Don't Worry

Timeless Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita

A smiling Krishna in the sky reminding us to not worry

The nature of the mind is to wander—either it dwells on the past or anxiously leaps into the future. Rarely does it stay grounded in the present. But, as the saying goes, the present is a gift—literally, that’s why it’s called the present!

In an earlier post, we explored Sri Krishna's advice to Arjuna on how to control the restless mind. Today, we dive into another piece of wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita: Don’t worry.

Sri Krishna’s Wisdom: Let Go of Worry

In Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna offers Arjuna repeated reassurances not to worry, no matter the situation. Through verses 25, 26, and 27, Krishna emphasizes the futility of worry:

Verse 2.25:

Avyaktoyam achintyoyam avikaryo’yam uchyate

Tasmād evam viditvainam nānuśochitum arhasi

(This Self is said to be unmanifested, beyond thought, and unchangeable. Knowing this, you should not grieve.)

Verse 2.26:

Atha chainam nitya-jātam nityam vā manyase mritam

Tathāpi tvam mahābāho nāinam śochitum arhasi

(But if you think this Self is constantly born and constantly dying, even then, O mighty-armed, you should not grieve.)

Verse 2.27:

Jātasya hi dhruvo mrityur dhruvam janma mritasya cha

Tasmād aparihārye’rthe na tvam śochitum arhasi

(For death is certain for one who is born, and birth is certain for one who dies. Therefore, you should not grieve over the inevitable.)

In each of these verses, Krishna highlights the key phrase: "you should not grieve." Whether you view the soul as eternal or life as cyclical, worry only leads to unnecessary suffering.

Three Practical Tips to Start Living Without Worry

While it’s easy to say “don’t worry,” it’s much harder to put it into practice. Here are three actionable steps inspired by the Gita to help you live with less worry:

1. Focus on What You Can Control: Worry often arises when we focus on things outside our control. Instead, direct your energy toward actions that are within your power. Ask yourself, "Can I do something about this right now?" If not, release the worry and trust that things will unfold as they should.

2. Practice Mindfulness: Bring your attention to the present moment. Mindfulness practices such as meditation or chanting or simple deep breathing can help anchor your mind in the now. Whenever your thoughts start drifting to future fears or past regrets, gently bring them back to the present.

3. Let Go of the Outcome: Sri Krishna repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing your duty without attachment to the results. By focusing on your efforts rather than worrying about the outcome, you’ll find a sense of peace and fulfillment, regardless of what happens next.

Conclusion

The wisdom of "don’t worry" in the Bhagavad Gita is not about avoiding responsibility or challenges. It’s about living fully in the present, understanding what you can control, and letting go of unnecessary mental burdens. As you continue your journey, remember these verses and phrases from the Gita: nānuśochitum arhasi, nāinam śochitum arhasi, na tvam śochitum arhasi—you should not grieve. Let them serve as a constant reminder to stay grounded, trust the process, and live in the gift of the present moment.

Enjoy this video with these three verses. At Mt Rainier, a National Park in Washington State.