“Why Bhagavad Gita for Kids? The ideal given to children in their early childhood alone can again and again inspire them in their future years of life and supply them with the courage to face their problems, the guts to pursue their purposes diligently, faith in themselves and in their country, and the heroism to live and act according to their own convictions.” – Swami Chinmayananda

A mentor to national leaders like Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave, Aurobindo, Madan Mohan Malaviya; a companion to western thinkers like Albert Einstein, Herman Hesse, Carl Jung, Aldous Huxley; and a mother to great saints like Adi Sankaracharya, Vivekananda, Madhvacharya; the Bhagavad Gita can be a friend to your child.

The Bhagavad Gita is the discourse that takes place between Lord Krishna and Arjun before the Kurukshetra war commences. Teachings by Lord Krishna helped in changing Arjun’s perspective about life and his life path. 

Understanding the timeless principles of the Bhagavad Gita can help both adult and children deep insight into the how’s and the why’s of life. And assimilating the teachings of this holy manuscript into our lives will can lead guide us towards adopting a pragmatic approach.

Life lessons from the Bhagavad Gita:

Development of right perspective:

Just before the commencement of the war of Kurukshetra, Arjun felt confused and dejected. He refused to fight the epic war as he failed to visualise the outcome of his actions. Sri Krishna’s words helped him perceive things in the right way, and understand what he should do, why he should do it, and his role in the scheme of things.

From the teachings of Bhagavad Gita, the children can be to look at situations from the viewpoint of others and take action accordingly.

Understand that change is the law of nature:

According to the Gita, the only thing constant is change. Everything from body, feelings, emotions, and perceptions is bound to undergo change even if adamantly oppose it. To be successful, we need to adapt to new situations, innovate and explore.  

Children can be taught to accommodate changes by answering their questions about evolution, reassuring them changes would take time to occur, and explaining them positive outcomes of these changes.

Tolerance and forgiveness is essential:

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjun that patience can help one face the hardships of life with equanimity and stop one from using force even after being continuously provoked. While forgiveness helps one combats the feelings of hatred. Both these qualities help in maintaining relationships, develop feelings of empathy and love. 

Children can be taught the values of tolerance and forgiveness through stories and instances narrated in the Gita.

Change the way you think:

Positive thoughts can help in achieving a balanced perspective, confidence, overcome negativity, and achieve goals. So, negative thoughts should be fought by being grateful, meditating, reading positive literature.

Children can be taught to inculcate a positive attitude by being flexible in thinking and approaching a problem.

Stay calm:

Lord Krishna advised Arjun to stay calm as a quiet mind helps one in controlling the impulses, stay undisturbed in any situation. It also helps in thinking clearly, weighing options, and channelise energy towards gainful endeavours. 

Children often get upset over minor issues. They can be taught to stay calm by practising techniques like taking deep breaths, counting backwards from 100-1, or taking a break.

Work for the welfare of others:

Arjun was advised by Sri Krishna that the world is one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). Our actions should be directed in a way to make the world a better place.

To help the kids understand this, make them participate in activities like donating toys and clothes, helping peers, and engaging in voluntary activities. 

Be fearless:

Fear primarily arises out of lack of knowledge and the inability to manage emotions. So, it is essential to understand the unknown and overcome the fear and hesitation.

Without sufficient information, children worry, feel scared, and become anxious. Encourage them to share their worries and concerns.

Manage anger:

Anger leads to confusion and chaos. It decreases the clarity of thought and distracts one from pursuing goals. 

Teach your child anger management techniques like belly breathing, practising yoga, and ways of reminding themselves that anger won’t solve problems.

Dream big:

Focus, dream big and indulge in unwavering effort to make that dream come true. 

Encourage the little ones to dream big in ways like creative play, dream diary, sharing dreams and aspirations and helping them in managing failure.

Book: Gita for Children

The pioneer proponent of the Bhagavad Gita in modern times, Swami Chinmayananda, views the Bhagavad Gita as the edifice upholding the Indian philosophy and culture, and as a guide in times, good and bad. Thus, the Bhagavad Gita is a powerful tool for personal empowerment and social change.

In ‘Gita for Children’, the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad-gita are simplified by the Gita expert, Swami Chinmayananda. A detailed summary of each chapter is given, important verses selected and doubts cleared, for elders to explain the ideas to the children. 

Thus, while reading the book to the children, elders will find an insightful initiation into the Gita wisdom and children will find a loving friend in Lord Krishna, making the Gita experience richer, personal and valuable.