om spirit
seem easier. I can relate a few things in my
life to this. Being vegetarian surprisingly still
seems a taboo and baffling choice to many
people and they love to probe me about my
diet. I not only see this as a way to honour
my body, but also as an ethical responsibility
to the environment and animals. During
these discussions I am proud to express my
views (without causing offence) rather than
agreeing with whomever I am talking to.
Broader topics which the text deals with
include renunciation being the key to a
brighter future. Renounce inequality and
promote equality, renounce arrogance and
ignorance, and be open-minded, renounce
momentary happiness that is derived from
selfish behaviours. Instead, seek happiness
that is long-lasting and beneficial to all. If
everyone adopted these teachings we may
have already stopped having to argue for
women’s rights, LGBTQ+ marriage, and
casteism. If everyone contributes to society
responsibly and with an open mind, then
surely we can construct a better future.
This leads on to our environmental
responsibility. So many choose to ignore the
issue of global warming or the overuse of
plastic, or just wait to be told what to do. If
everyone took responsibility and adopted the
attitude of “what can I do to help?” and made
a few small changes, wonderful things may
start to happen. The phrase “Be the change
you want to see” is extremely apt here.Ancient wisdom
The Gita may be centuries-old, but upon
reading it, I have unearthed meanings
and values that can not only be lived by
today, but can also teach us how to reach
a brighter future. It taps in to fundamental
human problems and is a manual on how to
overcome them.
The metaphorical war described in
the Gita is between the lower self (materialistic,
vain, critical and entitled), and the higher self
(neutral, content, selfless, kind and unaffected).
Through application of the teachings, the state
of a higher self can be obtained and we can all
live in harmony together.
The inspired lesson and message is that wedon’t need to worry about the past, future, or
things being exactly how we hoped. Just stay
true to yourself whilst avoiding the affliction
of other beings, and act out of kindness and
love, not hatred or resentment. Meditation is a
valuable tool to overcome these inner battles,
it cleans the dirty mirror so we can see our
true selves, and physical yoga is the vehicle
which drives us closer to these realisations.
From my experience so far, I would say that
the teachings of the Gita summarise yoga in its
totality, both on and off the mat.
Consider some areas of your life you
could apply these teachings in order to bring
more happiness and contentment to your
day-to-day existence.
And if you don’t have time to read the
ancient scriptures, why not meditate on the
song Imagine by John Lennon? Once you
listen to the lyrics with these messages in
mind, they have so much more meaning.^Claire Robinson (yogi-claire.co.uk) took
part in the Indiv Yoga (indivyoga.com) yoga
teacher training with Charlie Stewart-Brown.5 LIFE LESSONS
ACCORDING TO THE GITA- Be kind
- Be content
- Take the high road
- Practice detachment
- Live in the moment