Suchandra
Find peace in the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita
In the fast-paced world we live in today, stress seems to be an unavoidable part of life. Whether it’s work pressure, family responsibilities, health concerns, or emotional burdens, stress creeps in and takes a toll on our mental well-being. At times like these, the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita—spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra—offers profound insights and strength to navigate life’s storms.
Here are five powerful shlokas from the Gita that you can turn to when life feels overwhelming:
Table of Contents
1. Shloka 2.47: Focus on Your Duty, Not the Outcome
“Karmanye vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana;
Ma karma phala hetur bhurmatey sangostva akarmani.”कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Meaning: You have the right to perform your duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your actions, nor become attached to inaction.
Why it helps during stress: Much of our anxiety stems from worrying about the future or results we can’t control. Krishna reminds us to focus on what’s in our hands—our efforts. Letting go of the outcome brings immense relief, allowing us to work with peace and clarity.
2. Shloka 2.13: Accept the Change of Life
“Dehino ’smin yatha dehe kaumaram yauvanam jara;
Tatha dehantara praptir dhiras tatra na muhyati.”देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा।
तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति॥
Meaning: Just as the soul passes through childhood, youth, and old age in this body, it also passes into another body at death. A wise person is not disturbed by this change.
Why it helps during stress: Life is constantly changing—physically, emotionally, and situationally. Understanding that change is natural and inevitable allows us to face challenges with a calm, accepting mind.
3. Shloka 4.7–4.8: Divine Assurance in Difficult Times
“Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata
Abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham.
Paritranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha dushkritam
Dharma samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge.”यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥
Meaning: Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness rises, I manifest Myself. I come to protect the good, destroy the wicked, and re-establish dharma.
Why it helps during stress: This shloka offers reassurance that in moments of darkness, divine support is always available. It renews our faith that we’re not alone and that justice and balance will ultimately prevail.
4. Shloka 6.5: Uplift Yourself
“Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet
Atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah.”उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
Meaning: One must uplift oneself through one’s own mind and not degrade oneself. The mind is both a friend and an enemy of the self.
Why it helps during stress: When stress turns into self-doubt or self-blame, this shloka is a reminder that our greatest strength or weakness lies within us. Cultivating a positive inner dialogue can help us overcome the toughest moments.
5. Shloka 18.66: Surrender and Be Free
“Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja
Aham tvam sarva-papebhyo mokshayishyami ma shucah.”सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥
Meaning: Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.
Why it helps during stress: Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, things remain beyond our control. In such moments, surrendering to a higher power—without fear—can be deeply healing. Krishna offers unconditional support when we let go and trust His guidance.
Final Thoughts
The Bhagavad Gita is not just a spiritual scripture—it’s a guidebook for inner peace, courage, and clarity. These five shlokas act like a balm for the restless soul, reminding us that we are not alone and we are capable of handling life with wisdom and strength.
Whenever stress starts to cloud your mind, take a moment to read, reflect, and internalise these teachings. The voice of Krishna, though ancient, is timeless—always ready to calm your storm within.
Last but not least, “When the mind trembles, let Krishna’s words steady your soul.”
