Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Thought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: "Happiness grows when comparison fades"

etimes.in | Last updated on - May 25, 2026, 08:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/5

Thought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: "Happiness grows when comparison fades"

People often compare their success, their looks, wealth, societal status, careers, relationships, and lifestyles with those around them.

While it is okay to compare with one another, until it yields motivation and gives results, but when this comparison starts taking a toll on the mental peace, by causing stress, jealousy, or dissatisfaction, it must be stopped. Lest it has adverse effects.

Nowadays, instead of appreciating their own journey, many people become focused on what others have achieved.

But the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita advise us to focus more on inner peace, self-awareness, and contentment. It teaches people to do their own duties, actions, and divert their attention to their personal growth rather than constantly measuring themselves against others.


2/5

Thought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita

"But for one who takes pleasure in the Self, who is illuminated within, and who is fully satisfied in the Self, there are no duties."

- Chapter 3, verse 17
​

3/5

What does the quote mean ?

This idea explains that when we constantly compare ourselves to others, we often forget the good traits or gifts that we already have, which are unique to us, and stop appreciating our own journey. As a result, happiness slowly disappears, and feelings of insecurity begin to grow.


The Bhagavad Gita teaches that every individual has a special purpose and path in life. And one of its most important lessons is to focus on one’s own actions and responsibilities without becoming too attached to the results, or how their performance will look in society and end up in comparisons.


4/5

What does Lord Krishna tell Arjuna

In Chapter 3 of the Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duties sincerely rather than becoming distracted by fear, doubt, or the success of others. This encourages self-awareness and acceptance rather than unhealthy competition.


5/5

The quote reiterates that people should shift their focus inward

Happiness grows when individuals learn gratitude and self-acceptance. Instead of competing with others, people can focus on personal growth and on their relationships, health, and peace of mind.

The Bhagavad Gita centrally teaches to maintain emotional balance and teaches that true success comes from inner stability rather than external validation.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • “I had to use pepper spray against my dad”: What pushed this 27-year-old to that point is heartbreaking
  • Chinese proverb of the day: “With love water is enough; without love food doesn't satisfy.”
  • America by rail: 5 iconic train journeys in the U.S. every traveller must experience once in a lifetime
  • 8 hill stations travellers should avoid during heavy monsoon in India and their safer alternatives
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Home: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's modest home in Samastipur, Bihar tells the story of hard work, determination and family sacrifices
  • 7 painful truths about love and relationships people often don't talk about
  • Japanese proverb of the day: “Giving gold coins to a cat; offering something valuable to someone...”
  • US secretary for health Robert Kennedy catches two snakes with bare hands, gets bitten: Is it an act of fearlessness or uncalled-for daring? 3 lessons for children
  • Personality test: Pick a man's image and see what it reveals about your current emotional state
Photostories
  • Is overnight slugging effective for oily Indian skin?
  • Thought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: "Calmness is not weakness”
  • 10 Sanskrit-inspired baby names that blend tradition with modern charm
  • “I had to use pepper spray against my dad”: What pushed this 27-year-old to that point is heartbreaking
  • From MBBS to movies: Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela and other south actresses chose cinema over medicine
  • Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift date nights at sports games: All about their loud cheers and sequin smiles
  • 5 best summer-friendly fabrics to beat the heat in 2026
  • India’s heatwaves are affecting more than comfort: They are pushing the human body to its limits, doctor recommends urgent precautions
  • These animals have fewer than 100 left on earth—and their stories are heartbreaking
Explore more Stories
  • 5
    Is overnight slugging effective for oily Indian skin?
  • 4
    Thought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: "Calmness is not weakness”
  • 11
    10 Sanskrit-inspired baby names that blend tradition with modern charm
  • 6
    5 best summer-friendly fabrics to beat the heat in 2026
  • 6
    Morning affirmation at 5 am: The powerful sentence people repeat before sunrise
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Soul Search
  • /
  • Thought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: "Happiness grows when comparison fades"
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 28, 2026, 08.18AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service