superior Knowledge,” it offers timeless insights into life, existence, and cosmic truths. Despite being composed millennia ago, the Gita remains relevant today, providing practical teachings for navigating the complexities of modern life. Its wisdom extends across diverse fields like management, leadership, psychology, and medicine.
The Gita emphasizes Beeja Sanskara, which means pre-conception practices. It also stresses Garbha Sanskara, which are post-conception practices. Through the concept of Atmaja Bhava, it highlights the importance of establishing a deep connection with the unborn child. These practices, rooted in Ayurveda and Yoga, nurture wisdom, emotional stability, and virtuous qualities in the foetus, fostering holistic development. The scripture also underscores the importance of Satvika Ahara, a pure, balanced diet.
During pregnancy, this diet supports the physical health of the mother and foetus. It also nurtures emotional and spiritual harmony. This lays the foundation for a well-rounded individual.
Do not consider the Gita as the book of any person, caste, creed, country, or religion. It is a guide to personal, mental, social, and spiritual resilience and adaptability.
MODERN CHALLENGES
Its teachings on perseverance, balance, and inner strength resonate deeply with those facing modern challenges. The Gita’s perspective on energy and cosmic balance aligns with contemporary scientific principles.
The Gita’s teachings influence Ayurvedic principles, particularly in prenatal care. It identifies six essential Bhavas contributing to foetal development: Matruja Bhava (mother’s qualities) Pitruja Bhava (father’s qualities) Atmaja Bhava (soul connection) Satmyaja Bhava (compatibility)Rasaja Bhava (nutrition) Satvaja Bhava (mental stability)
These emphasise the importance of parental health, nutrition, emotional well-being, and spiritual alignment in shaping the child’s future. Such principles form the core of Garbha Sanskara practices, increasingly recognised in modern prenatal care for their holistic approach.
One of the Gita’s most profound teachings is the concept of Sthitaprajna. This idea of remaining unaffected by success or failure, challenges or triumphs, is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world. Cultivating such equanimity fosters mental resilience and emotional stability, enabling individuals to navigate life’s ups and downs with composure.
The Gita advocates an integrated approach to Ahar (diet), Vihar (lifestyle), Nidra (sleep), Achar (conduct), and Vichar (thoughts).
These elements must work cohesively to promote comprehensive health and wellness. This holistic philosophy supports inter-science and intra-science integration in medicine. Intra-science integration ensures effective management of chronic conditions by coordinating all aspects of a medical system. Inter-science integration utilizes the strengths of multiple systems to provide optimal care. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing both acute and chronic conditions.
In conclusion, the enduring relevance of the Bhagavad Gita lies in its universal message of harmony, balance, and self-awareness. It inspires individuals and societies towards holistic growth and ethical living.
The Gita guides inner conflicts and addresses societal complexities. It remains an effective tool for achieving balance. It fosters resilience and promotes self-mastery in an ever-changing world.
(Dr Naresh Purohit is Advisor National Reproductive and Child Health Programme. The views and opinion expressed in this article are those of the author)
