• It is in the middle age only when a person faces maximum issues of physical health (say due to sedentary lifestyle), mental and emotional stress (due to work pressure, conflicts in the family etc.). Paradoxically, unlike the sympathy provided to the youth or to the old aged, a middle-aged person having health problems is taunted for “getting old too quickly” as well as for “not being matured enough” for being unable to resolve any issue/problem.
• The middle-aged have dreams/desires which have been either fulfilled or completely shattered.
• The middle-aged face a lot of boredom as well as frustration in their personal and professional life and relationships.

Here is how learning the divine language Sanskrit can help the middle-aged community:

• The Indian scriptures contain the highest requisite guidance for living a life of balance, harmony and equanimity amidst the daily trials of life. Most of the scriptures are in Sanskrit language. Learning the language gives direct access to and understanding of such guidance and instructions. The translations at times do not give complete understanding in this regard. Few instances of guidance from Bhagavad Gita in this regard are:
  • In Chapter 6 verse 17, Bhagavan says: 

“yuktāhāra-vihārasya yukta-cheṣhṭasya karmasu yukta-svapnāvabodhasya yogo bhavati duḥkha-hā“

For him who is moderate in eating and recreation, temperate in his actions and who is regulated in sleep and wakefulness, Yoga becomes the destroyer of pain.

• • In Chapter 2 verse 56, it is said

“duḥkheṣhv-anudvigna-manāḥ sukheṣhu vigata-spṛihaḥ vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhaḥ sthita-dhīr munir uchyate“

He whose mind is not perturbed by adversity, who does not crave for pleasure, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called the Muni/Sage of steady wisdom.

• The middle-aged people have developed some sense of understanding, maturity and receptivity due to their experience. If they learn Sanskrit, they will be in a better position to deeply understand as well as appreciate the characters of Bhagavan Sri Ram, Sri Krishna, Pandavas etc. contained in texts such as Ramayana, Mahabharata etc. and also explain the same to the younger generation.
• In almost every family, it is seen that the children/youth follow what the parents “do” rather than what they “say”. If the middle-aged people themselves learn Sanskrit and practically follow the ideals contained in our Indian scriptures, the children/youth automatically follow suit.
• It is also scientifically seen that the Sanskrit alphabets have direct connection with the divine energies of the universe. The Sanskrit mantras/Stotras when chanted with feeling and concentration (especially by knowing their meaning) bring about a positive physical as well as mental impact and transformation in the middle-aged individuals which is the need of the hour.
• We do find quite a few middle-aged people who are earnest truth seekers and are looking to walk the spiritual path after facing many trials of life. The Sanskrit language acts as a much-needed road/bridge between the progressing/seeking individual soul and the highest realms of oneness with the Universal Spirit as declared in our Indian scriptures. This also kindles a new light and interest towards a higher purpose of life in the middle-aged individuals

Basis the above discussions, the Sanskrit language can act as a gateway to the “middle/balanced” path of life for the middle-aged people which in turn would contribute to their physical health, mental well-being and spiritual realization!

by Chaitanya Bhatt

Om Tat Sat