Bhagwad Geeta teaches us to be Calm!
And as per modern science and leading biologist, when human brain evolved:
First came the Brain Stem. It’s the basic part of the brain which dictates functions like breathing, body movement etc.
After Brain Stem, Limbic System evolved. This part carries all the emotions and feeling. This part has very little or no rational thoughts; and only emotions like anger, happiness, lust etc.
At the end came the Cortex region, which is the most sophisticated part of the brain where intelligence, rational thoughts, knowledge develops.
But the funny thing is during the period of evolution, our ancestors survived in the wild because the impulsive nature and emotions of the Limbic system saved them. And this is the brain’s first reaction.
Like if trouble came, the limbic system responded with fear emotion, and directed body to run. Similarly, in fights, anger helped body to give fight for survival.
Thus, our brain is conditioned to give first an impulsive emotional reaction under unusual circumstances, because that’s what helped our ancestor survive.
But, after human civilization, these emotional impulses become obsolete. Because you can’t hurt someone out of anger in the current times. You will regret it and it’s not what humans do (mindless activity).
Instead, the current society and human civilization demand to utilize the cortex region of the brain to think before you act and understand the emotions, but it takes more time than emotional impulse. Thus, a hard thing which requires control of cortex than the limbic system.
But why I am you telling all this? What’s it’s relation with Gita, and it’s teaching?
Well, modern science back the claim that there are two parts of brain: One Rational and One emotional. Rational is more sophisticated and modern. Emotional is simple and old.
Also, Modern science asks you to utilize rational and become aware of emotions and their significance; and utilize them in balance to become better in Human society.
Now here is one Verse from Bhagat Gita:
Bhagavad Gita gave this teaching thousands year back which resonates the same thing that modern science says. Gita is even more ahead than it:
Your first reaction to any scenario is emotional, but you must have the calmness to let rational and emotion work in balance for your greater good.
A real-life lesson for the current time.