Self Realization - Bhagwat Gita way...

"Self reflection is the means to overcome the confusion and delusion caused by the mind's perceptions." 

Ranjan had been working as a Finance Controller for a large manufacturing company for over 20 years. He had always been a hard worker and had climbed the ranks to become a manager. However, despite his success at work, Ranjan had always felt a sense of emptiness and unfulfillment. He often found himself questioning if this was truly what he wanted to do with his life and if he was truly happy. Sometimes there used to be unusual expectations from his manager and Business Leader of his business group. 

One day, Ranjan found himself in the midst of a career crisis. He was feeling burnt out and unhappy with his job, and he knew he needed to make a change. He decided to take some time off and really think about what he wanted to do with his life. He spent his days reflecting and exploring new interests, such as painting and writing.

Through this process of self-exploration, Ranjan began to realize that what he really wanted was to use his skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world. He also wanted empowerment to make his own decisions for the benefit of the organization and people around. He wanted to work on projects that had meaning and purpose beyond just making a profit. 

So, Ranjan made the decision to leave his job and start his own consulting firm focused on creating sustainable and socially responsible financial solutions for midsize organizations. It was a risky move, but he knew it was the right one for him. As he pursued this new path, Ranjan found a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. He was able to use his skills and knowledge to make a difference, and he was finally happy with his career.

In the Bhagavad-Gita, self reflection is seen as a key component of the path to enlightenment and self-realization. It is a practice that can help one to grow and to become a better person, both spiritually and in everyday life. The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna centers on the importance of self reflection and self-realization. Self-realization, or "atma-dnyna", is described as the ultimate goal of life. It is the understanding and realization of one's true self, or atman, as being inseparable from the divine, or Brahmin (mean intellectual). The path to self-realization involves the cultivation of spiritual disciplines, such as devotion (bhakti), yoga, and meditation, as well as performing one's duties selflessly and without attachment to the fruits of one's actions.

One of the key teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is that the ego, or ahankara, is the root cause of suffering and that true liberation can only be attained by transcending the ego and realizing the oneness of all existence.

Here are a few key verses from the Bhagavad Gita that relate to self-realization:

"He who is situated in the Self, and whose Self is the same as Mine, even though he slay these people, he does not slay, nor is he bound by his actions." (5.15)

"He who has attained to the highest realization, being united in the Self, is neither elated by good fortune nor depressed by evil." (5.20)

"The man of self-realization, whose mind is completely absorbed in the Self, is not affected by the dualities of life, for he has attained to the highest perfection." (5.20)

Krishna tells Arjuna that by engaging in self reflection and introspection, he can gain a deeper understanding of his own nature and purpose. He encourages Arjuna to let go of ego and attachments, and to focus on his own inner wisdom and guidance. Krishna also stresses the importance of being honest and truthful with oneself in order to gain true insight and understanding. He tells Arjuna that by engaging in self reflection, he can learn to let go of the things that do not serve him and to focus on what truly matters.

Through this conversation, Krishna encourages Arjuna to embrace self reflection as a means of personal growth and self-realization. He shows Arjuna that by looking inward and examining his own thoughts and actions, he can gain a greater sense of inner peace and fulfillment.

• Self reflection is like looking in a mirror and seeing yourself clearly for the first time.
• Self reflection is like peeling back the layers of an onion, revealing the hidden truths within.
• Self reflection is like a deep dive into the depths of the ocean, discovering hidden treasures and secrets.
• Self reflection is like a shining beacon, illuminating the path to self-discovery and growth.
• Self reflection is like a warm embrace, comforting and nurturing the soul.

The journey of self-realization during a career crisis can be a difficult and uncertain one, but for Ranjan, it was worth it. He learned that sometimes taking a step back and reflecting on what truly matters to you can lead to a much more fulfilling and rewarding path

Self realization and self reflection are two important concepts that are closely related. Self realization is the process of understanding and accepting one's own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, while self reflection is the process of looking inward and examining one's own thoughts and actions. Both self realization and self reflection are essential for personal growth and development. By understanding and accepting ourselves, we are able to set goals and make plans to improve ourselves and our lives. By examining our thoughts and actions, we are able to learn from our mistakes and make positive changes.

However, self realization and self reflection can be difficult. It can be challenging to look inward and to confront our own flaws and shortcomings. It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to lose sight of what is truly important. One way to overcome these challenges is to set aside time for regular self reflection. This can be done through meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few moments each day to sit quietly and reflect on our thoughts and actions.

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(Opinions are purely personal & does not represent my organizations, current or past) 

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