The Path to a Disciplined Life: Insights from the Bhagavad Gita

Discipline and decorum are key attributes instilled by parents from an early age. A disciplined life, however, is not just about following external rules; it is a journey of self-mastery and personal growth. This article explores the journey to a disciplined life, drawing from the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the personal experiences of those who have embraced its wisdom.

The Foundation of Discipline

A disciplined life comes through proper self-discipline. It begins with simple yet effective habits. Start your day right by waking up early, exercising for at least an hour, getting 8 hours of sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. Set clear goals and work diligently to achieve them. Spend quality time with your family and continuously seek to enhance yourself by learning new skills. These habits, when practiced consistently, pave the way for a disciplined life.

Personal Reflection: Disciplined Life from 1969

Reflecting upon my younger days, there is one significant experience that stands out—in 1969, when I was 25 years old, a friend introduced me to the Bhagavad Gita and encouraged me to live my life according to its principles. I realized that the Gita should be seen as a guide for a soldier on the battlefield rather than a religious text. I began to read the Gita alongside the Mahabharata and Upanishads for an hour every day.

Waking up at the stroke of 4 AM and settling down for my daily ritual of reading the Bhagavad Gita in Sanskrit with a Hindi translation provided a deep sense of purpose and discipline. I read three to four slokas daily, often making my own translations when I felt the provided translations were not comprehensive. This process of reading, understanding, and reflecting on the teachings required dedication and effort.

Impact on Academics and Personal Growth

The benefits of adhering to a disciplined life and regularly reading the Bhagavad Gita went beyond personal reflection. When I later joined the faculty at an IIT in 1977, I observed that many academically bright students suffered from indecision and procrastination. Their inability to focus on their studies led to poor performance. However, those who devoted at least one hour daily before 6 AM to read the Bhagavad Gita along with the Mahabharata significantly improved their academic performance and personal growth.

Some students completed their studies in a few months by dedicating two to three hours daily, while others focused on weekend studies. Overall, the majority of the students who read the Gita regularly overcame their academic challenges, improved their grades, and avoided bad habits like alcohol, drugs, and smoking. Even those who did not complete their studies due to personal reasons often found the experience transformative and were able to find rewarding careers elsewhere.

Views and Impact of Great Minds

The impact of the Bhagavad Gita extends beyond personal growth. Great thinkers and scholars from various disciplines have highlighted its significance. For instance, Henry David Thoreau, the noted American poet, author, and philosopher, was deeply influenced by Indian philosophy. In his book Walden, he referenced the Bhagavad Gita extensively. Thoreau believed that in comparison to what we regard as our modern world and its literature, the Gita is a profound and essential text.

German philosopher Hermann Graf Keyserling regarded the Bhagavad Gita as a profound spiritual text. Similarly, Hermann Hesse, the German Swiss novelist, poet, and painter, felt that the Gita is a beautiful revelation of life's wisdom. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the prominent American essayist, lecturer, and poet of the mid-19th century, highlighted the Gita as a profound guide to understanding life's essence. These excerpts showcase the profound influence and relevance of the Bhagavad Gita across different intellectual and cultural domains.

Continuing the Legacy

The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer timeless wisdom and continue to inspire individuals worldwide. Sunita Williams, the American astronaut who holds the record for the longest single space flight by a woman, carried a copy of the Gita and Upanishads with her to space. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist often referred to as the father of the atomic bomb, appreciated the Gita's message of duty. He remarked that upon witnessing the first atomic bombings, the Gita's teachings reminded him of Krishna's advice to Arjuna to fulfill his duty.

The legacy of the Bhagavad Gita continues to influence leaders and thinkers of our time. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has strongly advocated for the Gita, seeing it as a guide to personal and societal development. Will Smith, a Hollywood actor, has recognized the Gita's relevance in today's world. Even pillars of Indian independence like Mahatma Gandhi found solace in the Gita, drawing upon its emphasis on selfless service.

The Bhagavad Gita stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian philosophy and its universal applicability. It continues to inspire and guide individuals towards a disciplined life, fostering personal growth and societal progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the path to a disciplined life is a journey of self-discipline and personal growth. The Bhagavad Gita, through its profound teachings and timeless wisdom, offers a roadmap for individuals seeking to live a purposeful and fulfilling life. From personal habits to academic achievements, the impact of embracing the Gita's wisdom is far-reaching and transformative.