November Gītā: 2.70

āpūryamāṇam acala-pratiṣṭhaṁ
samudram āpaḥ praviśanti yadvat
tadvat kāmā yaṁ praviśanti sarve
sa śāntim āpnoti na kāma-kāmī

‘Just as the ocean remains undisturbed by the incessant flow of waters from rivers merging into it, likewise the sage who is unmoved despite the flow of desirable objects all around him attains peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy desires.’
Bhagavad Gītā 2.70

So what is on your Christmas shopping list to give you a peaceful christmas next month? Let me guess….

That perfume.

That tech.

That handbag.

That gold shiny glittery can’t-live-without-must-have.

The marketing machines are on full-speed, frenzied buying and pressure for you to be something that they want you to be. I love the continued relevance that the Gita provides for modern day living: it is a daily guide. This sloka reminds us that despite the noise around you, stand firm in the truth of what really brings you peace. Look inside, it’s there, it’s simple, you have it already. Tune into the wisdom, share love, share peace, share kindness, you need nothing more than that.