When You Are Confused About Life Choices – Teachings from God in the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is not as complex as it is often perceived once you understand its worldview. Rather, it is a scripture rich in fundamental spiritual teachings that are deeply beneficial for life.
One of its most famous verses is Chapter 11, Verse 32. This verse gained worldwide recognition because J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb,” was deeply influenced by it as he sought answers to his inner conflicts regarding his research.
The scene takes place on a battlefield, where Prince Arjuna is about to fight against his own relatives. At this moment, Krishna, who is guiding him, speaks:
Sanskrit Verse (11.32)
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
kālo ’smi loka-kṣaya-kṛt pravṛddho
lokān samāhartum iha pravṛttaḥ
ṛte ’pi tvāṁ na bhaviṣyanti sarve
ye ’vasthitāḥ praty-anīkeṣu yodhāḥ
Translation:
The Lord said:
“I am Time, the great destroyer of the worlds, and I have come here to engage all people in destruction. With the exception of you (the Pandavas), all the warriors standing on both sides shall perish.”
Understanding the Verse
The word Bhagavān here refers to God, and in this context, it specifically refers to Krishna, the divine incarnation (Avatar). Krishna is explaining that God is Time itself—an unstoppable force that ultimately destroys everything.
The “Time” mentioned here represents the passage of time itself. Every living being is pursued by this force, which has the power to end life. Sooner or later, everything in this world will perish. Nothing is exempt; everything will one day meet its end.
This is a fundamental perspective in Indian spirituality: the world is impermanent—it is not eternal but transient.
On the other hand, God, truth, the true self (Atman), and love—these things are eternal. However, human life constantly changes under the influence of death.
Krishna goes even further to say that the force that ultimately destroys us is God Himself.
And since, in the end, both sides of the battle will perish (due to death being inevitable), Krishna tells Arjuna:
“Do not be anxious!”
A Powerful Yet Profound Perspective
At first glance, this might seem like a harsh statement, but the context is important. Arjuna came to the battlefield as a warrior—to uphold righteousness (dharma).
And in the next verse (11.33), Krishna tells him:
“Arise and fight!”
What God Teaches Arjuna – and Us
Krishna is teaching Arjuna (and all of us) an essential truth:
“The most important thing is to do what must be done and let go of expectations regarding the results.”
Your duty,
Your soul’s purpose—
That is what truly matters in your choices.
Making Choices in Life
When humans face a situation where they cannot decide, they sometimes discover a third option.
But when you are lost and uncertain,
When making a decision feels difficult,
Always ask yourself:
“What is the noble, sacred, and righteous thing to do for my soul?”
By choosing in this way, we grow spiritually.
Why?
Because when we choose the more noble path,
When we fulfill our soul’s duty,
We always move toward selflessness.
Today’s content was a bit like a lecture, but I hope it gives you insight!
