Bhagavad Gita Life Lessons: Transformative Insights from Swami Mukundananda

JKYog Team -

From the Editor’s Desk

The Bhagavad Gita offers eternal wisdom that has guided seekers through centuries, enabling them to understand their inner selves and align with a higher purpose. As a manual for living, the sacred scripture provides perspicacious gems that equip souls with a purpose, peace, and divine connection. However, to truly appreciate the deep and divine knowledge, one must value the descending process and learn from a true Guru.

Inspired by Swami Mukundananda ji’s profound wisdom that permeates each spoken and written word of the Bhagavad Gita, this issue of JKYog’s E-Journal Samarpan presents a small piece of the vast knowledge. It focuses on five critical concepts for spiritual empowerment toward God-realization with practical tools for inner transformation. Each of these concepts is illustrated by examples from the lives of Hindu Saints narrated by Swamiji in the recent spiritual retreats and/or his recently published book, Nourish Your Soul: Inspirations from and Lives of Great Saints.

Vedic Wisdom & Application

Learn Transformative Insights on the Bhagavad Gita from Swami Mukundananda

Theme of the Month

Bhagavad Gita Life Lessons: Transformative Insights from Swami Mukundananda

Reflection Questions

  • How can we uplift our lives from mere existence to a meaningful, spiritually enriched experience?
  • How did the saints embody the critical concepts for spiritual empowerment toward God-realization?

The Bhagavad Gita is an eternal spiritual treatise that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, offering solutions to life’s deepest dilemmas. It is not merely a philosophical text but a manual for life transformation, teaching us how to harmonize worldly responsibilities with spiritual aspirations. Addressing the human condition marked by inner conflict, stress, and attachment, Shree Krishna imparts divine wisdom to elevate the mind from despair to enlightenment.

Swami Mukundananda ji beautifully elucidates how the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on detachment, selfless action, devotion, and surrender, empower individuals to rise above dualities, discover their eternal identity as divine souls, and find ultimate fulfillment in Yog or union with God. Each chapter represents the science of how to connect the mind with God, therefore, each one is a form of Yog. It provides practical guidance and inspires seekers to lead a purposeful life rooted in virtue, balance, and transcendental joy.

In this issue, we have selected five broad concepts that address both Reflection Questions above and offer guidance to spiritual aspirants on living a life with a higher purpose.

While none of us possess the wherewithal to articulate anything about the Holy Bhagavad Gita, with blessings from our Guru, Shree Swami Mukundananda ji, we present these concepts as an integral part of our sadhana. 

1. The Eternal Soul and Inner Peace

In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, inner peace becomes a much-desired haven. Yet, true peace eludes us, especially when we identify ourselves with fleeting aspects of existence, i.e., our bodies, social roles, and material possessions. The Bhagavad Gita reveals that beneath these transient identities lies our true self – the soul, which is eternal, unchanging, and indestructible. Shree Krishna reveals the soul's indestructible nature in this beautiful verse:

नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावक: |
न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुत: || 23||

nainam chhindanti shastrani nainam dahati pavakah
na chainam kledayantyapo na shoshayati marutah

Weapons cannot shred the soul, nor can fire burn it. Water cannot wet it, nor can the wind dry it. (BG 2.23)

This verse serves as a foundation for understanding our true, eternal identity beyond the physical body. Swamiji emphasizes that recognizing this eternal identity frees us from the fears and anxieties that stem from bodily attachments. When we perceive ourselves as immortal souls, untouched by material gains and losses, we anchor ourselves in an enduring peace that cannot be shaken by life’s ups and downs.

An example of identifying with the eternal soul is exemplified in the life of Shree Raman Maharshi. The Saint’s realization of his true nature as the eternal soul, or Atman, had a profound impact on how he faced life's most difficult external circumstances. This realization came to him spontaneously at the age of 16 years when a sense of fear and death struck him. This event marked the beginning of his deep and transformative spiritual journey. By contemplating the question of his identity, he realized that the true self is beyond the body and mind.

This understanding led Shree Raman Maharshi to a profound detachment from worldly concerns and a deep sense of peace. Even in the face of severe physical challenges such as illness, poverty, or separation from his family, he remained unaffected by external conditions. After his realization, he lived in a state of inner stillness and awareness. Despite the external dangers or hardships, he had no fear because he understood that fear arose from identification with the body and the ego. Once he transcended this identification, he became free from fear of illness, death, or other challenges.

The above example will enable us to develop a deep-seated tranquility, a refuge within, allowing us to face challenges with courage and composure. By meditating on our spiritual essence, as explained by Shree Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, we may find peace that empowers us to live fully yet unattached to the outcomes of our actions.

The Source of Inner Peace is the Knowledge of the Eternal Nature of the Soul

Similarly, Shree Krishna explained to Arjun that inner peace is attained by renouncing desires (BG 2.71). Swamiji emphasizes that peace emerges when the mind is free from cravings and attachments. True tranquility is reached not by fulfilling worldly desires, but by relinquishing them and anchoring the mind in God.

2. Duty and Karm Yog: Acting Without Attachment

The modern-day dilemma of balancing multiple responsibilities often leads to stress, especially when we are overly invested in the outcomes of our actions. The Bhagavad Gita introduces us to Karm Yog, the art of performing our duties with loving devotion to God, yet without attachment to results. This practice, as Swamiji explains, does not imply neglect of our duties but rather involves performing them with an attitude of service to the Divine.

When we see our actions as an offering to God, it creates a profound shift in our mindsets. Work becomes a form of worship, and success or failure in worldly terms no longer dictates our self-worth. Instead, our focus shifts to the sincerity of our efforts, letting go of the anxieties tied to specific results. This mindset naturally purifies the heart, fosters humility, and enables us to act with greater clarity and resilience, all while feeling connected to a purpose higher than ourselves.

This concept is beautifully explained in the well-known Bhagavad Gita verse 2.47, which presents the guiding principle of Karm Yog. It instructs us to perform our duties without being attached to the results. Swamiji clarifies that attachment to outcomes binds us to the cycle of karm, while focusing solely on the action liberates the soul from the pride of doership and self-centered interests. By dedicating the fruits of our work to God, we rise above self-centered motives and align with divine will.

Duty (Attachment to Results) vs. Karm Yog (Action Without Attachment to Outcomes)

The lesson to be learned is to offer every action to God. As Shree Krishna explained to Arjun in another beautiful verse:

यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत् |
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् || 27||

yat karoshi yad ashnasi yaj juhoshi dadasi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kurushva mad-arpanam

Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer as oblation to the sacred fire, whatever you bestow as a gift, and whatever austerities you perform, O son of Kunti, do them as an offering to Me. (BG 9.27)

In His commentary, Swamiji teaches that such dedication transforms mundane activities like eating, drinking, etc. into acts of devotion, purifying the heart and deepening our connection to the divine. A beautiful example of this principle is Sant Kabir (p. 90).

Sant Kabir, a poet-saint at the start of the Bhakti movement, faced immense challenges in his life, including social rejection, intolerance of his doctrine, and economic hardships. Despite these adversities, Kabir remained unwavering in his devotion to God and commitment to truth. His courage stemmed from his deep faith and love for God.

Kabirdas ji emphasized the importance of internal devotion over external displays of religiosity. He criticized those who outwardly renounced the world but remained attached to it mentally. He advocated for and practiced genuine internal renunciation and constant remembrance of God while performing one's duties, making him a true Karm Yogi.

Kabir ji’s life as a weaver was marked by simplicity. He remained free from arrogance even when he gained followers. When criticized, he often responded with humility, acknowledging that he was a servant of God, focusing only on his duty to serve.

3. Mind Management and Self-Mastery

The mind, with its restless thoughts and desires, can be the greatest obstacle on the spiritual path. Unchecked desires often lead to attachment, frustration, and even anger, as described in the Bhagavad Gita. These emotions cloud our judgment and pull us away from our true purpose. Swamiji points out that learning to control the mind and its impulses is essential for self-mastery. This is not a skill acquired overnight; it requires persistent practice and the courage to withdraw from harmful habits.

In Verses 2.62 and 2.63, Shree Krishna outlines the slippery path when the obstruction of intense sensual desires leads to anger, delusion, and ultimately destruction or spiritual downfall of the soul. This happens when the intellect is deluded and people lose the ability to discriminate between virtuous and evil actions. Swamiji explains that such mental afflictions obstruct devotion to God. Therefore, one must learn to let go of both worldly attachments and aversions to attach the mind to God in loving devotion.

Arjun himself expresses the challenge of controlling the mind (Verse 6.34), comparing it to taming the wind. Shree Krishna’s response highlights two powerful strategies – practice (i.e., abhyas) and detachment (i.e., vairagya). Swamiji explains that by regularly practicing detachment from worldly pleasures and redirecting our focus to divine love, we can gradually calm the mind’s turbulence. It has to do with subduing the senses that crave temporary and unsatiable pleasures in favor of higher levels of spiritual happiness.

Lack of Mind Management vs. Self-Mastery (Choose Wisely, Resist Unhealthy Items)

When the mind is disciplined and centered, it transforms into a powerful ally on the spiritual journey, guiding us toward a life of balance, equanimity, and inner strength. We can take lessons from the incredible mastery over the mind exemplified by Sant Eknath.

Sant Eknath’s mastery over his mind was a result of unwavering devotion, spiritual discipline, and his ability to see God in all beings. One of the most famous incidents from Sant Eknath’s life demonstrates his exemplary mind control and tolerance. A Muslim pathan, seeking to provoke him, spat on him when he emerged from the Narmada River after his morning bath. Sant Eknath chanting the name of Rukhmini-Vitthal, calmly went back to bathe. The man spat on him again. Sant Eknath refused to react with anger or judgment and continued to return to the river to bathe. Eventually, the man relented, and Sant Eknath blessed him with compassion, seeing the divine will in the incident.

4. Faith and Devotion: The Path to Divine Grace

Faith and devotion constitute the heartbeat of the spiritual journey, turning an intellectual understanding of God into a personal and loving relationship. In one of the most reassuring verses, Shree Krishna explains the power of single-minded focus on Him.

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जना: पर्युपासते |
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् || 22||

ananyash chintayanto mam ye janah paryupasate
tesham nityabhiyuktanam yoga-kshemam vahamyaham

There are those who always think of Me and engage in exclusive devotion to Me. To them, whose minds are always absorbed in Me, I provide what they lack and preserve what they already possess. (BG 9.22)

Swamiji so beautifully explains what God provides and protects: “God promises two things. The first is yog—He bestows His devotees the spiritual assets they do not possess.  The second is kṣhem—He protects the spiritual assets that His devotees already possess.” This verse embodies the Law of Grace, where God takes responsibility for His devotees, freeing them from anxiety about worldly needs. It reinforces the belief that true devotion has the power to draw divine grace into our lives. Such devotion is based on knowledge-based faith where the desire to serve God supersedes all material desires.

It is one’s resolute faith that translates into loving devotion to God, thinking of Him as one’s own. In this sentiment, any offering to God is an act of love. Swamiji emphasizes that it is not the grandeur of our offering but the sincerity of devotion that attracts God’s love. Whether a devotee offers a tulsi leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, if given with genuine devotion, it pleases God (Bhagavad Gita 9.26). The heartwarming story of how Shree Krishna accepted the banana peels lovingly offered by Vidurani illustrates this principle.

Shree Krishna Lovingly Accepted the Banana Peels Offered by Vidurani in Devotion

Absolute faith and devotion to God are exemplified in the life of Sant Meerabai (p. 5).

Saint Meerabai was a Rajput princess in the 16th century Bharat (i.e., India). Her life reflects pure and unwavering devotion to Shree Krishna which was beautifully expressed in her bhajans (i.e., devotional songs). Despite opposition from her family and society, she single-mindedly devoted herself to her Giridhar Gopal (Shree Krishna). Her intense desire for God resulted in Him coming to her in the form of Giridhar Gopal.

Saint Meerabai’s faith and love were so intense that she remained unaffected by worldly criticism, the lure of material comfort, or even threats to her life. Whether it was fearlessly drinking poison offered to her as Shree Krishna’s charnamrit (i.e., nectar of His feet), or walking the palace grounds where a tiger was left loose to kill her, Meerabai’s unshakable faith in God’s protection is unparalleled. Her devotion to God, transformed the mind into a vessel for divine love, free from worldly distractions and attachments.

Such faith is not blind but rather a deep trust that whatever happens in life is under God’s loving watch. As we cultivate this trust, we release fears and worries, knowing that our lives are in divine hands. This faith acts as a shield, helping us remain unshaken amid trials, and fuels our desire to live a life of service, compassion, and unwavering surrender.

5. Surrender and Dependence on God/Guru

Surrendering the intellect to God involves letting go of the ego’s need for control, exercising its will, and fully and exclusively trusting in God/Guru’s wisdom.

In the Bhagavad Gita Verse 4.34, Shree Krishna gently urges Arjun and modern-day seekers to approach a true Guru with humility and a thirst for divine knowledge. Upon connecting with a Brahmanishta (i.e., a God-realized Saint) and Shotriya (i.e., endowed with scriptural knowledge) Guru, one must humbly serve Him and ultimately surrender all personal ambitions and depend solely on the divine plan. This is because the material mind is not equipped to grasp the depths of deep spiritual truths.

Intellectual surrender attracts divine grace, turning life’s apparent setbacks into transformative experiences. When we no longer resist God/Guru’s plan, we open ourselves to receive His guidance, and life flows harmoniously, leading us toward a state of joy and inner freedom. Particularly, Verse 18.66 calls for complete surrender to God.

सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज |
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुच: || 66||

sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo mokshayishyami ma shuchah

Abandon all varieties of dharmas and simply surrender unto Me alone. I shall liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear. (BG 18.66)

Swamiji explains that seekers must abandon all forms of material dharma or duties in favor of para dharma or spiritual duties as the eternal servant of God. Such a devotional practice prepares the vessel of the heart for receiving divine grace, dissolving ignorance of endless lifetimes, and guiding us toward the light of divine knowledge and love of God.

Complete Surrender and Dependence on God Results in Divine Grace

Almost all the Bhakti Saints’ primary message through their life’s example has been that of complete surrender to God. One such personality was Sant Tukaram (p. 70).

Sant Tukaram, a prominent saint of the Bhakti Movement, is celebrated for his surrender and unwavering dependence on Bhagvan Panduranga Vitthal (a form of Shree Krishna). He faced severe hardships, including the loss of his parents, his first wife, children, and financial ruin. Despite these challenges, he relied entirely on God for solace and support. His trials only deepened his devotion, showing his complete dependence on God’s will. After losing his wealth, Tukaram chose to dedicate his life to devotion rather than rebuild his material prosperity. He expressed the futility of worldly pursuits in his abhangas (i.e., devotional songs) and surrendered his ego, desires, and possessions to God.

Once, when the villagers mocked and ridiculed him for neglecting his duties as a trader, Sant Tukaram remained unperturbed, saying he was not the doer—everything was in God's hands. When the local Brahmins criticized his poetry, accusing him of being unqualified to compose devotional verses, he humbly obeyed their demand to immerse his manuscripts in the Indrayani River. However, the Bhakya-Vashya Lord Vitthal Himself restored the writings, floating them back to the surface, affirming that Sant Tukaram's devotion was divinely inspired. This event demonstrated his complete surrender to God's will over human judgment.

Sant Tukaram’s life continues to inspire devotees with the message that complete dependence on God ensures that divine grace takes care of all aspects of life. His unwavering faith and poetic expressions remain a testament to the power of surrender.

Embodying the Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings in Daily Life

The Bhagavad Gita, with its timeless wisdom, serves as a roadmap for the soul’s journey through life’s complexities. Swamiji’s teachings on the Holy Scripture show us that by embracing its lessons—knowing oneself as the eternal soul, detaching from worldly entanglements, mastering the mind, cultivating faith, and surrendering to God—we elevate our lives from mere existence to a meaningful, spiritually enriched experience.

Tools for Your Personal Growth

How well do you know the Bhagavad Gita? Here are some very basic and simple questions to assess your knowledge.

  1. What is the Bhagavad Gita?
  2. How many chapters are there in the Bhagavad Gita?
  3. Who is the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita?
  4. To whom was the Bhagavad Gita spoken?
  5. What is the central theme of the Bhagavad Gita?
  6. What does the word "Gita" mean?
  7. In which scripture is the Bhagavad Gita found?
  8. What is the main teaching of Karma Yoga in the Gita?
  9. What is Bhakti Yoga as described in the Gita?
  10. What does Jnana Yoga in the Gita focus on?
  11. What is the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita called?
  12. What is the last verse of the Bhagavad Gita?
  13. What are the three gunas (qualities) described in the Gita?
  14. What does Krishna say about the soul in the Bhagavad Gita?
  15. What is the ultimate goal of human life according to the Bhagavad Gita?
  16. What is Shraddha as explained in the Gita?
  17. What does the Gita teach about desires?
  18. What is the importance of surrender in the Bhagavad Gita?
  19. Which chapter of the Gita is called the "Essence of the Gita"?
  20. How does the Gita describe a true yogi?
  21. What is the meaning of the term Atma in the Gita?
  22. What does Lord Krishna say about action and inaction?
  23. What is Dharma according to the Gita?
  24. How can one control the mind according to the Gita?
  25. What is Lord Krishna’s promise in the Bhagavad Gita?

If you wish to send your answers to our team, please feel free to contact us at samarpanteam1119@gmail.com. Please also give us time to respond. Thank you.

Gems of Wisdom from Swamiji

Here are some YouTube video titles with related links and books where Swamiji has explained the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita and the lives of Saints who exemplified its principles.