When you read stories from the olden days and relate them to the world around you today, you realise how drastically times have changed. While a lot is different now, many teachings from the past still hold immense value. For instance, the teachings of Lord Krishna offer timeless wisdom that can guide today’s young adults in navigating the complexities of modern life.
Rooted in the Bhagavad Gita and his life’s journey, Bhagawan Shri Krishna’s lessons on duty, relationships, inner peace, and self-discovery resonate deeply in the contemporary world. Whether it’s embracing one’s unique path, finding balance amidst chaos, or standing up for what’s right, Bhagawan’s insights provide valuable tools for young adults striving to lead meaningful and purposeful lives in today’s fast-paced society.
On the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, we spoke to ace spiritual content creator Om Dhumatkar about the learnings from Lord Krishna’s teachings. Being a strategist, speaker, Pundit, and coach, Om draws from his deep knowledge of sacred texts to inspire and guide others on their spiritual paths through his content on Instagram and YouTube.
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This article will prove to be extremely useful for the youth of today seeking answers to life’s many questions. Read on to hear it from Om Dhumatkar himself:
What’s the one line that Lord Krishna has said that you think is the most important for the current generation to follow?
In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagawan Shri Krishna says “Lift yourself by yourself” (ch6, v5). I’ve been inspired by this line since I was a teenager. It’s easy to blame others for our circumstances; and yes – others’ actions may be the cause of our situation. But Bhagawan teaches us to take ownership of our lives and gives us the practical tools to lift ourselves.
“Performing your duties without attachment to the results” is the basic learning given by Lord Krishna. In a generation that glorifies hustling, how does one adhere to this learning? How to ensure a work-life balance?
There’s no such thing as ‘work-life balance’. Our real choice is between an unconscious life, where the reins of our life are in someone else’s hands and they’re driving us. Or where we live a conscious, purpose-driven life.
When we are driven by our purpose – whether it’s an educational qualification, succeeding in a job, or building a business – we will give it our all.
When Bhagawan says “Don’t be attached to the results”, he’s saying “Don’t worry about that which you can’t control”. Worrying or over-excitement about results takes us away from the present moment and distracts us from doing our best. So if we want to live a purposeful life and do epic things – then the best way is to be focused, purpose-driven, and detached.
How can Shri Krishna’s approach to relationships guide young adults in their personal and professional interactions?
Whether or not you believe Shri Krishna was Bhagawan himself, there is no denying that he was the most influential person of his time. So much so that thousands of years later, we are still talking about him! Thus you can imagine the number of people who wanted to be with him or speak to him.
What is special is that despite so many demands on his time, every one of his associates felt that Shri Krishna truly and deeply loved them. Whether it’s Arjuna, Sudama, Vidura – they all left every interaction feeling protected and loved. Why? Because even if they only spoke for 5 minutes, Shri Krishna gave them his complete attention!
There’s a lot that we can learn from this. How we’re often physically with someone, but our attention is on our phone, or another conversation, or a big deadline. Krishna teaches us that relationships can be built, sustained, and deepened not by the length of time spent together… but by the depth of each interaction.
In the context of social media and digital influence, how can Krishna’s teachings on humility and ego help young adults?
Social media is not a bad thing. It can be a great tool for personal improvement and societal change. Only when our ego gets involved and we start judging, comparing, etc., social media becomes toxic. Krishna teaches us not just how to control our ego – but to overcome it. And see, even thousands of years later – Krishna’s teachings are influencing us. Krishna is the ultimate influencer!
What is the importance of self-discipline and detachment according to Krishna, and how can it help the youth cope with materialism and societal pressures in today’s world?
At the Olympics, Neeraj Chopra only has to make 3 throws per match. But for those three throws, he will spend months & years preparing. Why? Because those years of preparation will help him perform in the moment.
In the same way, a spiritual mindset, driven by some amount of meditation is the preparation we need to face the world.
The world isn’t bad – there’s lots of good in the world. It’s our ability to navigate this good & bad that ultimately determines our success. Spiritual discipline gives us this ability to navigate… and ultimately win!
What role does spirituality play in decision-making according to Krishna, and how can young adults incorporate this in their daily lives?
Our mind is likely the greatest computer ever created. It has the ability to store even the smallest of memories and use those experiences to build a picture of the world. Unfortunately, if we have negative experiences, those shape our worldview in a biased, negative way. So whenever a situation triggers us, we react by instinct, rather than making a rational, balanced response.
When Krishna says “Your mind is your best friend, but your mind can also be your enemy” (BG ch6, v5) he is encouraging us to spiritualise our mind – so that it isn’t so triggered. And when it’s not triggered, our mind can see the world for what it is – making the best decisions in the process.
How can young adults practice Krishna’s teaching of maintaining balance and composure in the face of success and failure?
Success and failure is a reality of life. What might have been a lifelong goal – a job, a home, a degree – once attained, becomes “normal”. Equally, when one fails, that failure doesn’t last forever.
When the Pandavas are in exile and depressed, Krishna teaches them to have a long-term perspective. He teaches us all, that in the long term, we can overcome all our failures. And also use our successes to level up. But this won’t be experienced just by theoretically understanding Bhagawan’s teachings. We have to practically live these teachings, and see how they transform our lives.
What lessons from the Bhagavad Gita can help young adults manage stress and mental health challenges?
When we want to go from Point A to Point B, we usually get into our car and turn on the GPS to guide us. But what is the GPS for our life? Bhagavad Gita is the spiritual GPS that can take us to becoming our best selves. This is a life where we may encounter pressure, and all sorts of challenges – but we have the inner resilience to face those challenges.
The wisdom of the Gita, when practised, boosts our capacity to deal with all types of situations – good or bad. Through the knowledge of the Gita, one can navigate these problems and face life as a winner!
How does one identify the right mentor to guide them through the war young adults trying to be successful fight every day in their mind?
In previous ages, if we wanted wisdom, we would have to leave home and seek a Guru. But today, wisdom is available wherever we are, whenever we need it – right on our phones. Today, no knowledge is hidden. Even billionaires are sharing their secrets via podcasts. So I would encourage everyone to find their role models and consume as much of their wisdom online as possible. Imbibe that wisdom and live it in your day-to-day life. You no longer need to be personally connected to a mentor.
And if anyone wants practical knowledge from the Bhagavad Gita or Hanuman Chalisa, every week I upload a video on my YouTube channel sharing this wisdom. This is specifically crafted so that today’s youth can live in alignment with this life-transforming wisdom.
I also offer 1-1 coaching for CEOs, startup founders, investors, and senior executives, where I align my practical business experience with lived spiritual experience – and help them navigate their day-to-day personal and business challenges.
What is the significance of surrendering to a higher power, as taught by Krishna, in navigating life’s uncertainties?
When we are taking a flight, what do we have to do? We need to wear our seatbelts, follow the crew’s instructions, and trust that the plane will get to its destination. We don’t pretend to fly the plane. That would be foolish!
In the same way, in life, we need to show up for ourselves, do the work, navigate our challenges, and trust that the due results will arrive… even if they come at a time and in a manner that we hadn’t imagined! This is surrender. It’s not “doing nothing” and “wishing for the best”. It is to dynamically live our lives and trust that the universe has got my back!
How enlightening was that conversation? Om Dhumatkar’s insights remind us of the transformative potential of Lord Krishna’s teachings in our daily lives. As we celebrate Janmashtami, Om’s observations offer a path to greater awareness, contentment, and connection with Bhagawan Shri Krishna.
