Ancient Wisdom And Relevance To Modern Lifestyle

As we know it, “old is gold”; whenever Indian regions saw a severe crisis, it went back in time to find some precious pearls of wisdom from old age that gave us the strength to fight back and restore balance in our societies.

Several ancient Hindu texts contain knowledge about the way of life, which can enlighten us in the modern age because even if times have changed, technology has changed and education has changed, we humans still behave similar to people thousands of years back. We carry our basic instincts deep inside us, our behaviors to situations are same. To control those instincts/behaviors, our predecessors have given us some good advise. Most of this knowledge remain relevant today. Pick up any ancient text from any civilization. You will know how they lived and documented their teachings still stand relevant today.

The world as we know it now was not built in a single day. We evolved through the ages to reach wherever we are today. But sometimes, it is good to look back and feel connected to your roots because that is where our life began. Ancient texts take us back to those roots which we must cherish to move into our future. Without a past, there can be no future. Without a strong foundation, advancement is impossible. The ancient book called the The Bhagavad Gita, for example, has existed for 10,000 years or more. Its wisdom is relevant today. We need to understand and apply it to our physical world to make sensible use of it.

The Bhagavad Gita, when translated means God’s song, which are verses coming out of the mouth of Bhagwan Sri Krishna to show the path of wisdom to his disciple Arjuna which is a metaphor for the world. The teachings of Bhagwan Sri Krishna are not only one of the most revered texts in the eastern Sanathan Hindu philosophy but they still find their relevance today in modern society. The eternal message in the sacred text is that of having an aspiration for a higher goal, that which is much bigger than normal human life. The power of Paramatma, somewhat similar to concept of God, is always within an individual that helps in choosing the path of “Dharma” to reach that higher purpose and be one with the supreme power.

Karma holds the key to attaining the supreme goal in one’s life. We work tirelessly towards it without losing focus and without demanding a particular result is the kind of teaching we need to follow today. He said that an individual reshapes himself/herself through sheer willpower. Remaining stoic in any situation and not losing the righteous path will make one peaceful within. Not desiring the fruits of your labour in your mind is a way to work tirelessly and build a life that can serve properly. We are not merely bodies but atmas – roughly similar to soul in English. And the atma never dies, thus taking the pressure of achieving everything in a single life.

We can take a step back and look within to find peace and harmony without really giving importance to what we have achieved in this world. It rings true, as we can detach ourselves from worldly pleasures and enjoy life, thus making the world a better place.

Note: Also read about ethics and values as per Hindu Sanathana Dharma – Samanya Dharma, Apad Dharma, Vishesha Dharma 

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