Sometimes, Let Go and Let God: Bhagavad Gita’s Wisdom on Surrender
Nidhi | Feb 07, 2025, 10:28 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
In this article, explore the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, which teaches us the power of patience, surrender, and trust in the divine. Discover how letting go and embracing life's challenges with faith can lead to personal growth, inner peace, and fulfillment. Learn how the Gita's teachings guide us to navigate life's uncertainties with grace and a deeper sense of purpose
“You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.” — Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47)
Life is a beautiful journey with its fair share of ups and downs. Sometimes, we encounter phases that test our patience, shake our confidence, and make us question our purpose. In those moments, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and start doubting the meaning of our struggles. However, if we turn to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, we realize that every phase of life—no matter how challenging—has its own significance.
The Gita encourages us to trust the divine plan, embrace life’s uncertainties, and let go of things we cannot control. It’s about having patience, finding joy in the journey, and surrendering the outcome to a higher power. Let’s explore how the Gita teaches us to live with peace, patience, and faith.
One of the core teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is that life unfolds according to a divine plan. Every experience, whether pleasant or painful, is part of a larger design meant to help us grow.
“न जातु मम जीवात्मे या जीवस्य अर्धवृद्धिम्।
सत्ये समृद्धि स्वयं यां प्राप्यं त्रैलोक्येश्वरम्॥”
This shloka reminds us that we are eternal beings, and our current struggles are temporary. Trusting that everything happens for a reason helps us accept life’s challenges with grace and patience.
Practical Takeaway:
Bhagavad Gita’s Chapter 2, Verse 47 is a guiding light for those feeling anxious or restless:
“कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि।”
This powerful teaching emphasizes the importance of detachment from results. Often, we get so caught up in achieving success that failure feels unbearable. But the Gita urges us to focus on doing our best without worrying about what will happen next.
Practical Takeaway:
Patience is often mistaken for passivity, but in reality, it’s one of the greatest forms of strength. The Bhagavad Gita encourages us to be patient during tough times and trust that better days will come.
“न दुःखशमिनं जीव नायमानमिदं चथा।
आनन्दवर्धिनी शान्ति। नित्ये विश्वासयतेऽच्छलम॥”
This shloka reminds us to remain balanced in all situations. Life is a cycle of highs and lows, and learning to endure with patience makes us stronger and wiser.
Practical Takeaway:
The Gita teaches us that no phase in life is worthless. Even the darkest moments are an opportunity for growth. Life’s phases—joy, sorrow, love, and loss—all contribute to our personal evolution.
“योऽहं जीवनसाक्षात्कारस्य भागी रूपकार्यतः।
स्वरूपार्या तद्विधीनं, तन्मयमुपासित्वा॥”
This shloka reminds us that when we view life with detachment, we find beauty in every experience, without becoming overly attached to moments of happiness or despair.
Practical Takeaway:
One of the most liberating teachings of the Gita is the concept of surrendering to the divine will. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, things don’t work out. That’s when we need to stop forcing outcomes and let life flow naturally.
“सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।
अहम् त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः।”
This verse is a powerful reminder to trust God’s plan and let go of unnecessary worries. Surrendering isn’t about giving up—it’s about understanding that some things are beyond our control.
Practical Takeaway:
Lastly, the Gita teaches us to find joy in the present rather than waiting for a future outcome to make us happy. Life is a collection of moments, and true happiness lies in embracing them fully—both the good and the bad.
“नान्ति व्याधिरेण वस्तु निष्ठां कर्तारं सदा परमं।”
This verse encourages us to find meaning in every experience and enjoy the journey rather than constantly chasing a destination.
Practical Takeaway:
The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless guide that teaches us how to live with faith, patience, and surrender. Life will always present us with challenges, but it’s how we respond that defines our journey. Sometimes, it’s okay to let go and let God take over.
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, remember this: “Jisne bheja hai, usne kuch soch ke hi bheja hoga.” Trust the process, have patience, and know that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.
Life is a beautiful journey with its fair share of ups and downs. Sometimes, we encounter phases that test our patience, shake our confidence, and make us question our purpose. In those moments, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and start doubting the meaning of our struggles. However, if we turn to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, we realize that every phase of life—no matter how challenging—has its own significance.
The Gita encourages us to trust the divine plan, embrace life’s uncertainties, and let go of things we cannot control. It’s about having patience, finding joy in the journey, and surrendering the outcome to a higher power. Let’s explore how the Gita teaches us to live with peace, patience, and faith.
1. Trust the Process: Everything Happens for a Reason
Spirituality
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“न जातु मम जीवात्मे या जीवस्य अर्धवृद्धिम्।
सत्ये समृद्धि स्वयं यां प्राप्यं त्रैलोक्येश्वरम्॥”
This shloka reminds us that we are eternal beings, and our current struggles are temporary. Trusting that everything happens for a reason helps us accept life’s challenges with grace and patience.
Practical Takeaway:
- When things don’t go as planned, pause and reflect. What lesson is life teaching you?
- Believe that even setbacks are preparing you for something greater.
2. Detach from the Outcome, Focus on the Effort
“कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि।”
This powerful teaching emphasizes the importance of detachment from results. Often, we get so caught up in achieving success that failure feels unbearable. But the Gita urges us to focus on doing our best without worrying about what will happen next.
Practical Takeaway:
- Stay committed to your efforts without being obsessed with outcomes.
- Celebrate the process rather than the result—every small step is progress.
3. Patience is Strength, Not Weakness
Patience is the Key to Success
( Image credit : Pexels )
“न दुःखशमिनं जीव नायमानमिदं चथा।
आनन्दवर्धिनी शान्ति। नित्ये विश्वासयतेऽच्छलम॥”
This shloka reminds us to remain balanced in all situations. Life is a cycle of highs and lows, and learning to endure with patience makes us stronger and wiser.
Practical Takeaway:
- Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the future.
- Remember that patience isn’t waiting passively—it’s about staying calm and steady while working towards your goals.
4. Every Phase Has Its Own Beauty
Everything is Temporary
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“योऽहं जीवनसाक्षात्कारस्य भागी रूपकार्यतः।
स्वरूपार्या तद्विधीनं, तन्मयमुपासित्वा॥”
This shloka reminds us that when we view life with detachment, we find beauty in every experience, without becoming overly attached to moments of happiness or despair.
Practical Takeaway:
- Reflect on how each phase of life has shaped who you are today.
- Appreciate every chapter of your journey—it’s all part of your unique story.
5. Surrender to the Divine Will
Divine Will
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अहम् त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः।”
This verse is a powerful reminder to trust God’s plan and let go of unnecessary worries. Surrendering isn’t about giving up—it’s about understanding that some things are beyond our control.
Practical Takeaway:
- When you feel stuck, take a step back and let things unfold naturally.
- Trust that the universe always has your back.
6. Joy is in the Journey, Not the Destination
Devotees
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“नान्ति व्याधिरेण वस्तु निष्ठां कर्तारं सदा परमं।”
This verse encourages us to find meaning in every experience and enjoy the journey rather than constantly chasing a destination.
Practical Takeaway:
- Focus on the now and savor life’s little joys.
- Let go of the pressure to achieve perfection—it’s the journey that shapes you.
The Power of Letting Go
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, remember this: “Jisne bheja hai, usne kuch soch ke hi bheja hoga.” Trust the process, have patience, and know that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.