There is a wealth of wisdom in ancient literature, such as the “Bhagavad Gita,” for building psychological resilience. The Bhagavad Gita is a profound dialogue that took place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra between Lord Krishna, who served as Arjuna's charioteer, and Arjuna, a highly skilled warrior-prince facing the most difficult moral and emotional dilemma of his life.

As physicians, we can identify ourselves with Arjuna—confronted daily with complex decisions, unpredictable outcomes, emotional distress, and the weight of responsibility for human lives. Just as Krishna guided Arjuna through his crisis, the three yogic paths in the Gita offer practical wisdom for physician wellness and resilience.

This infographic is adapted from the article "Building Resilience in the COVID-19 Era: Three Paths in the Bhagavad Gita" by Matcheri S. Keshavan, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry. Full text is available free https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7909017/

Every patient encounter, every clinical decision, every moment of care can become an opportunity for personal growth and professional fulfillment. Explore how Karma Yoga's emphasis on selfless action and non-attachment offers a philosophical foundation for resilient, sustainable healthcare practice—transforming daily challenges into pathways for both healing and self-development.

In the midst of a routine day, a doctor's commitment to patient care is tested by an attempt at coercion, escalating quickly into chaos. Amidst the confrontation and demands, the boundaries of professionalism and personal well-being blur. This encounter serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between duty and self-care in the face of workplace stress

"In the face of personal tragedy, Dr. Aisha confronted the silent adversary of depression, finding resilience as a doctor amidst the grief—a beacon for the unspoken struggles of her peers."