Author Richa Tilokani talks about her debut book ‘The teachings of Bhagavad Gita’.
Richa Tilokani is a marketing, communication and advertising professional who is passionate about writing. Richa has written about wellness, travel, fashion, lifestyle, and culture in myriad magazines, newspapers, and blogs. She opens up about the inspiration behind The Teachings of Bhagavad Gita: Timeless Wisdom for the Modern Age (published by Hay House India), hurdles along the way,self-empowerment and more. Excerpts:
Q. What influenced you to write ‘The Teachings of Bhagavad Gita: Timeless Wisdom for the Modern Age’?
A. It was not really a well thought out plan as such. It just happened that I started working on it to help my family, and then it grew from there. So I expanded the scope and thought maybe some first-time readers could also benefit from it.
Q. What kind of research went into this piece of work?
A. It has been a very long journey of research and learning. I was fortunate to learn it from my grandfather who was a devotee, and my mother who helped me to clarify the doubts I had. Some concepts I learned in childhood, some I understood through experience. Every time, I have approached the sacred book as a humble student and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to do so. It’s been many years of learning and I still have a long way to go.
Q. Tell us about some of the challenges you faced while penning it?
A. Well, it was a challenge because the book is very sacred and the teachings very profound but I’m grateful to have had this opportunity. Yes, I had to face the dreaded writer’s block and that took a long time to go. I used to think I won’t be able to write and was constantly rejecting my work. Writing amidst the pandemic, when there was so much uncertainty and fear all around, was another challenge for sure.
Q. Did you decide to simplify ‘Bhagavad Gita’ so that people of all age groups can better understand and benefit from its teachings as many people believe it is complex, for old people or simply confused about its applicability to modern times?
A. Yes, the key goal was to show that the teachings are highly implementable and can help people navigate the post-pandemic world. There is no need to fear or worry about how complex they are. Everyone is at different points in their journey—so they can approach them at the level at which they are. They can be as simple (or as complex)as they want them to be. They can help both the beginner and the advanced seeker; it depends on what they want and how dedicated they are towards their goal.
Q. How can the readers discover the art of self-empowerment with the help of this book?
A. Well, self-empowerment according to me is when you feelyou are being the best version of yourself. When you are able to live life to the fullest, achieve your goals and also help others in their journey. Some may find it in service, some in their work and some with knowledge—all routes are right as long as you are progressing.
Q. How has writing ‘The Teachings of Bhagavad Gita’impacted your viewpoint about life?
A. It helped me to understand myself, made me more optimistic and nurtured my faith. It taught me to have faith in the self, in work, in family and in a higher power—having it makes life simpler and easier. I understand that life will continue to throw challenges but we have to learn to manage them and ourselves in the best possible way.
Q. Do you agree that this is the right time for this work to come out as readers can seek refuge in the solace this book will provide them amid the ongoing pandemic?
A. Five thousand years ago, the teachings were first shared and they were relevant then, as they are now. These are unprecedented times and everyone is struggling with multiple challenges. I have tried to relate the teachings to these times and hope that they can offer solace and hope to the readers.