Mindful Leisure: Cultivating Health and Happiness through Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is a conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. Set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna addresses Arjuna’s moral dilemma before a great war. Its significance lies in its universal philosophical insights, guiding a balanced, righteous life and transcending personal dilemmas. In today’s world stress and mental health challenges are prevalent and well-being has become important. This paper examines the idea of mindful leisure as a potential means to attain health and happiness by reviewing the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom on living a balanced and purposeful life, emphasizing mindfulness, self-awareness, and detachment from material outcomes. Recent studies show the psychological dimensions of the Gita, positioning it as more than just a spiritual text but also a resource for mental well-being. For example, research has highlighted how the dialogues between Krishna and Arjuna can be seen as early forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where Krishna helps him reframe his thinking and manage his emotional turmoil. Such interpretations align with contemporary therapeutic approaches, suggesting that its teachings can support emotional regulation and cognitive restructuring. Moreover, the Gita's principles of Karma Yoga (the yoga of action), Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion), and Dhyana Yoga (the yoga of meditation) provide a framework for engaging in activities that nourish the mind, body, and soul. These practices promote inner peace which research has shown to be crucial for mental health. Qualitative studies and thematic analyses reveal that integrating these teachings into leisure activities can significantly enhance holistic health and happiness.