The eternal teachings of Lord Krishna

There are some teachings that remain eternal. Lord Krishna and his philosophy is certainly one of them. 

Lord Krishna faced life and showed us the right direction in leading it. He remained dharmic which is why he is an eternal role model for many, even those who are not born in India. This is why it is taught and used even by business leaders, teachers, philosophers and even politicians to lead life with the right principles.  He himself did not just teach but showed it to us in action, never compromising on the right principles even in the middle of life’s challenges. As a deity, he could have done everything automatically but did it in action to set an example to others, struggling and even facing abuses from others while he was doing so. He wished to show all of us that principles are not compromised no matter how tough the struggles one faces. In this area, Lord Krishna, a central figure in the Bhagavad Gita and Hindu philosophy, imparted profound spiritual teachings. Here are some of his key messages: 

1. Dharma (Duty & Righteousness) 

• Krishna emphasized performing one's dharma (duty) with dedication but without attachment to results (Nishkama Karma). 

• "Your right is to perform your duty only, but never to its fruits." (Bhagavad Gita 2:47) 

2. Detachment & Selfless Action 

• He taught that one should act selflessly, offering all actions to the Divine, without craving personal rewards. 

• "Work done as a sacrifice for Vishnu has to be performed; otherwise work binds one to this material world." (BG 3:9) 

3. The Eternal Soul (Atman) 

• One of his key teachings is that the soul (Atman) is eternal, indestructible, and beyond physical death. 

• "The soul can never be cut into pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered by the wind." (BG 2:23) 

4. Surrender to God (Bhakti Yoga) 

• He encouraged devotion (bhakti) as a path to liberation, teaching that sincere surrender to God leads to freedom from suffering. 

• "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear." (BG 18:66) 

5. Equanimity & Inner Peace 

• Krishna advised maintaining mental balance in success and failure, pleasure and pain. 

• "The wise are those who remain undisturbed in happiness and distress, and are free from attachment and fear." (BG 2:15) 

6. The Nature of Reality 

He revealed that the material world is temporary, while the Supreme Consciousness (Brahman) is eternal. 

"All beings are in Me, but I am not in them." (BG 9:4) 

7. The Path to Liberation 

• He outlined multiple paths to God— it could be through selfless action or devotion. 

• "In whatever way people surrender unto Me, I reciprocate accordingly." (BG 4:11) 

Essentially, Krishna’s teachings guide individuals toward moksha (liberation) by cultivating righteousness, detachment, devotion, and wisdom. His words in the Bhagavad Gita remain a timeless spiritual guide for humanity. Let us all walk on this path to create a humane world. 

By Jamuna Rangachari