In a fast paced world where technology and materialism takes precedence, children and young adults often forget the essential principles and values of life. As a victim who has also fallen prey to this situation, I have had the privilege to mitigate it by guiding young minds through the profound teachings of our ancient scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. The experience has been an enriching journey, benefiting both myself and the students, as I had the privilege of deepening my understanding of our scripture while imparting knowledge through teaching.
During our Sunday Gita class not too long ago, I, along with two other facilitators, initiated a thought-provoking conversation centered around Chapter 16. This particular chapter delves deep into the concept of dual human nature, highlighting the presence of both divine and devilish traits within us. While the terminology may initially appear somewhat extreme and perhaps even seemingly irrelevant to our students, it serves as a gateway to a profound discussion about the perpetual struggle for our inclinations and behavioral choices. Chapter 16, Shloka 7 states, “pravṛittiṁ cha nivṛittiṁ cha janā na vidur āsurāḥ na śhauchaṁ nāpi chāchāro na satyaṁ teṣhu vidyate”. This translates to, “Those possessing a demoniac nature do not comprehend which actions are proper and which are improper. Hence, they possess neither purity, nor good conduct, nor even truthfulness” (Swami Mukundananda).
In this verse, it explores the idea that people with negative tendencies often struggle to distinguish between right and wrong. They tend to prioritize their own narrow interests over principles like good conduct and honesty. To help younger audiences connect with this concept, I explained that it doesn't just apply to extreme situations like theft or fraud; it also relates to how we navigate our relationships with those closest to us.
Many times, we don't carefully consider our actions within our friendships or family relationships. We're more concerned with appearing good and avoiding appearing bad. This mindset can cause us to lose sight of the true purpose of these connections: to foster healthy communication and maintain a supportive environment. When we're solely focused on looking good, we inadvertently fall into the trap of becoming victims of our own negative behaviors, which can manifest as raised voices, hurtful language, or even isolation.
Through this explanation, it was heartwarming to witness one of the students experiencing a breakthrough. They began to understand the importance of integrity and staying true to oneself, regardless of the circumstances. This newfound awareness creates room for improvement in any situation. One student related these teachings to her own life, recognizing that she often avoids addressing issues with friends or family to avoid discomfort.
In essence, it became clear that practicing honesty and avoiding selfish behavior is a divine quality. It not only cultivates goodness within us but also spreads positivity to others, creating an environment conducive to a deeper understanding of Gita teachings.
However, teaching the Bhagavad Gita to young minds is not a skill that comes easily. One of the challenges I faced while teaching the Bhagavad Gita to young people was truly grasping the underlying meanings of its verses and conveying them in a relatable manner. Many times, my explanations ended up sounding technical and disconnected, which was disheartening.
However, I found a way to overcome this hurdle by reflecting on how I personally apply the teachings of the Gita to my own life situations. Sharing real-life examples with my students, where I could have approached a situation using Gita principles, allowed them to relate more easily. It also encouraged them to introspect and share instances where they felt they could have benefited from applying the Gita's wisdom.
I learned that I could only inspire change and a deeper understanding in my students if I first understood it for myself. This responsibility motivated me to become more self-reflective and goal-oriented in my quest to better comprehend the Bhagavad Gita's teachings and to work towards achieving self-realization.
In the course of our Bhagavad Gita teachings, I discovered that the exchange of wisdom and insights didn't flow in just one direction—from facilitators to students. Instead, it created a dynamic and reciprocal learning environment where both the facilitators and the students were actively engaged in a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and a profound connection with the timeless wisdom contained within the Bhagavad Gita. As a facilitator, I initially assumed the role of the knowledge bearer, responsible for imparting the teachings of the Gita to my students. However, what unfolded was a transformative experience where I, too, continued to learn and evolve alongside my students.
In the end, what emerged from our teaching and learning experience was a beautiful synergy. It was a journey where the roles of facilitator and student blurred, and we all became fellow travelers on the path of self-discovery and personal growth. The Bhagavad Gita acted as our guiding light, illuminating our way and offering timeless wisdom that enriched our lives in ways we could have never anticipated. It reinforced the idea that true learning is a shared journey where all participants contribute to each other's growth and understanding, and that wisdom, when shared and applied, has the power to transform lives and foster deeper connections among us all.
– Vallesha Muppana