Modern history is often a compilation of facts and figures, wars and conquests, births and deaths. Traditionally however, especially in spiritual cultures, history was studied primarily for moral edification, for helping us to use our free will better. 

In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna describes how he descends to the world periodically, whenever society goes off course down the path of immorality and materialism (04.08). The intervention of the Divine in human history through personal design is meant to reorient humanity on a healthier path. And that path is to realign us with reality: the reality of who we are and what the purpose of our life is.

Gita wisdom explains that we are not just physical creatures; we have deeper needs that can be fulfilled through spiritual growth. While we may feel that we are too insignificant to influence human history in any way, we can influence our history. While the Gita’s message in its context was spoken to a leader of society so that he could responsibly play his part in aligning society with spirituality, the Gita’s message is also essentially a call for individual spiritual activism. While the specifics of how history unfolds is complex and we may not be able to perceive any divine hand in the unfolding of history, we can know that ultimate purpose of the unfolding of history to further our spiritual evolution. And that means each one of us can learn to make our choices, small and large, wisely. 

Even if we can’t perceive the direction of the movement of history at a macro level, we can choose the direction of the movement of our own history toward a more evolved consciousness and thereby lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life. 

One-sentence summary:

The movement of history is meant for the realignment of humanity with reality. 

Think it over:

  • How are the modern and traditional views of history different?
  • What is the movement of history meant for?
  • How can we influence our own history?

To know more about this verse, please click on the image