The More You Try to Control Life, The More It Controls You—The Gita on True Surrender
Nidhi | Mar 04, 2025, 13:08 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
We often live under the illusion that we can control everything—our success, relationships, and future. However, the Bhagavad Gita teaches that the more we try to control life, the more it controls us. This article explores Krishna’s wisdom on true surrender, featuring insightful shlokas and practical lessons on detachment, action without attachment, and finding peace in uncertainty.
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
(Bhagavad Gita 3.35)
"It is better to follow one’s own path, even if imperfect, than to follow another’s perfectly. To die fulfilling one's true purpose is better than living in fear by following a path that isn’t yours."
We often live under the illusion that we are in control—of our careers, relationships, successes, and even failures. We obsess over outcomes, fearing uncertainty. But the Bhagavad Gita teaches that the more we try to control life, the more life controls us. Surrender is not about giving up; it's about transcending fear and flowing with the universe.
"Who is in control—you, or the grand design of the universe?"
"प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः। अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते॥"
(Bhagavad Gita 3.27)
We believe we are the architects of our fate, but in reality, nature (Prakriti) is orchestrating everything. Imagine holding onto a handful of sand—the tighter you grip, the more it slips away. Life is the same. The more you force things, the more they resist.
Instead of obsessing over control, observe life as a witness. Your job is not to control every outcome but to participate fully and let things unfold.
"When was the last time forcing something into place truly made you happy?"
"कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।"
(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
Think about love—when you desperately seek someone’s attention, they pull away. When you let go and live freely, you attract meaningful connections. This principle applies to everything—success, wealth, happiness.
The Gita reminds us: Your power lies in your actions, not in obsessing over the fruits they bear. Give your best and trust that the universe will align things at the right time.
"Do you possess things, or do your possessions possess you?"
"न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः।"
(Bhagavad Gita 2.20)
We cling to relationships, status, material wealth, fearing their loss. But everything in life is fleeting—people change, fortunes shift, even the body ages. The tighter you hold onto something, the more power it has over you.
True surrender is knowing that you are beyond the temporary. Once you stop fearing loss, you experience true freedom.
"Does a river fight the rocks in its path? No, it flows around them and carves its own way."
Surrendering doesn’t mean inaction. It means acting without ego. It means knowing that even if life doesn’t go according to your plan, something greater is unfolding. When Arjuna stood paralyzed by doubt, Krishna didn’t tell him to quit—he told him to fight, but without attachment to the outcome.
To surrender is to trust—not in blind fate, but in the intelligence of the universe.
"Are you resisting the current, or flowing with it?"
Life is not a straight road; it’s a winding river. Obstacles will come, but do you fight against them or adapt? A rigid rock breaks under pressure, but water bends and finds new paths.
The Gita encourages us to embrace change and uncertainty. The more we flow, the less we suffer. Flexibility is the key to peace.
Krishna’s final words to Arjuna sum up the essence of surrender:
"सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।"
(Bhagavad Gita 18.66)
"Abandon all other duties and take refuge in Me alone."
Surrender doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility. It means dropping the illusion of control and aligning with the divine flow. So next time life feels overwhelming, ask yourself:
"Am I resisting life, or am I trusting the journey?"
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
(Bhagavad Gita 3.35)
"It is better to follow one’s own path, even if imperfect, than to follow another’s perfectly. To die fulfilling one's true purpose is better than living in fear by following a path that isn’t yours."
We often live under the illusion that we are in control—of our careers, relationships, successes, and even failures. We obsess over outcomes, fearing uncertainty. But the Bhagavad Gita teaches that the more we try to control life, the more life controls us. Surrender is not about giving up; it's about transcending fear and flowing with the universe.
1. Control is a Mirage—You’re Not the Doer, Only the Witness
Free
( Image credit : Pexels )
"Who is in control—you, or the grand design of the universe?"
"प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः। अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते॥"
(Bhagavad Gita 3.27)
We believe we are the architects of our fate, but in reality, nature (Prakriti) is orchestrating everything. Imagine holding onto a handful of sand—the tighter you grip, the more it slips away. Life is the same. The more you force things, the more they resist.
Instead of obsessing over control, observe life as a witness. Your job is not to control every outcome but to participate fully and let things unfold.
2. The Paradox of Desire—The More You Chase, The More It Runs Away
Race
( Image credit : Pexels )
"When was the last time forcing something into place truly made you happy?"
"कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।"
(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
Think about love—when you desperately seek someone’s attention, they pull away. When you let go and live freely, you attract meaningful connections. This principle applies to everything—success, wealth, happiness.
The Gita reminds us: Your power lies in your actions, not in obsessing over the fruits they bear. Give your best and trust that the universe will align things at the right time.
3. Attachment Creates Fear—What You Cling to Owns You
Sad
( Image credit : Pexels )
"Do you possess things, or do your possessions possess you?"
"न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः।"
(Bhagavad Gita 2.20)
We cling to relationships, status, material wealth, fearing their loss. But everything in life is fleeting—people change, fortunes shift, even the body ages. The tighter you hold onto something, the more power it has over you.
True surrender is knowing that you are beyond the temporary. Once you stop fearing loss, you experience true freedom.
4. Surrender is Not Weakness—It’s the Ultimate Strength
Surrender
( Image credit : Pexels )
"Does a river fight the rocks in its path? No, it flows around them and carves its own way."
Surrendering doesn’t mean inaction. It means acting without ego. It means knowing that even if life doesn’t go according to your plan, something greater is unfolding. When Arjuna stood paralyzed by doubt, Krishna didn’t tell him to quit—he told him to fight, but without attachment to the outcome.
To surrender is to trust—not in blind fate, but in the intelligence of the universe.
5. The Flow of Life—Be Like Water, Not a Rigid Rock
Trap
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
"Are you resisting the current, or flowing with it?"
Life is not a straight road; it’s a winding river. Obstacles will come, but do you fight against them or adapt? A rigid rock breaks under pressure, but water bends and finds new paths.
The Gita encourages us to embrace change and uncertainty. The more we flow, the less we suffer. Flexibility is the key to peace.
Final Thought: Surrender to Find True Liberation
"सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।"
(Bhagavad Gita 18.66)
"Abandon all other duties and take refuge in Me alone."
Surrender doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility. It means dropping the illusion of control and aligning with the divine flow. So next time life feels overwhelming, ask yourself:
"Am I resisting life, or am I trusting the journey?"