“मृत्यु दुखो का रूप धारण कर के सामने आती है। कभी भय बन के आएगी, कभी भ्रम बन के आएगी, कभी बीमारी बन के आएगी और तुम्हारी शक्ति को ख़त्म करना चाहेगी। उसके पांव को पछाड़ते हुए आगे जाना पड़ता है। जो परमात्मा की ओर चल पड़ता है उसको भय दबा नहीं पाता, मौत का भय भी नहीं और यही गीता का सम्पूर्ण ज्ञान है। डर को पीछे छोड़ परमात्मा की ओर चल पड़ो।“

“Death arrives in the form of sorrows. At times, it will come as a fear, sometimes it will come as an illusion, and sometimes it will come as a disease and will want to end all your power. You must move forward, leaving it behind. The person who walks towards Paramātmā cannot be suppressed by fear, even fear of death cannot shake them and Gita imparts this knowledge of fearlessness. Leave the fear behind and walk towards God.”

In India, healthcare workers are seeing a rise in patients coming with anxiety and depression due to the COVID-19 situation. A World Health Organisation (WHO) survey also indicates that the pandemic has now disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide including India. 

Grief, loneliness, fear, and loss of income are eliciting mental health conditions or worsening existing ones. Where is the solution? Will the unfortunate status quo never end?

These and many other questions are disturbing mankind for quite a long time now.  But common men should not feel despondent and learn from our doctors and healthcare workers who are going through a critical phase of their life these days. This is the time wherein their real character, motivation, focus, resilience, and passion to care for the sick, is being seen all around. 

They are working relentlessly as if they have deeply learned the teachings of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Yes, the ocean of knowledge, the divine song of God, the Bhagavad Gita is loaded with valuable teachings that can fill a man’s heart with unwavering courage to fight any situation. 

Let’s see how our doctors are using Gita’s timeless teachings.

Like Arjun, Every Doctor and Healthcare Worker is Fighting this war of epic proportions with the greatest of courage. Our doctors have learned to detach themselves from the results of their actions and they don’t care what the outcome may be.  They are free of any desire. They don’t have control over the situation, but they are performing their duties with self-control and steadiness. As if they are Gita teachings personified and they are composed Yogis. As Shri Krishna says in Chapter 2, Verse 48

“योगस्थ: कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय | सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्यो: समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ||”

“O Arjun, carry out all your obligations in an impartial way, forsaking all attachment to success or failure. Such poise is known as Yoga.” Really, healthcare workers are the Arjuna of today, while hospitals have become battlefields for the war against the disease along with the lack of an operative containment strategy.

Amidst this great chaos, doctors are being guided by dharma and a deep sense of determination to do what is right.

And perhaps that’s why we are calling them ‘CORONA WARRIORS’.

Kill Depression through Teachings of Gita

Although many Corona Warriors have fallen into the depths of depression it seems that Lord Krishna is lifting them up step by step, convincing them that to fight the disease is their supreme duty and they should tap into the driving force that resides in their soul and that there is nothing to fear.

There is no surprise that, despite humungous challenges, all doctors have picked up the PPE kits, testing kits, and other medical care material, and most of the time they are emerging victorious. A handsome recovery rate, about 94%, is showing all the hard work of our doctors. For me, these doctors are true yogis who are not worried over results and they have no delusion about what they are doing. 

They are indifferent to all the sad news and depressing details that they face daily. Like they are following Chapter 2, Verse 52-

“यदा ते मोहकलिलं बुद्धिर्व्यतितरिष्यति | तदा गन्तासि निर्वेदं श्रोतव्यस्य श्रुतस्य च ||”

“When your intellect has passed out of the thick woods of illusion, you shall become completely indifferent to all that has been heard and all that is to be heard as the perception changes”.

Develop a Steady Mind

Therefore, this is the time to not fall into the depth of delusion and weakness but practice to develop a steady mind as described in The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 56 and which is being practiced by our healthcare workers and volunteers.

“दु:खेष्वनुद्विग्नमना: सुखेषु विगतस्पृह: | वीतरागभयक्रोध: स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते ||”

“One who is not uneasy in mind even amidst the great miseries or overjoyed when there is a delight, and who is free from attachment, trepidation, and annoyance, is called a wise man of steady mind.”

Learn from The Gita to be a man of a  steady mind and fight with the situation like the courageous Arjuna.

The Bhagavad Gita – A Therapy for COVID 19

The Bhagavad Gita is an encouragement to shake off depression and negativity completely, and fight the degradation, disease, and destruction. 

There are many practical lessons in it, for e.g. in the 5th chapter, called the Yoga of Meditation, where the amazing technique of meditation is taught. 

While the vaccine is still in the process of arrival, Yoga Gurus say that everyday meditation can boost immunity which is crucial to stay healthy and safe.

Let’s learn the techniques of meditation and stay fit.

The chapter on Karma Yoga, furthermore, deals with the technique of fulfilling your duties without self-centeredness and any stress. 

In fact, every chapter has something to offer, to nurture a positive frame of mind. Above all, the Gita also teaches that each one of us is a spark of the Supreme Being, the all-powerful Divine, the Paramātmā and that one can manifest this immense energy if one is ready.

Therefore, if you feel low due to the woes of uncertain times, read one chapter of the Bhagavad Gita daily and try to practice the teachings. At least try to read and understand the meaning of five shlokas from The Gita every day.

Your life will be transformed completely.

Blessings!