Bhagwad Gita A practical life guide : Swami Tejomayananda ( Chinmaya Mission )

14/09/2018

Practical application of the values explained in the Bhagwad Gita in our daily lives can be very rewarding.  When knowledge sinks in and is really absorbed, then it automatically comes into play in our life. There is no gap between knowledge and its practical application. When knowledge is comprehended intellectually, but not assimilated or internalised,  then this contradiction becomes evident — I know something,  but do not know how to apply it to my life.  The Bhagwad Gitateaches us how to live with things, beings and experiences that we come across in our daily life. If we really understand what is taught,  we will be able to use it. 

Knowledge is meant for practical use.  If it is not used, then such knowledge is useless for us.  It is said in the Gita: Jnatva sastravidhanoktam karma kartumiharhasi—
‘Having understood what is stated in the scriptures,  act accordingly. ’ The sentence appears simple;let us see its implications. All of us suffer in life at some time or other. There are many reasons for this, but one key factor is our thoughtless action. All of us know it.  The flip side of it is actionless thought,  when thought is there,  but no follow up in action. 

If we do not act according to our knowledge and understanding, there is a danger that slowly, our knowledge and understanding will start changing, coloured by our actions. For instance, all of us know the value of getting up early in the morning and doing our exercises, meditation, studies or any such activity. I decide to get up at 5. 00 am every morning,  but the next day I feel lazy and don’t get up in time. Then I feel guilty and resolve that I must get up early the next day.  Again, it is the same story and a whole week passes by like that.

Then the thought rises:‘What is the use of getting up so early — birds also get up early,  what do they achieve?’ Thus slowly,  my knowledge and concepts start changing, because I do not implement them in action.  Instead of actions being performed according to our knowledge and understanding,  our concepts begin to be moulded by our actions — buddhi karmanusarini! When knowledge is assimilated, it naturally becomes a part of our life. 

The trouble is that we hear or read,  but do not absorb knowledge. It still remains the knowledge of the Gita,  the knowledge of Krishna or Ved Vyasa or that of the guru. It does not become my knowledge.  I may know what is written in the Gita,  but unless it becomes my knowledge, it is of no use to me. Gurudev put it across beautifully once.  Someone told him that he had gone through the Gita many times,  but things were still the same.  Gurudev replied, “It is good that you have gone through the Gita so many times, but let the Gita go through you once. ”

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