Even after 2,000 odd years, The Bhagavad Gita still stands tall as an essential element in the exploration of wisdom. It is otherworldly how such an old conversation between a warrior (Arjun) and his charioteer (Lord Krishna) in an ancient battle (Mahabharata) continues to captivate minds across centuries and cultures. From J. Robert Oppenheimer to Mahatma Gandhi, everyone who has read it has found profound meaning in life and a way of moving forward in it. Being a crucial part of the epic battle, the Bhagavad Gita sheds light on life concepts such as duty, righteousness, the nature of the self, and the path to spiritual liberation, which are still relevant and hold utmost significance to date.

This article pays homage to the timeless philosophy embedded in its profound pages and explores seven illuminating Bhagavad Gita quotes that carry the power to shape one's life.

1. 'You have the right to work but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction."

The meaning and reflection of this quote are quite simple. It is about understanding how to accomplish a task without any attachment to the result. As such, the Bhagavad Gita quote teaches us that our actions and responsibilities matter more, more than the fruit, reward, or outcome of the work. Everything a human undertake must symbolize integrity & accountability regardless of the outcome.

2. "The soul is neither born nor does it ever die; nor, having once existed, does it ever cease to be. The soul is without birth, eternal, immortal, and ageless. It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed."

Calling our soul to be an eternal identity, the quote highlights that it exists beyond the idea of birth and death. It is said that a pure understanding of this quote can unleash core strength in one and bring peace and happiness in the face of adversity.

3. "He who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is wise among men."

The quote clearly highlights the difference between action and inaction. This Bhagavad Gita quote on positive thinking says that what one sees does not reflect reality. Sometimes, what appears to be action is actually inaction, like pointless busy work, and what comes as inaction is an action, such as a daily routine of meditation.

4."Whatever happened, happened for the good; whatever is happening, is happening for the good; whatever will happen, will also happen for the good only."

Lord Krishna, in this Bhagavad Gita quote, asks us to trust the process. One does not need to dwell in the past. An interview didn't work out, marriage fell out a day before, or some investments were lost; everything is a part of the process and is there for a reason. The quote also tells one to live in the future and not think about the past or future, as well as perceive challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

5. "The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice."

Lord Krishna once again advises that the tasks ahead of us are challenging and difficult. Yet, one can't just stand in the moment and not act. The mind is restless and difficult to conquer. However, it is our will that will bring control over our thoughts and emotions. Consistent practice and discipline will grant the power to overcome the constraints of the mind, and only then can one become victorious in life.

6. "Those who are motivated only by desire for the fruits of action are miserable, for they are constantly anxious about the results of what they do."

Similar to the first Bhagavad Gita quote, this one also suggests the significance of detachment from the outcome. Those who think about the result of their actions or seek rewards for them will find themselves at the heart of anxiety, disturbing their peace in this life.

7. “There is nothing lost or wasted in this life. Every experience shapes us for what lies ahead."

Last but not least, this Bhagavad Gita quote on positive thinking teaches one to look at one's life as a journey. Everything one has failed at or succeeded at has shaped that journey. Nothing is lost in the way or wasted. Everything has played a perfect role in shaping life, and the same experience will lead the way in the future.

In Conclusion

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us practically infinite things. The ones mentioned above merely scratch the surface. Its knowledge will always pave the way for spiritual guidance, ethics, duty, and responsibilities in both personal and professional life.