10 lessons for school children from the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the “Gita,” is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic, The Mahabharata. It is a profound dialogue between the prince Arjun and the Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide. This ancient text imparts timeless wisdom and ethical principles that are not only relevant but also invaluable for school children in their everyday lives.

The Gita for Children by the celebrated author, Roopa Pai is a literary gem that unlocks the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita for readers of all ages. With her exceptional storytelling prowess, Pai transforms the complexities of this ancient scripture into a digestible, interactive, and engaging read. Thanks to her skillful narration, she demonstrates how the teachings of the Gita are applicable in every facet of life, making it an invaluable guide for both children and adults.

In addition to this, Pai empowers readers to internalise these principles in their everyday lives. She goes beyond mere narration; she invites readers to actively engage with the text. Through thought-provoking questions, reflective exercises, and hands-on activities, she encourages readers to apply the Gita’s teachings in practical ways.

Moreover, she seamlessly integrates shlokas (verses) from the original scripture. This inclusion not only preserves the essence of the Gita but also introduces young readers to the melodic cadence of Sanskrit verses. Inspired by her book, the following ten lessons aptly summarise the essence of this widely read text. Read On. 

1.  Dharma: Finding One’s Righteous Path

At the heart of the Bhagavad Gita lies the concept of dharm, which refers to one’s duty or righteous path in life. School children can learn the importance of understanding their responsibilities and acting in accordance with their moral compass. By doing so, they will cultivate a sense of purpose and contribute positively to their communities.

2.  Detachment: Balancing Attachment and Non-Attachment

The Gita teaches the delicate balance between attachment and non-attachment. Children learn that while it’s natural to form bonds with people and possessions, they should not let these attachments control them. This wisdom helps in developing resilience, adaptability, and emotional stability.

3.  Self-Improvement: Striving for Personal Growth

Krishna emphasises the importance of self-improvement and continuous learning. School children can take this lesson to heart, understanding that growth comes from self-reflection, seeking knowledge, and honing their skills.

4. Equanimity: Maintaining Inner Peace

In the midst of challenges and adversities, the Gita teaches the art of maintaining inner peace. This quality enables children to approach difficult situations with clarity and composure, making them more effective problem-solvers.

5.  Compassion: Cultivating Empathy and Kindness

The Gita underscores the significance of compassion towards all living beings. By empathising with others, children develop a sense of social responsibility, making them more considerate and inclusive individuals.

6. Resilience: Facing Challenges with Fortitude

The Gita acknowledges that life is replete with trials and tribulations. School children should learn to face challenges with courage and determination, understanding that setbacks are opportunities for growth.

7. Yoga: Balancing Mind, Body, and Spirit

Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita encompasses more than physical postures; it contains the harmonisation of mind, body, and spirit. School children can benefit from incorporating practices like mindfulness, meditation and physical exercise into their daily routines for enhanced mental and physical well-being.

8. Honesty and Integrity: Upholding Truthfulness

The Gita advocates for honesty and integrity in all actions and communications. Children learn that truthfulness forms the bedrock of trust in personal and professional relationships, leading to a more harmonious and ethical society.

9. Service: Contributing to the Greater Good

Krishna imparts the value of selfless service to others. School children can internalise this ethic by engaging in acts of kindness, volunteering, and finding ways to contribute positively to their communities.

10.  Faith and Devotion: Cultivating a Spiritual Connection

The Bhagavad Gita encourages children to develop a sense of faith and devotion, whether towards a higher power, a cause, or a sense of purpose. This connection provides a source of strength, solace, and guidance in navigating life’s complexities.

The Bhagavad Gita, with its profound ethical teachings, serves as a timeless guide for school children seeking to navigate the complexities of daily life. By internalising these principles of dharm, detachment, self-improvement, equanimity, compassion, resilience, yoga, honesty, service, and faith, children can develop into individuals who contribute positively to their communities and lead fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. This ancient conversation between the gods provides a wellspring of wisdom, offering answers to the deepest questions of human existence.