How Bhagavad Gita Can Guide Your Career

When faced with the monumental task of choosing a career path, many people find themselves at a crossroads. Should I follow my heart or adhere to family expectations? How can I combine my passions with practical considerations? In my opinion, following your instincts and aligning your career with your passions is the key to long-term happiness and fulfillment. However, this can be a very challenging process. It often requires considerable introspection and a willingness to take risks. Here, I will explore why the Bhagavad Gita can offer profound guidance in this journey.

The Value of Trusting Your Instincts

Consider choosing a career that brings you joy and pleasure even in your imagination. Whether it is handcrafting, coding, or creating art, find a profession that aligns with your interests. Learn this trade through on-the-job experience, apprenticeship, or institutions where you can immerse yourself in the work. Confidence in your abilities will come with practice. When you feel ready, open your own shop and start your business based on this craft.

Exploring the Influence of Bhagavad Gita

My personal journey into career choice began after reading the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, for over two years. This profound text became a guiding light, reshaping not just my career path but also my approach to life. Reading translations and original texts of the Bhagavad Gita, along with other Indian philosophical works such as Mahabharata and Upanishads, allowed me to understand its profound teachings.

Devoting Time to Study

I started my spiritual journey early in the morning, waking up at 4:00 AM to read the Bhagavad Gita in Sanskrit with Hindi translations. I read about three to four verses daily, along with the paraphrase and translation. When needed, I referred to Mahabharata and Upanishads to understand the context fully. This meticulous process took me two years to complete one thorough reading of the 700 verses distributed in 18 chapters. After my intensive study, I noticed a positive change in my focus and determination, which translated into success in my academic and professional life.

Teachings of Bhagavad Gita for Modern Readers

The wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita extends far beyond its historical context. Many students in IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) struggled with indecision and procrastination. However, by reading the Bhagavad Gita regularly and applying its teachings, they found clarity and purpose. Devoting just one hour daily before 6:00 AM to read a few verses significantly improved their focus and performance in their studies. Many found that this practice freed them from bad habits such as alcohol, drugs, and smoking.

Views of Renowned Figures on the Bhagavad Gita

The influence of the Bhagavad Gita extends far beyond the academic realm. Here, I present some of the views of notable individuals who have found inspiration in this ancient text:

Henry David Thoreau: An influential American philosopher and writer, Thoreau was deeply influenced by Indian philosophy. He referenced the Bhagavad Gita extensively in his work Walden. Hermann Hesse: The renowned German-Swiss novelist, Hesse felt that the Bhagavad Gita is a true revelation of life's wisdom, which enables philosophy to blossom into religion. Ralph Waldo Emerson: The prominent American essayist, lecturer, and poet of the mid-19th century praised the Bhagavad Gita, stating that it is filled with life's most profound wisdom. Wilhelm von Humboldt: The notable German philosopher and linguist regarded the Bhagavad Gita as a profound text that teaches the importance of fulfilling one's duties. Bulent Ecevit: The former Turkish Prime Minister believed that the Bhagavad Gita taught him the courage to face challenges and fight injustice. Lord Warren Hastings: The first Governor-General of British India acknowledged the text's value, highlighting its influence on Indian governance and policy. Sunita Williams: The American astronaut with record-breaking space missions carried a copy of the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads to space for companionship and inspiration. J. Robert Oppenheimer: The father of the atomic bomb, after reading the Bhagavad Gita, found its teachings particularly relevant to his work. Annie Besant: A prominent Indian independence movement leader found the text to be a source of courage and strength. T S Eliot: The influential American poet found the Bhagavad Gita to be a connection between past and future, emphasizing divine will.

Conclusion

The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless text that offers profound guidance for anyone seeking to align their career with their passions. By reading and applying its teachings, you can find the clarity and confidence needed to make informed and fulfilling career choices. Remember, the value of personal joy and fulfillment far outweighs the material wealth that a career can bring. Let the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita be your guide on this journey.