Think You're Self-Made? The Gita Will Change Your Perspective on Success

"I did it all by myself."

This mantra echoes in the hearts of modern achievers everywhere — from self-made billionaires to the influencers sharing their success stories on social media. The narrative of the "self-made" person is a cornerstone of contemporary culture: the belief that hard work and determination, with no outside help, lead to personal success. But what if this widely celebrated idea of independence and self-reliance is an illusion? What if true success isn’t about rising alone, but about recognizing the interwoven threads of support that surround us all?

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most profound spiritual texts in history, provides a radically different viewpoint. It challenges the very idea of being "self-made" and offers a deeper understanding: no individual exists in isolation. Our actions, successes, and even our challenges are all intricately connected to a larger cosmic fabric. Far from teaching self-reliance, the Gita urges us to embrace interdependence — recognizing that we rise together, not apart.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that every action we take sends ripples through the universe, affecting others in ways we might not even see. Lord Krishna explains that karma is not an isolated act; it’s part of a vast, interconnected network. Our successes, our failures, and everything in between are deeply tied to the actions of others. When we recognize that our actions influence the world, we can no longer claim that our achievements come from our own effort alone. Every success has roots in the contributions of those around us, even if we don’t always see them.

Arjuna, the great warrior, faces a moral crisis at the outset of the Bhagavad Gita. It's only when he surrenders to Lord Krishna and seeks guidance that he finds clarity. The Gita highlights the importance of mentorship and wisdom from others. No one rises to greatness without being shaped by those who have walked the path before them. The “self-made” person misses the point that we all need teachers, guides, and supporters. A true master is one who understands that their success is entwined with the guidance they receive from others.

In the Gita, dharma (righteous duty) is a central theme. Krishna encourages Arjuna to perform his duty as a warrior, not for personal glory, but for the benefit of the entire community. We all have roles to play in the grand tapestry of life, and our success is measured by how well we contribute to the collective good. The "self-made" person overlooks this: their victories are not for their own satisfaction alone but are part of a larger cosmic responsibility. No one is truly independent in fulfilling their dharma. It’s always about the collective.

One of the most profound lessons in the Gita is about ego. Krishna teaches Arjuna that true action is done without attachment to the fruits of one's labor. This requires letting go of the belief that we are the sole doers. The self-made myth thrives on ego — the idea that we alone are responsible for our success. The Gita dismantles this by showing that we are not the only ones influencing the outcomes of our lives. Our achievements are a shared result of both our actions and the support we receive from the world around us.

Lord Krishna explains that all beings are connected in a cosmic dance of energy, purpose, and action. We are all interwoven into the fabric of the universe. The idea of the “self-made” person fails to acknowledge this deep truth: we are not solitary beings. Our lives are shaped by countless invisible threads — from our family and friends to societal structures and even the divine forces that guide us. True success is not about being isolated at the top but about understanding and embracing our role in the greater whole.

Krishna’s teaching about detachment is one of the most radical aspects of the Gita. He urges Arjuna to act with full commitment but without attachment to the outcome. This concept of non-attachment is a key antidote to the "self-made" mentality. The self-made person seeks to control outcomes and claim credit for success. The Gita, however, shows that true peace comes when we release the need to control everything. Our actions are part of a much larger cosmic design, and our success is not simply the result of our own efforts but of countless interwoven forces.

In the Gita, Krishna reveals his divine form to Arjuna, showing that the divine is present in all aspects of existence. This divine presence is not just in temples or rituals but in every relationship and interaction. The self-made myth fails to account for this divine energy that flows through all of us. Every moment of success, every victory, and every lesson learned is a result of the divine forces at play — forces that we do not control, but are deeply connected to. We are never truly alone, even when we think we are.
The Bhagavad Gita gently dismantles the illusion of the self-made individual. It reminds us that success is never a one-person story — it’s written with the ink of karma, guided by dharma, humbled by the ego, and lifted by countless invisible hands.

We are not solitary climbers scaling a peak, but fellow travelers on a shared path. Every achievement echoes with the voices of those who helped us rise — mentors, family, chance encounters, and the unseen grace of the divine.

So maybe the real question isn't "How far have I come on my own?"
But "Who has walked with me, and how have I helped others move forward?"

In that recognition lies not just success, but fulfillment.


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