How to Stay Calm and Spiritual: The Ultimate Guide to Science and the Bhagavad Gita
Would you like to stay calm and spiritual no matter what life throws at you? It’s easier than you think. You don’t have to choose between science and spirituality. In fact, both modern science and the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita point to the same powerful truths. They give us a clear roadmap to inner peace and strength. Let’s find out how.
Part 1: Staying Calm (The Art of Calmness)
Being “calm” means staying still. You don’t get discouraged by small problems or big victories. You stay balanced.
The Science of a Calm Mind
Your brain has a built-in alarm system called the amygdala. When you’re stressed, it triggers your “fight-or-flight” response. Your body gets a rush of stress hormones like cortisol.
However, you also have a “thinking brain” (the prefrontal cortex). This part helps you manage your anxiety. You can train your thinking brain to take control.
Simple practices like deep breathing and mindfulness work wonders. When you breathe deeply, you activate a special nerve called the vagus nerve. This nerve tells your body to relax. It switches you from “stress” mode to “relax” mode. This simple action slows your heart rate and makes you feel instantly calm.
Knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita
In the Bhagavad Gita, this state of calm is called sthitaprajna (स्थितप्रज्ञ) , which means having steady knowledge. This book teaches us to focus on our actions, not on the results.
On finding balance:
योगस्थःकुरुकर्माणिसङ्गंत्यक्त्वाधनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योःसमोभूत्वासमत्वंयोगउच्यते॥
Simple meaning: “O Arjuna, perform your duty with a balanced mind. Give up attachment to success or failure. This equanimity of mind is called yoga.” (Chapter 2, Verse 48)
This idea, known as nishkama karma, is a powerful tool. When you stop worrying about the result, you are free from stress and anxiety.
- On handling life’s ups and downs:
दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाःसुखेषुविगतस्पृहः।
वीतरागभयक्रोधःस्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते॥
Simple meaning: “A wise person is one whose mind is not shaken by sorrow, who does not run after pleasure, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger.” (Chapter 2, Verse 56)
This verse best describes a person who has gained control over their emotions – the very goal that modern science helps us achieve.
Part 2: Being Spiritual (Knowing Your True Self)
Being spiritual is about understanding that you are more than just your body and your thoughts. It is about connecting with your deeper self.
Interesting Parallels in Science
Science does not prove spirituality, but it does offer some surprising ways to think about it.
- You are energy: Science tells us that energy can never be destroyed. It only changes form. This is a great way to think about your soul or consciousness. Your body changes, but the core energy that is “you” is eternal.
- We are all connected: In the strange world of quantum physics, particles can be mysteriously linked. What happens to one immediately affects another, even if they are miles apart. This reflects the spiritual idea that we are all part of a single, connected universe.
Knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita
The main spiritual lesson of the Gita is to know your true identity. You are soul ($atman$) – the eternal, peaceful self that resides within you.
Your soul never dies:
नजायतेम्रियतेवाकदाचिन् नायंभूत्वाभवितावानभूयः।
अजोनित्यःशाश्वतोऽयंपुराणो नहन्यतेहन्यमानेशरीरे॥
Simple meaning: “The soul is never born and it never dies. It is eternal and will always exist. It is not killed by killing the body.” (Chapter 2, Verse 20)
When you truly understand this, fear disappears. You understand that the changes that occur in your life and body cannot harm your true self. This brings incredible peace.
- You are the silent witness: The Gita teaches you to become a witness (सक्षी) of your own life. You observe your thoughts and feelings silently, without getting caught up in them. By doing this, you separate yourself from the drama of the ego and connect with your peaceful, spiritual center.
Ultimately, both paths guide you to look within. To remain peaceful and spiritual, you must train your mind to balance and understand your true, unwavering nature.
