Jiva Vidya

What Does The Gita Say About Anxiety

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that anxiety stems from attachment to future results. By surrendering the fruits of action, one finds immediate peace.

Summary of Philosophy

Anxiety (Vishada) is the starting point of the Gita. Krishna explains that we worry about things beyond our control. The core solution is 'Stithaprajna'—becoming steady in wisdom by focusing on the effort (Karma) and letting go of the anxiety of 'What if?'.

Key Verses

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Bhagavad Gita 2.47

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 47 ||

You have a right to your duties, but never to the fruits of your actions.

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Bhagavad Gita 2.14

मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदु:खदा: | आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥14॥

Feelings of heat and cold, pleasure and pain, are temporary. They come and go like the seasons. Learn to tolerate them.

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Bhagavad Gita 6.5

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् | आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ॥5॥

Lift yourself up by your own Mind; do not let your Mind pull you down.

Modern Examples

If you are preparing for a job interview, focus entirely on your preparation and your presence during the meeting. If you worry about 'Will I get it?', your performance drops. The Gita suggests your duty is the preparation, not the outcome.