Does Overcoming depression bring joy in life?
Depression is a serious mental health issue, also known as a disorder, that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair, making it difficult to enjoy life and live life totally.. The Bhagavad Gita,, offers teachings and insights that can help individuals overcome depression and find joy in life. In this blog post, we will explore the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on overcoming depression and finding joy in life.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the root cause of depression is the attachment to material things and desires.
Lord Krishna, guides Arjuna, a warrior, to detach himself from the material world and focus on his spiritual journey. This means that individuals should focus on their inner selves and their connection to a higher power, rather than on external circumstances and material possessions for the sake of name and fame or position of power.
The Bhagavad Gita also teaches that the mind is the cause of both bondage and liberation. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to control his mind and focus on positive thoughts and actions. This means that individuals should take control of their thoughts and emotions and focus on positive affirmations and actions to overcome depression.
Another important teaching of the Bhagavad Gita is the practice of yoga. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to practice yoga to attain inner peace and tranquility. Yoga can help individuals overcome depression by improving their mental and physical health, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving their overall sense of well-being. The yogas are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana yoga and dhyana Yoga.
In addition to these teachings, the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to be aware of his own thoughts and emotions and to remain steady in his mind. This means that individuals should be aware of their own mental states which have layers of ignorance and memory roles and strive to maintain a calm and Transform them. . Self-awareness or objective awareness can help individuals overcome depression by allowing them to identify negative thought patterns and develop strategies to overcome them.
The Bhagavad Gita also teaches the importance of surrendering to a higher power. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to surrender to him and to Trust in his guidance. This means that individuals should surrender to a higher power and trust in the universe to guide them. Surrender can help individuals overcome depression by reducing stress and worry and improving their overall mental health.
Another important teaching of the Bhagavad Gita is the importance of practicing detachment. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to detach himself from the fruits of his actions i.e. don’t worry about the results of action and to focus on performing his duties without attachment to the outcome. This means that individuals should focus on their actions and their spiritual journey, rather than on the outcome or results of their actions. Practicing detachment can help individuals overcome depression by reducing feelings of disappointment and frustration.
The Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to focus on the present moment and to let go of the past and future. This means that individuals should focus on enjoying the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or future. Living in the present moment can help individuals overcome depression by reducing feelings of regret and anxiety.
In addition to these teachings, the Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes the importance of cultivating positive relationships. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to cultivate positive relationships with his family and community. This means that individuals should focus on building positive relationships with their loved ones and their community. Positive relationships can help individuals overcome depression by providing them with emotional support and a sense of belonging.
There is a Spiritual self but we are lost in the functional and social self which is guided by ego. Dropping ego is making one discover the Spiritual self.
In conclusion, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita provide valuable guidance and support on how to overcome depression and find joy in life. By detaching oneself from material possessions, focusing on the spiritual journey, practicing yoga, cultivating self-awareness, surrendering to a higher power, practicing detachment, living in the present moment, and cultivating positive