We often want to get fresh insights so that we can be wiser, smarter, happier. If, however, we think of insight primarily as coming up with new ideas, then we may become bored and apathetic when dealing with the familiar. 

However, many significant insights come by connecting previously unconnected ideas. That means we don’t necessarily have to focus on coming up with something new, but we can focus on taking a fresh look at the things we already know. Game-changing inspirations in various life-areas including science came not merely from someone getting a great idea, but by someone connecting what was previously known in a new way. 

In fact, a new connection between familiar points is what the Bhagavad-gita offers to Arjuna. He knew about the virtue of work and responsibility, and he also knew the virtue of renunciation and liberation. And he thought of these two as discrete, in terms of digital logic. But what Krishna offered Arjuna was a way of integrating the two by describing work done in a mood of renunciation. The Gita underscored that what caused bondage was not the activity itself, but the underlying mentality. This integrating insight is seen especially in the Gita’s exhortation to Arjuna to do his prescribed duty of fighting, but without succumbing to any of the typical motives for fighting such as possessiveness or vengefulness.

Drawing from the spirit of the Gita, we too can gain insights not by looking for new books to read, but by looking for new links in what we have read in the Gita. This often happens when we study the Gita with others who are devoted to the Gita (10.09) — the sharing of perspectives can be endlessly exciting, enriching, enlightening. 

One-sentence summary:

Insight comes not just by coming up with new ideas but also by connecting previously unconnected ideas 

Think it over:

  • How have many game-changing insights come?
  • How does the Gita offer an integrating insight to Arjuna?
  • How can we get fresh insight?

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10.09: The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.