The In today’s world, it’s easy to measure happiness by likes, followers, branded clothes, and other people’s opinions. But does any of that bring lasting peace? This simple college story shares a timeless lesson from the Bhagavad Gita that is more relevant than ever.
One afternoon, Aarav and his friends were chatting in the college canteen.
“My post got only 80 likes,” Aarav complained.
“Mine got 400!” Vivaan replied proudly.
Soon, the discussion turned into gossip about a classmate who wore simple clothes. Then Aarav complained that his father wouldn’t allow him to join a Goa trip, and everyone agreed that parents could be too strict.
They thought it was just a normal conversation.
But someone nearby had been listening.
Later that day, Professor Shah entered the classroom and wrote one word on the board:
LOTUS
Then he shared a verse from the Bhagavad Gita:
ब्रह्मण्याधाय कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा करोति यः ।
लिप्यते न स पापेन पद्मपत्रमिवाम्भसा ॥
He explained,
“Just as water never sticks to a lotus leaf, a person who performs duties without attachment remains untouched by the distractions of the world.”
The class became silent.
The professor asked,
“Where does a lotus grow?”
“In muddy water,” the students answered.
“Exactly,” he smiled. “The lotus lives in mud but remains pure and beautiful. Its secret is that it doesn’t allow the dirt around it to become part of it.”
Then he wrote on the board:
Likes
Comments
Brands
Comparisons
Social Status
“If these things control your happiness, they have already taken control of your mind,” he said.
The friends quietly lowered their heads.
Professor Shah concluded,
“The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to focus on our actions, not on praise, rewards, or other people’s opinions.”
At that moment, the students realized that chasing approval had been stealing their peace all along.
