3 Life-Changing Bhagavad Gita Lessons for Inner Strength
Deepak Rajeev | Feb 06, 2026, 19:44 IST
What Bhagavad Gita Teaches About Self-Control (Image Credit: AI)
The Bhagavad Gita provides ancient wisdom for modern life. Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna offer guidance on managing desires and strengthening self-control. The text emphasizes the multiplying nature of desires and the importance of intellect over senses. Surrendering karma to the divine is presented as a path to freedom. These lessons remain relevant for personal growth.
Highlights
- Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna on the multiplying nature of desires.
- Lord Krishna suggests to empower one's intellect for better self-control.
- The principle of surrendering one's actions to the Supreme is key.
- Practice Karma Yoga, as defined by Lord Krishna, to attain absolute freedom.
The instance of fighting a war with his own family members and relatives, transformed the internal world of Arjuna into a battlefield. He had to make a choice whether to follow his Dharma or to give up. This was the moment when Arjuna looked at Lord Krishna with a pleading expression. Only Bhagwan can light a guiding lamp to show the path forward. The wisdom that Krishna imparted to this disillusioned warrior 2,000 years ago, still remains in front of us as the most powerful pieces of advice for attaining spiritual and material growth. Feeling that you need to strengthen your self-control in life? Bhagavad Gita has the perfect answers. Lets dive deep.
In chapter 2, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna: “When one dwells on the sense objects, attachment to them arises. From attachment, desire develops, and from desire, anger arises.”
The basic truth of attachments and desires is its multiplying nature. The more we think about sensual objects, the more we will be craving for them. Furthermore, what happens when you indulge in them? The attachment multiplies even more. Most individuals in this world are trapped in this loop of pursuing sensual gratifications and, as a result, developing stronger attachments.
We can take the example of a cigarette smoker or a video game addict. The more they engage in these activities, the stronger their attachments to the same becomes. Therefore, if balance, self-control, independence and strength are your aims, you should realise this basic truth of life. Sensual desires don’t have a concluding juncture. Like wildfire, it grows stronger and bigger. After internalising this truth, what should we do? Lets see what Gita recommends.
Lord Krishna continues his advice in chapter 3 by saying: “The senses are higher than the body, the mind is higher than the senses, the intellect is higher than the mind, and above all is the soul.”
One of best ways to attain absolute control over our lives is to empower our intellects. Constantly study religious scriptures like the Gita and Upanishads. Seek out mentors who have achieved true enlightenment or wisdom. Always spend more time in those environments where your intellect will receive an upliftment.
In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to surrender his karma or duties to Bhagwan. A similar idea can also be found in Shvetashvatara Upanishad:
“I surrender to that Supreme Lord who illuminated the intellect of Brahma. May He illuminate mine too.”
Whatever hardships or tempting situations that you are facing in life, if you surrender your heart and soul to the divine truth of Lord Krishna or Brahman, you will always remain strong. Wake up everyday during Brahma Muhurta. Light a diyas and meditate for a few minutes. Make the commitment that all your actions throughout the day will be your offerings to Bhagwan.
Additionally, start practising hatha yoga for attaining greater control over your mind and body. You can learn everything about hatha yoga by referring books such as Hatha Yoga Pardipika or Shiva Samhita. Above all and most importantly, fulfil your duties without thinking about the results. This is the path of Karma Yoga as defined by Lord Krishna; the ultimate path to freedom from all kinds of attachments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Gita on the Multiplying Nature of Desires
What Lord Krishna Said About Desires (Image Credit: AI)
The basic truth of attachments and desires is its multiplying nature. The more we think about sensual objects, the more we will be craving for them. Furthermore, what happens when you indulge in them? The attachment multiplies even more. Most individuals in this world are trapped in this loop of pursuing sensual gratifications and, as a result, developing stronger attachments.
We can take the example of a cigarette smoker or a video game addict. The more they engage in these activities, the stronger their attachments to the same becomes. Therefore, if balance, self-control, independence and strength are your aims, you should realise this basic truth of life. Sensual desires don’t have a concluding juncture. Like wildfire, it grows stronger and bigger. After internalising this truth, what should we do? Lets see what Gita recommends.
2. Gita on the Ladder of Self-Control
Lord Krishna Overseeing the Mahabharata War (Image Credit: AI)
One of best ways to attain absolute control over our lives is to empower our intellects. Constantly study religious scriptures like the Gita and Upanishads. Seek out mentors who have achieved true enlightenment or wisdom. Always spend more time in those environments where your intellect will receive an upliftment.
3. Surrendering to the Supreme
Lord Krishna During the Mahabharata War (Image Credit: AI)
“I surrender to that Supreme Lord who illuminated the intellect of Brahma. May He illuminate mine too.”
Whatever hardships or tempting situations that you are facing in life, if you surrender your heart and soul to the divine truth of Lord Krishna or Brahman, you will always remain strong. Wake up everyday during Brahma Muhurta. Light a diyas and meditate for a few minutes. Make the commitment that all your actions throughout the day will be your offerings to Bhagwan.
Additionally, start practising hatha yoga for attaining greater control over your mind and body. You can learn everything about hatha yoga by referring books such as Hatha Yoga Pardipika or Shiva Samhita. Above all and most importantly, fulfil your duties without thinking about the results. This is the path of Karma Yoga as defined by Lord Krishna; the ultimate path to freedom from all kinds of attachments.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the three yogic paths of Bhagavad Gita?
The three primary yogic paths in the Bhagavad Gita are Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. - How can the Bhagavad Gita change your life?
The Bhagavad Gita can profoundly change your life by cultivating detachment from outcomes and by promoting inner peace amidst chaos. - What is the purpose of life in Geeta?
According to the Bhagavad Gita, the purpose of life is to realise your true spiritual nature. To foster the understanding that you are not the body but an eternal part of the divine.