Loneliness is an emotion that has touched the lives of almost everyone at some point. It is a universal human experience that can manifest itself during various stages of life and is not limited to any particular age, gender, or social status. While it is natural to feel lonely from time to time, chronic loneliness can have significant impacts on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
As the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer solutions to various challenges in life, they also provide valuable insights and remedies for dealing with loneliness. The timeless wisdom contained within the verses of this sacred scripture holds the key to addressing the emotional turmoil of isolation and finding a path to inner contentment.
Deep within our hearts, we often hear a faint voice, guiding and whispering to us. Sometimes we heed its counsel, and other times, we ignore its wisdom. Yet, the crucial truth remains - there exists a presence within, obscured by our ignorance, leading us to feelings of loneliness. Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, dispels this ignorance, unveiling the eternal companion who accompanies us always, providing a clear vision that dissolves our sense of isolation. The Lord introduces us to that companion in 23rd verse of chapter 13:
उपद्रष्टानुमन्ता च भर्ता भोक्ता महेश्वर: ।
परमात्मेति चाप्युक्तो देहेऽस्मिन्पुरुष: पर: ॥ २३ ॥
“Yet in this body there is another, a transcendental enjoyer who is the Lord, the supreme proprietor, who exists as the overseer and permitter, and who is known as the Supersoul (Parmatma).”
He further says in 61st verse of chapter 18:
ईश्वर: सर्वभूतानां हृद्देशेऽर्जुन तिष्ठति ।
भ्रामयन्सर्वभूतानि यन्त्रारूढानि मायया ॥ ६१ ॥
“The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone's heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.”
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, is present as the Supersoul within the heart of every living being. He watches over us, guides our actions, and permits our endeavors. This truth is not mere philosophical speculation; it is an undeniable reality evident in the workings of the world around us.
Consider the newborn calf that instinctively finds its mother's udder and begins to suckle without formal education. It is the Supersoul who guides the calf's actions. Similarly, when a few pieces of sugar are spread in a room, ants soon appear to collect them. The Supersoul directs even these tiny creatures.
All living entities are under the guidance of the Supersoul, including human beings. However, it is often our failure to heed His wisdom that leads to a life of loneliness and isolation. The Supersoul is always willing to help and guide us. He understands our intentions, desires, and feelings without any possibility of misunderstanding. While the world may misunderstand, mistreat, neglect, or reject us, the Supersoul remains a constant companion throughout our life. Realizing the presence of this divine companion within us can dissolve our sense of isolation, bringing profound peace and harmony to our lives. The clue to realizing His presence is given in the Bhagavad Gita as follows:
"तमेव शरणं गच्छ सर्वभावेन भारत ।
तत्प्रसादात्परां शान्तिं स्थानं प्राप्स्यसि शाश्वतम् ॥ ६२ ॥"
"O scion of Bharata, surrender unto Him utterly. By His grace, you will attain transcendental peace and the supreme and eternal abode."
The essence of this verse is that we should surrender completely to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who resides in our heart. Through this surrender, we can find relief from all the miseries of material existence. Surrendering to the Supersoul is not a one-time event; it is a lifelong process.
To begin the process of surrender, we must immerse ourselves in the reading of authoritative scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. Reading this scripture is way different from reading novels or motivational books in the sense that reading these scriptures is like hearing the voice of the Paramatma (Supersoul) residing in our hearts. 
Reading of other books is static and can give mental or intellectual relief for time being only. But reading of these scriptures provides us existential relief from loneliness, fear, and anxiety. Reading such scripture is a dynamic experience as one will meet different realizations by reading the same verses at different times. The more we read and study these scriptures, the closer we get to the Lord Krishna, who is our true well-wisher. This connection brings existential bliss, contentment, and a sense of completeness, thus alleviating feelings of loneliness.
Another powerful means, as given in various scriptures, for realizing and connecting with the Supersoul is the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra: "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare." By chanting this mantra with distinct sound and full attention, we can immediately feel the presence of the Lord within our heart.
The sound vibration of this mantra is spiritual, dynamic, and the very incarnation of the Lord who resides in our hearts. It purifies our mind and heart of disturbances and anxieties, making our consciousness clear enough to perceive the presence of the Lord. This brings deep contentment and liberates us from any negative feelings, including loneliness. The chanting of the Mahamantra connects us with the divine Lord Krishna, providing solace and companionship on our spiritual journey.
