For many of us, the start of a new calendar year is a time we hope to create real change: letting go of what was left undone last year and creating a plan for the next. But we often fear that things will continue as they have before. How can we give our dreams a better chance of manifesting?
Our survival-based mind, manas, interprets substantial change as a death and rallies to prevent it. Fortunately, the Bhagavad Gita provides clues for managing this mind and creating the transformation we desire. Chapter 8 addresses Death in all its forms. Krishna tells his best friend Arjuna:
Krishna, the spiritual adviser in the Bhagavvad Gita, plays his flute for cows and cowherds in an idyllic setting.
8.24 Those who know the Supreme One go
to that Supreme if they depart
in fire, in light, in bright fortnight,
or when the sun is heading north.
8.25 The yogi who decides to leave
in smoke, at night, in dark fortnight,
or when the sun heads toward the south
gains lunar light and shall return.
8.26 These bright and dark paths of the world
are said to be immutable.
The bright one brings a man release,
the dark one brings a man rebirth.
Although these symbolic guidelines seem to refer to the death of the physical body, they can be applied to the conclusions of relationships, careers, habits—to any significant ending in our lives. The first step in taking wise action is knowing your supreme goal for a situation. To reach that new state, observe verse 24’s references to light in all its manifestations, which can include the type of attitude we have: a “sunny” outlook, sense of rising energy, or belief that things are becoming the best, fullest aspect of themselves. However, Krishna warns, if we set intentions in a haze of confusion, or power them with darker emotions and pessimism, we will return to our previous patterns. The choice is ours.
Notice that this translation is in the same meter as the original Sanskrit. As humans, we naturally remember things better, even spontaneously, when they have a rhythm. If we refer to these poetic Gita (song) verses enough, we’ll find their words popping up easily; I recited 8.24 to a client recently even though I hadn’t specifically intended to memorize it.
At the start of this calendar year, you may find that these stanzas provide valuable clues for creating a fresh path. Consider referring to them daily during any challenging change, and notice what happens.
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Laura (Atmadarshan) Santoro, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a full-time yoga therapist and instructor who teaches internationally. These verses are from Embracing the Song of Your Soul, her original translations and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. You can get more ideas for how to apply the Gita’s wisdom to your life year-round with this special series.