Regaining Hope Through Spiritual Readings and Gita Practises

Reflecting on my younger years, I remember a period when I lacked confidence and felt lost. It wasn't until 1969, at the age of 25, that a dear friend introduced me to a profound text that would eventually change my life: the Bhagavad Gita. My friend, through personal example, convinced me to approach the Gita as an advice to a soldier on the battlefield rather than a religious tome.

The Path to Perseverance

To regain my hope and confidence, I dedicated myself to studying the Bhagavad Gita along with related scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Upanishads. My journey began early in the morning, as I had to rise at 4:00 AM and spend 30 minutes extensively studying the Gita in its original Sanskrit alongside Hindi translations, the Mahabharata, and the Upanishads.

My Daily Ritual

Consistency was key. I would read three to four slokas (verses) daily, and when I encountered unfamiliar contexts, I referred to the Mahabharata. For greater understanding, I turned to the Upanishads for interpretations. It took me nearly two years to complete a thorough reading of the 700 slokas distributed across 18 chapters, supplemented by the relevant portions of the Mahabharata and the Upanishads.

Imparting the Lessons to Future Generations

My transformation didn't stop there. Later, in 1977, as a faculty member in an Institute of Technology (IIT), I observed that many academically bright students struggled with indecision and procrastination. They often found it hard to concentrate on their studies. The solution that worked for me and benefited many IIT students was consistently dedicating an hour daily to read a few slokas from the Gita along with the Mahabharata to comprehend the context, and the Upanishads for a deeper understanding of the teachings.

Empowering Students with Spiritual Wisdom

I encouraged many of my students to follow this routine. A few devoted up to three hours daily, leveraging their weekends for additional study. Within months, many achieved substantial academic improvements and excelled in their careers. They also abandoned any bad habits, such as alcohol, drugs, and smoking, finding greater peace and purpose in their lives.

Learning from Other Religions

Besides the Gita, I delved into the scriptures of the Abrahamic religions, recognizing the common threads and principles of altruism and ethical conduct. This journey of exploration and introspection culminated in a deeper understanding of the importance of upholding dharma (righteousness).

Practising Ruthlessness Against Adharma

One aspect of the Gita that resonated with me was its emphasis on being ruthless when dealing with adharma (unrighteous actions). The example of Arjuna and his motivation to fight and even kill his own kinsmen to protect dharma underscores this principle. This has been a guiding light for me in addressing societal and personal challenges, instilling a sense of justice and moral clarity.

In conclusion, the Bhagavad Gita and related scriptures have been instrumental in my journey to regain and sustain hope. Through daily ritual and personal study, I have witnessed transformative changes in individuals and communities alike. If you are seeking a path to renewed hope and clarity, embracing these ancient teachings might just be the way forward.