A spiritual guide to investing, lessons from Bhagavad Gita

A couple of months back we did a small presentation in collaboration with NSE. The topic - A spiritual Guide to Investing, Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita. Thought of sharing it with the community with some additional commentary

The verse listed below in Sanskrit corresponds to the first verse in the poem as Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya to describe what's happening in Kurukshetra. Thought it fitting to begin the presentation with an ode to the first verse in the Gita

The 6 demonic traits described in the Gita aptly captures all that propels the average investors into the pits of agony

If you don't let pride go, it will consume you

Outside of the 6 demonic traits, the Gita offers a separate exposition of greed. Lord Krishna reiterates to Arjuna that he and he alone controls his mind.

And history is rife with examples of how many average investors have had to pay dearly because of this single vice. Where greed reigns free, the wisdom of crowds can quickly degenerate into the madness of Mobs.

One of the pivotal moments in the Gita transpires when Arjuna asks Lord Krishna for unambiguous advice so that he can tread along the one true path leading to the highest good

Lord Krishna intervenes to suggest in no uncertain terms that Arjuna ought to focus on the action and not the fruits of the outcome. Investors often have to deal with ambiguous situations themselves. Perhaps a little less attachment to the fruits of investment can go a long way

The ambiguity in Arjuna's mind is also a byproduct of the uncertainty surrounding his own place in the war. And investors often have to deal with uncertainty every time they step in the markets. Perhaps these pointers can help?

Your mind is your greatest friend. Your mind is also your greatest enemy

You cannot avoid bias. Acknowledging it however can help you mitigate some of the horrible consequences that bias yields.

You will lose in the markets. But what often defines great investors is how they get back up.

Self Belief is key

Some pointers on how to best re-enter the markets