A personal reflection through the lens of the Bhagavad Gita
In my previous blog, I reflected on Chapter 14 of the Bhagavad Gita and how the three gunas—tamas (inertia), rajas (restlessness), and sattva (clarity)—operate subtly within us. That reflection wasn’t just philosophical—it was personal. I realized how these forces shape my reactions, especially during challenging moments.
Sometime back life presented me with another test. This time, the battlefield wasn’t spiritual or internal but professional. A few people, driven by ambition, subtly influenced people in positions of power and shaped perceptions in ways that quietly limited my role and recognition.
It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t aggressive. But it was strategic—and it was effective. As someone who values clarity over confusion and contribution over credit, I found myself at a crossroads:
- Should I play the game or walk my path?
- Should I respond to manipulation with my own tactics—or stay rooted in principles, even if that meant being sidelined in the short term?
This wasn’t just a leadership dilemma. It tested my emotional clarity, faith in my approach, and ability to choose character over control. And once again, I turned to the one text that never fails me—the Bhagavad Gita.
The Dilemma: React or Reflect?
Option 1: Play the Political Game
At first, the thought was tempting: Maybe I should outmaneuver them or build a counter-coalition. After all, if someone is playing unfairly, isn’t it justified to respond in kind? But then came the whisper of unease: Even if I win, what would I have become?
The Gita reminded me:
“He who is motivated only by desire for the fruits of action is miserable, for he is constantly anxious about the results of what he does.” (Bhagavad Gita 2.49)
Manipulation is rooted in rajas—passion, desire, ego. It keeps the mind agitated and the heart restless. Even when it “wins,” it erodes peace.
When I Operated from Insecurity and Fear
Just like lot of other people, I played cautiously. I reacted from a place of insecurity and fear, trying to control outcomes, defend my role, and protect my space. It was exhausting !!
Despite my efforts, it never gave me peace—only more anxiety. Every day became a calculation, and my sense of purpose got clouded. But the inner discomfort became a signal—a gentle, persistent voice within me whispering: This is not you. So I paused. Reflected. And returned to the Gita.
Option 2: Returning to Karma Yoga — Letting Go of the Fruits
Everything changed when I returned to the idea of karma without attachment.
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but not to the fruits of your actions.” (Gita 2.47)
I let go of the need to control perceptions, stopped defending myself, and focused on doing the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons.
“Be steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna. Perform your duty and abandon all attachment to success or failure.” (Gita 2.48)
It brought me back to peace. I began to feel more relaxed, more centered, and surprisingly, more effective. Even as others continued their political maneuvering, it stopped affecting me. I realized: Real power isn’t influence—it’s inner stillness.
Becoming Like the Ocean
The Gita describes the ideal state:
“Like rivers flowing into the ocean, which is ever being filled but remains still, the sage remains unmoved by desires.” (Gita 2.70)
This became my anchor. People may speak or act against me, recognition may fluctuate, and outcomes may not always be in my control. But like the ocean that remains vast and still, I could stay grounded. This isn’t passivity. It’s clarity.
My Decision Principle: The Newspaper Test
Whenever I face similar challenges, I return to this one principle: “I will act in a way that if all my actions, words, and intentions were printed on the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper, I would feel no shame—only clarity, alignment, and peace.” This decision compass helps me:
- Stay grounded in values, not reactive to others.
- Defend my peace without becoming defensive.
- Focus on dharma, not drama.
Final Reflection
The Bhagavad Gita doesn’t ask us to escape the battlefield. It teaches us how to fight—without losing ourselves. Today, I may not control how others behave, but I control how I respond. My response is no longer fear-based but faith in karma, clarity, and the quiet power of right action.
- Let your work speak.
- Let your integrity shine.
- Let karma handle the rest.
Note:
This article is written with original thoughts and experiences. The response is enhanced using AI to improve cohesiveness, structure, and grammar for better readability—without altering the core message or intent.