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*Today is Gita Jayanthi (4th Dec 2022)*

Gita Jayanti is a very important day for all Sanathanis, because it was on this day that Lord Shri Krishna revealed the ultimate eternal truth of life, the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. The Jayanthi is celebrated on *Shukla Ekadashi or the 11th day of the brighter ( first) fortnight) Margashirsha month of the lunar panchangam.*
The ‘Bhagavad Gita’ was revealed by Krishna himself to Arjuna at the battlefield of Kurukshetra – a unique occasion of God Himself teaching a mortal.
The Gita contains about 700 verses (18 Chapters) that provide knowledge to many humans about many important aspects of life: of these,574 are spoken by Krishna,84 by Arjuna,41 by Sanjaya and a solitary verse by Dhritharashtra.
Teachings by Lord Krishna helped in changing Arjuna’s perspective about life and his life path. Understanding the timeless principles of the Bhagavad Gita can help everyone – both adults and children –get a deep insight into the how’s and the why’s of life. And assimilating the teachings of this holy manuscript into our lives will can lead guide us towards adopting a pragmatic approach.. In brief, the Gita is a comprehensive manual to guide us in any or all aspects of our lives.
*Some life lessons from the Bhagavad Gita:*
*Development of right perspective:*
Just before the commencement of the war of Kurukshetra, Arjun felt confused and dejected. He refused to fight the epic war as he failed to visualise the outcome of his actions. Sri Krishna’s words helped him perceive things in the right way, and understand what he should do, why he should do it, and his role in the scheme of things.
*Understand that change is the law of nature:*
According to the Gita, the only thing constant is change. Everything from body, feelings, emotions, and perceptions is bound to undergo change even if adamantly oppose it. To be successful, we need to adapt to new situations, innovate and explore.
*Tolerance and forgiveness is essential:*
In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna that patience can help one face the hardships of life with equanimity and stop one from using force even after being continuously provoked, while forgiveness helps one combat the feelings of hatred. Both these qualities help in maintaining relationships, develop feelings of empathy and love.
*Change the way you think:*
Positive thoughts can help in achieving a balanced perspective, confidence, overcome negativity, and achieve goals. So, negative thoughts should be fought by being grateful, meditating, reading positive literature.
*Stay calm:*
Lord Krishna advised Arjuna to stay calm as a quiet mind helps one in controlling the impulses and stay undisturbed in any situation. It also helps in thinking clearly, weighing options, and channelizing energy towards gainful endeavours.
*Work for the welfare of others:**
Arjuna was advised by Sri Krishna that the world is one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). Our actions should be directed in a way to make the world a better place.
*Be fearless:*
Fear primarily arises out of lack of knowledge and the inability to manage emotions. So, it is essential to understand the unknown and overcome the fear and hesitation.
*Manage anger:*
Anger leads to confusion and chaos. It decreases the clarity of thought and distracts one from pursuing goals.
*Dream big:*
Focus, dream big and indulge in unwavering effort to make that dream come true.
Most people also fast on this day because it is Ekadashi : traditionally a day of fortnightly fasting Gita Jayanthi can be best spent by chanting the Gita or reading commentaries on it. Some people conduct bhajans, discourses and pujas to commemorate the auspicious event.