Mental Health Insights from Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is not just any ancient book; it is a timeless text that is often considered a beacon of wisdom for any soul that seeks it. The Bhagavad Gita encompasses a profound dialogue that symbolically represents common human conflict and approaches to its solution. The dialogue is between Arjun, the commander-in-chief of the Pandavas, who is facing intense psychological turmoil, and his trusted friend and mentor, Lord Krishna.
During the war, Arjun faces the predicament of having to kill his kith and kin in the opposite camp, which, according to him, is an immoral act. This anxiety and negative self-evaluation causes him to feel incompetent. It is during this time of duress that Lord Krishna responds to him. Can you imagine having a trusted and knowledgeable person like Lord Krishna guiding you through the ups and downs you face, offering invaluable advice on understanding your mind and emotions?
Thus, it is no wonder that the Bhagavad Gita is still considered a source of inspiration, providing solace and warmth to those seeking mental well-being. Let’s look at the overall themes of mental health in the Bhagavad Gita.

Bhagavad Gita and Mental Health

The overall implications of the Bhagavad Gita on mental well-being are too vast to be condensed here. However, we will try to mention in brief some of the most prominent themes.
The Bhagavad Gita emphasises the intrinsic capabilities of the self, where we are responsible for our actions, growth, and choices. Insight is usually the goal of analytical therapy. One of the prominent themes is mastering the ‘mind’.
The Gita highlights this goal by defining ‘salvation’ as our true knowledge about ourselves. Pranayama (controlled breathing) and meditation are emphasised, as it has been known to alleviate anxiety and thus achieve harmony.
Lord Krishna also instils the hope that the mind can be mastered by catching up our actions with our thoughts and words Thus, we are efficient to achieve what we want to as we choose to act accordingly.
What is perhaps the most relevant is the three paths to liberation. These three paths are Jnan, Karma, and Bhakti. Let's look at each of these steps in brief.

Steps to Positive Mental Health: Jnan, Karma, Bhakti

Jnan: In a difficult situation, we must first understand the immediate situation. We feel attached to the pain and pleasure in the situations only if we think that we are the enjoyer or the sufferer in different situations. However, it isn’t the ‘self’ that goes through pleasure and pain, but the body. The soul remains unchanged. Atman (the true ‘self’) is unchanging and pure and is assumed as the real essence of the human. Thus, the goal of jnan is ultimate self-realisation. Knowing our spiritual nature helps us overcome pain and suffering.
Karma: This is defined as the necessity of action. According to Karma Yoga, one should derive satisfaction by doing the duty that they are assigned to, and not from its outcome. Karma-phala-tyaga or Nishkamakarma is emphasised, where one is detached from the personal outcomes of an action, and the task’s success or failure, rewards or consequences. This action should be done with perfection, by not avoiding or withdrawing from it. We must face the challenges we encounter, head-on. This belief removes the anxiety faced by an individual at the end of a task. This task must also be something that contributes to the welfare of society, thereby promoting community harmony.
Bhakti: Faith and trust in God are important to achieve salvation from problems. This trust helps in the salvation from problems by identifying with a universal soul. This is associated with the right knowledge and the dedication to one’s dharma (moral code of behaviour). This dissolves our ego which comes in the way of acting according to the jnan and karma.
In essence, these three yogic paths can help in the liberation of the body from mental distress.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Bhagavad Gita is a timeless guidebook for navigating the complexities of our day-to-day life. It teaches us that mental health and well-being are the balance of our internal forces. It provides us with practical guidance on managing our emotions and minds. The dialogue exchanged between Lord Krishna and Arjun resonates to date. Its teachings inspire us to cultivate resilience, compassion, and a deeper connection to our true selves. Together, let’s remember and apply the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.