Lessons on Self Realization from the Bhagavad Gita

Self-realization and self-actualization have been a part of human mankind’s evolution. It pervades philosophy and different religions through history. Self-realization as a concept was used by neuropsychiatrist Kurt Goldstein to describe a biological tendency of organisms. Realization of the innate drive is termed as self-actualization. Self actualization according to the western psychologists and theorists Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers is the ultimate psychological need that arises after the physical and the psychological needs are met, and self-esteem is achieved. Eastern spiritualities refer to self-realization differently in different religions. Taoism and Buddhism consider a drive towards a higher state of being- ‘Oneness’ or ‘Enlightenment’ similar to self-actualization. Confucianism focusses on social code for individuals with emphasis on the relationship between the sage and the society around them. Christianity views self actualization as a person attaining full potential as a human being by being good, loyal with positive characteristics. The Islamic perspective on self-realization rests on worship- ‘Ibadah’ as a medium with exceptional features. Bhagavad Gita’s teachings give different paths of self-realization which lead to the spiritual goal of liberation of the soul. Bhagavad Gita is a comprehensive philosophical thought for all humankin