Younger generation, the world over, faces multiple emotional challenges due to various factors such as diminishing value systems, crumbling family structures and lack of quality education. Uncontrolled access to technological appliances and applications has further aggravated problem.
The adolescent minds are often unable to differentiate right from wrong, and easily fall into trap of virtual world created by Internet and other forms of technology. They do not learn to accept no as an answer and start demanding and expecting everything at click of a button.
Thus, they lack patience. As a result, many behavioural issues like decreasing sense of responsibility, attention deficit, excessive anger, tech. dependence, drug abuse, open defiance; and above all most prevalent ‘I don’t care’ attitude are becoming more and more common among youth. Tendency of some of parents of placating their children by providing them everything on a platter has further exacerbated problem. Pressure on kids to succeed and excel in everything they do, many times proves too costly. It hinders natural growth and leads to various behavioural issues. Such deviant behaviour of teenagers is increasingly becoming a cause of concern for society as a whole. Concerns of increasingly restless and perpetually dissatisfied young minds can be addressed and strength of their character be built if teachings of ancient Indian scriptures like Bhagavad Gita are inculcated in them.
Gita contains rich and unfathomable words of wisdom, which can be accepted and appreciated by today’s youth if its practical aspects are presented to them in a relatable and digestible manner. The knowledge of Gita, thus, has to be made available to the kids in an interesting and engaging way. Such knowledge can help young ones in preparing themselves to cope up with challenges they face or are likely to face in future.
Gita is the guide book to life. It has mandated everyone not to run away from struggles of life. One should work hard without worrying about the results. The doctrine of karma (the law of cause and effect) i. e. as one sows so shall he reap, can motivate everyone to do good. Gita teaches equanimity of mind.
Teaching child to accept failure with grace is as important as telling him to handle success, with humility. Such an understanding can help him/her in reducing anxiety levels and avoiding emotional outbursts. It also enhances his/her capability of coping with different situations.
As per Bhagavad Gita, mind is a powerful instrument in hands of man through which he can rise to great heights or fall to immeasurable depths. Mind is best friend of those who have conquered it, but it proves to be worst enemy of one who fails to control it. If this message of self-restraint and self-discipline is instilled in initial years, one can face all challenges of life boldly.
Gita has emphasised upon importance of anger management. Lust, greed, jealousy and fear etc. are stated to be worst enemies of man. By keeping such vices under check, one can obtain serenity of the mind; and thus flourish in life. Concentration of mind, taught in Gita, is quite helpful to students in channelising their energies towards achieving their goals in life. Bhagavad Gita has preached unity of Divine and oneness of mankind. If such a concept is understood at a young age; one becomes more humane. Feelings of love, empathy, trust and kindness arise naturally. When child understands that there is only one Supreme Power, he starts respecting every religion.
It is also declared in Gita that excess of everything is bad. Too much of eating, fasting, waking or sleeping is not good. One should also not indulge in too much recreation. Once this principle of moderate behaviour is understood properly; the students can establish a proper balance between their studies, sports and other activities.
Gita has also thrown light on the ideal teacher-pupil relationship. It has been advised that a student must pay due regard to his teacher, but should never hesitate in asking meaningful questions. The teacher must impart full knowledge to his students. Further, it has been stated that an elder should set a good example, through his own actions, for the young ones to follow. But teacher must not thrust his views on his students. After thinking seriously about wisdom imparted to him, student must form his own opinion. In this manner, the teacher can motivate his pupils for realising their full potential.
Gita is a complex book, the concepts of which are not easy for kids to understand. At first reading, they may not be able to make much sense as text and their meanings are quite subtle. Therefore, it is duty of parents, teachers and other elders to identify lessons which are relevant to kids; and then explain to them in a language which is appropriate to their age.
While imparting knowledge of scriptures, it has to be ensured that formal education of students is not in any way impacted. In short, Bhagavad Gita is not a treatise to be read by sannyasis (ascetics) or senior citizens only. If the basic principles of this timeless guide of meaningful and purposeful living are internalized by the young ones, it can help them in adopting a pragmatic and progressive approach towards life.