The Bhagavad Gita might have been written some 5000 years ago, but these practical anecdotes prove that its knowledge is just as fresh, inspirational and relevant as ever.

1. Change is the law of the universe

Life is unpredictable and everything from our thoughts, emotions, nature and everything we find comfort in changes with time. Just as a river, events in our life flow and are bound to move. A beautiful verse in the Bhagavad Gita translates to say that as the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from childhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. The body is like mere pair of clothes but it is the atma which is unchanging. Accepting this transient nature of life brings strength and perspective to fearlessly go about our lives.

2. When you are content and satisfied, achievements dawn

The whole idea of a pursuit of contentment is flawed. Contentment is knowing that whatever you need, is already a part of you.  If we are constantly hankering for more, our mind will continue to look outside for something which will bring us happiness. But external factors can last only so long. Also, success and fame don’t guarantee happiness. Lord Krishna had said that when you are content, then all the desires and their fulfillment, and their achievements will flow towards you, just as rivers flow into the ocean.

3. You have control over only the present

The mind tosses like a pendulum between worries of the past and anxiety of the future and ignores the present. While it’s okay to reflect on the past or plan for the future, an obsession of it could be a huge waste of time. The Gita reminds us to have faith in whatever happens in our lives and knowing that it is for good. Faith is a wealth which brings stability, calmness, centeredness, and love. It also brings strength to live in the present.

4. As you think, so you become

What the human mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. The world reflects what we see, feel and think. Lord Krishna uses the word ‘anasuya’ in the Gita, which means one who doesn’t find faults in others. The qualities we see people in our lives, more of that we experience around us. The mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

5. Be kind, compassionate and generous

A famous writer once wrote, “Who will cry when you die?”. We will all return to dust, but our actions will stay behind. Moving beyond the greed, and serving society in a small or big way, is the Gita’s advice to stay happy and keeping the intellect healthy. As Lord Krishna says, selfishness and anger consume the mind. So steer clear from these negative tendencies and instead cultivate the habit of being compassionate and kind with everyone.

6. Show up and get the work done

We’ve all felt the Monday blues. Work can be daunting sometimes, and we might perform it with the lack of intent. In the battle of Mahabharata, Lord Krishna urged Arjuna to stay committed to his duties and find interest in whatever duty had been brought to him. At the same time, being too feverish about the result brings anxiety and fear. So, be stern about the work, and cherish it, but not as much the result.