Making Vedantic Teachings a Part of Everyday Life
Ever attended a Vedanta class or read a scripture and thought, “Wow! This is profound stuff!” But then, real life happens. We are stuck in traffic, our boss is being unreasonable, and somehow all that wisdom slips away like butter on a hot plate. So, how do we bridge this gap between what we learn and what we do?
Vedanta is not just for the textbooks or temple halls; it’s meant to be lived. Our scriptures say, “ज्ञानं कर्म–समुच्चयं” (jñānaṁ karma-samuccayaṁ), which means “true knowledge (jnana) is only complete when it’s accompanied by action (karma)”. And let’s face it, even the best cricket coach’s advice is useless if we don’t swing the bat. So, let’s dive into how we can live these teachings daily.
Step 1: Nishkama Karma – Act Without Attachment to Results
Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita says, “कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन” (karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana)—“You have the right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions.”
Imagine doing the laundry for a whole week and expecting a trophy for it. Life doesn’t work that way. The idea here is to give our best without getting attached to the rewards. Let us try it with something small—say, helping a friend or a stranger without waiting for a thank you. The less we expect, the lighter our heart feels. It’s like sowing a seed and moving on.
Step 2: Sthitaprajna – Stay Steady in Your Wisdom
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna describes a sthitaprajna, or a person of steady wisdom: “दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः” (duḥkheṣv-anudvigna-manāḥ sukheṣu vigata-spṛhaḥ)—“One whose mind remains undisturbed amid sorrow and is free from craving amid joy.”
Think about Sachin Tendulkar—whether he was scoring centuries or getting out for a duck, he didn’t lose his cool. Now that’s sthitaprajna in action! The next time our Wi-Fi breaks down mid-Zoom call, let us take a deep breath and remind ourselves: “I’m not this frustration. I am just the observer.” This is tough, I know. But remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Even a little steadiness can save the day.
Step 3: Sankalpa – Make and Keep Intentions
Sankalpa means resolution or intention. Our sages believed that a firm resolve could shape our destiny. In the Upanishads, it’s said, “सङ्कल्पोऽस्मिन्पुरुषे देवता भवन्ति” (saṅkalpo’smin puruṣe devatā bhavanti)—“It is through resolve that the gods manifest within a person.”
Resolutions aren’t just for New Year’s. Try setting a sankalpa every morning. For instance, “Today, I will be kind, no matter what.” When our cousin calls to complain/crib, let us remember our sankalpa, smile, and be kind in our conversation without a judgement and without getting upset. Let’s focus on being kind in other contexts through the rest of the day. Every small sankalpa adds up, like saving ₹10 a day. By the end of the year, you have a nice stash of resolve that keeps you going when times get tough.
Everyday Practices to Make It Real
So, how do we keep this wisdom alive day-to-day? Simple things can make a difference. First, let us practice drishta bhava, or observer consciousness. Watch our thoughts like we are watching a cricket match. Just observe without reacting—unless it’s a sixer, of course.
Then there’s manana, or reflection. Spend five minutes at night asking, “Did I act as per my sankalpa today?” No big judgment needed, just a quick check-in. It’s like wiping down the kitchen counter after a day of cooking.
A Little Story: The Bamboo Farmer
Consider the story of a bamboo farmer. He plants his bamboo seeds and waters them every day, but for years, there’s no sign of growth. His neighbours laugh, saying he’s wasting his time. Yet, he doesn’t stop. After five years, the bamboo suddenly shoots up and grows over 80 feet tall in just six weeks. The farmer knew that patience and steady action were his real tools—not just the seeds.
Like that farmer, we may not see immediate results, but with consistent effort and faith, our actions will bear fruit. Even when it seems like nothing is happening, something within us is strengthening.
Wrapping Up
So, there we have it. Vedanta isn’t something to learn and forget; it’s a toolkit for everyday life. By practicing nishkama karma, staying steady with sthitaprajna, and setting small sankalpas, we are bringing that ancient wisdom straight into the daily grind.
As Swami Vivekananda said, “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.” Let us take that first step today, whether it’s letting go of an expectation, sticking to a promise, or simply watching your thoughts.
Vedanta is meant to be lived—so let’s live it fully and watch how life changes!
For deeper insights, pls watch:
Sankalpa Siddhi Session: https://youtu.be/eHmQ6tyc_G0?feature=shared
Vedantic Mindsets Session: https://youtu.be/wtEY40-5TWs?feature=shared