Shloka 12. Chapter 2

Applying Bhagavad Gita's teachings to a business crisis.

न त्वेवाहं जातु नासं न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः। 

न चैव न भविष्यामः सर्वे वयमतः परम्॥ 12.2 ॥

na tvevāhaṁ jātu nāsaṁ na tvaṁ neme janādhipāḥ

na chaiva na bhaviṣyāmaḥ sarve vayam ataḥ param

Meaning

Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.

In this verse, Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna's despondency and reluctance to fight in the battle of Kurukshetra. He emphasizes the eternal nature of the soul, asserting that the soul is immortal and indestructible. Krishna explains that all beings exist eternally in the past, present, and future. This teaching is intended to provide Arjuna with the understanding that the physical body is temporary, while the soul is eternal, thus encouraging him to perform his duty as a warrior without attachment to the physical consequences.

Today's Context

The teachings in these shlokas underscore the concept of the immortality of the soul and the transient nature of the physical body. In today's context, this can be understood as a reminder of the importance of focusing on our inner self and spiritual growth rather than becoming overly attached to material possessions and temporary situations. It encourages us to perform our duties with dedication and without attachment to the outcomes, fostering a sense of inner peace and resilience in the face of life's challenges. This perspective can help individuals lead a more balanced and purposeful life, contributing positively to society while maintaining inner tranquility.

Imagine a successful business leader named Raj, who has built a thriving company over the years. Suddenly, the company faces a severe financial crisis due to an unexpected economic downturn. Raj is devastated and feels a sense of deep despair, worried about the future of his employees, his company, and his own career. Fully stressed out, he even contemplates suicide.

Applying the Teachings of Shloka 2.12

1. Eternal Nature of the Soul:
• Teaching: Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the soul is eternal and indestructible, existing beyond the temporary physical body.
• Application: Raj can remind himself that his true essence is not defined by his material success or his company. His core being, his soul, is eternal and untouched by the ups and downs of his business life. This understanding can help him detach from the overwhelming anxiety about the crisis.
2. Performing Duty Without Attachment:
• Teaching: Krishna encourages Arjuna to perform his duty as a warrior without attachment to the results.
• Application: Raj can focus on his duty as a leader, taking necessary actions to address the crisis - like restructuring the company, finding new markets, or innovating products - without being overly attached to the outcome. This means making decisions with a clear mind rather than out of fear or desperation.
3. Perspective on Life’s Transience:
• Teaching: The verse emphasizes that all physical circumstances are temporary, while the soul’s journey is eternal.
• Application: Raj can view the financial crisis as a temporary phase. By adopting this perspective, he can maintain calmness and resilience, knowing that both success and failure are fleeting. This helps him to stay grounded and make thoughtful decisions.

In modern times, many people face crises in various forms - be it career setbacks, personal losses, or financial difficulties. The teachings from Shloka 2.12 of the Bhagavad Gita offer a timeless perspective:

• Inner Resilience: Understanding the eternal nature of the soul can provide inner strength, helping individuals navigate through challenges without losing their sense of self.
• Detached Action: Performing duties with dedication but without attachment to the outcomes can lead to more effective and balanced decision-making.
• Perspective on Change: Recognizing the temporary nature of life’s situations can reduce stress and foster a sense of peace, allowing individuals to face challenges with a calm and composed mind.

By applying these teachings, people like Raj can turn crises into opportunities for growth and maintain a sense of equilibrium, regardless of external circumstances.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi