The Art of Right Contact: How Sacrifice and Service Unlock Your Higher Self (Inspired by Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3)

Unlocking Our Higher Self

Life often feels like a battlefield – a cerebral warfare of mind games, desires, and internal conflicts. But what if the secret to thriving lies not in changing your mind, but in changing your heart? The 9th and 10th shlokas of Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita offer profound wisdom on this, revealing how sacrifice and service are not just noble ideals but the very essence of our true nature.

The Spirit of Sacrifice: Our True Nature: 

The Gita reminds us that while everyone may act out of selfishness, our higher self is wired for sacrifice and service. This isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about the *yagna bhava*, the spirit of offering that flows through the heart of nature itself. Think about it: the earth flourishes because it gives selflessly. What did you pay for the air you’re breathing? Nature operates in a constant state of sacrifice and service, and when we align with this principle, we too prosper.

The Disparity Between Heart and Hand: 

Often, there’s a disconnect between what we feel in our hearts and what we do with our hands. We might give, but is it truly a sacrifice, or is it for name and fame? The Gita challenges us to give in a way that qualifies as a sacrifice, not nominally, but wholeheartedly. This is where the art of right contact begins: by bridging the gap between our intentions and actions.

Rise for the Shreya of Everyone: 

The 10th shloka urges us to rise for the greater good (*shreya*) of everyone. This is the secret to an elevated life. The universe itself is built on *yagna bhava* – the principle of reciprocity and sacrifice. When we act in sync with nobler thoughts, we thrive, and so do those around us. But when we ignore this, we feel a sinking sensation – a subconscious reminder that we’re out of alignment with our true nature.

The Limitless Self: Always in Service Mode: 

Your higher self is limitless, always in a state of sacrifice and service. When you latch onto this mindset, you unlock abundance not just for yourself, but for the world around you. This is the *paraspara bhava*, the interconnectedness that bridges the individual (*vishwa*) and the universal (*viraat*). It’s the key to sustained success, as taught in the Gita.

Become the Observer: 

Life’s drama unfolds whether you engage with it or not. The art of right contact isn’t about getting caught up in the chaos; it’s about becoming an observer, aligning with your higher self, and acting with *yagna bhava*. When you do this, you not only transform your own life but also contribute to the flourishing of the world around you.

In a world that often feels divided, the Bhagavad Gita’s timeless wisdom reminds us that sacrifice and service are the threads that weave us together. By embracing this, we not only find peace within but also create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond ourselves. So, the next time you feel lost in the battlefield of life, remember: the art of right contact begins with your own higher self.

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CONTENT SOURCE: Notes from a discourse held by Chinmaya Niketan Atlanta by Brahmacharini Jyothiji in Dec 2024.

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