Intro:
Throughout my life and career, I’ve been profoundly influenced by extraordinary women who have made a lasting impact on me. From my mother’s selfless sacrifices, my aunties and my partner’s unwavering support—both of whom dedicated their dreams to help shape mine. To the valuable guidance of professional mentors and the camaraderie of inspiring peers, each woman has significantly influenced the path I walk today. As we celebrate International Women's Day, this blog becomes a canvas adorned with few selected verses from the Bhagavad Gita, a timeless source of wisdom that resonates with the strength, resilience, and divine essence inherent in every woman.
Leading with Grace and Feminine Spirit:
Motherhood:
Verse 9.22
ananyāśh chintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣhāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣhemaṁ vahāmyaham
A mother’s love and sacrifice mirror this devotion. As her child grows and assumes more responsibilities, she willingly relinquishes her own. Her focus shifts entirely to ensuring her kin’s well-being, often at the expense of her own desires and needs. Just as the devoted seek solace in the divine, a mother finds fulfillment in nurturing her family.
Verse 9.16-17
ahaṁ kratur ahaṁ yajñaḥ svadhāham aham auṣhadham
mantro ’ham aham evājyam aham agnir ahaṁ hutam
pitāham asya jagato mātā dhātā pitāmahaḥ
vedyaṁ pavitram oṁkāra ṛik sāma yajur eva cha
Lord Krishna resume the role of Mātā (Mother) of the universe. A mother sustains her family—nourishing, caring, and providing emotional support. She is the heart that keeps the family together, just as Krishna sustains the cosmic order. A mother imparts wisdom, life lessons, and practical skills to her children. She is the first teacher, guiding them through life’s complexities. Her selflessness and care cleanse the hearts of those around her. She imparts cultural values, traditions, and spiritual teachings to her children, shaping their character.
Verse 18.6
etāny api tu karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā phalāni cha
kartavyānīti me pārtha niśhchitaṁ matam uttamam
A mother selflessly sacrifices her own desires and joys for the well-being of her offspring. She doesn’t seek personal rewards; her focus is solely on fulfilling her maternal duty. Her joy lies in seeing her child thrive, even if it means sacrificing her own comfort or desires. This act by mother is an epitome of selflessness
Companion
verse 4.25
daivam evāpare yajñaṁ yoginaḥ paryupāsate
brahmāgnāvapare yajñaṁ yajñenaivopajuhvati
A devoted life companion supports her partner out of love and duty, selflessly offering her time, energy, and emotional support for the well-being of their family
verse 4.33
śhreyān dravya-mayād yajñāj jñāna-yajñaḥ parantapa
sarvaṁ karmākhilaṁ pārtha jñāne parisamāpyate
A committed life partner maintains equilibrium by supporting both her partner and her own aspirations. Her steadfast support for her companion — whether in times of adversity, professional endeavors, or personal development—demonstrates her wisdom and unwavering devotion.
Guiding Force
Verse 10.34
mṛityuḥ sarva-haraśh chāham udbhavaśh cha bhaviṣhyatām
kīrtiḥ śhrīr vāk cha nārīṇāṁ smṛitir medhā dhṛitiḥ kṣhamā
Lord Krishna lists fame, prosperity, perfect speech, memory, intelligence, courage, and forgiveness, as virtues that make women glorious. A female mentor recognize challenges and fearlessly address issues, making tough decisions for the greater good. They balance assertiveness with empathy, fostering prosperity.
Verse 4.34
tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśhnena sevayā
upadekṣhyanti te jñānaṁ jñāninas tattva-darśhinaḥ
Women mentors create a supportive environment where mentees can seek advice, ask questions, and discover their abilities. They generously share their time, knowledge, and a well-rounded view, drawing from their own experiences and empathy. These mentors significantly influence the paths of those they guide.
This is a my playful / creative interpretation of the verses. I welcome diverse perspectives and am eager to learn from them. I hope my interpretations have strayed or sparked curiosity. I wholeheartedly welcome corrections and insights
Top comments (5)
What a fantastic post, Bala!
I really enjoyed hearing your interpretation of these verses. To be honest, I don't know very much about Hinduism and this was pretty educational. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
@michaeltharrington : glad you liked the post. To be honest your post just pushed me to write my version.
Feminism is About Equality
Michael Tharrington ・ Mar 6
Wow, I really appreciate it Bala! 💚
It's truly inspiring to see the Bhagavad Gita's wisdom being applied to personal growth and professional journeys in tech, as shared in your article. The Gita offers timeless guidance, such as the importance of doing one's duty without attachment to the results, which resonates deeply with the challenges and decisions we face in the modern world. Your integration of these principles into the narrative of women's empowerment in the tech industry is both profound and uplifting. Thank you for sharing your journey and insights, illuminated by such a significant spiritual text.
@christinepinto : Thanks for your lovely comment and I am glad you enjoyed the read.
🙏