What Does Groundhog Day Have to Do With Yoga Philosophy?

Groundhog Day and the Bhagavad Gita

That’s right, woodchuck-chuckers – it’s…GROUNDHOG DAY!

Today we celebrate the prognosticator of prognosticators, the groundhog, and every year on Feb 2 I like to rewatch one of my favorite metaphysical movies, Groundhog Day.

If you haven’t seen this movie yet, or for many years, it might be worth a watch again, especially if you are a student of yoga philosophy.

To me, Groundhog Day gives us a chance to understand some of the themes of the Bhagavad Gita. The main protagonist being trapped in a time loop, moving through cycles of repetition, and trying to ease his pain with sense gratification, avoidance, and resistance, which leads to despondency and hopelessness, until he discovers a reason for living, his devotion towards another person.

Then, he grows.

He learns, contributes to society, forms loving connections with others, and (spoiler alert) is finally released from the cycle of repetition.

So, for those of you who are currently studying the Gita this might be on film that gives you a chance to see some of those themes played out in modern life, and with a great deal of humor.

Or maybe you just want to see a classic from the 90’s, it’s that too.

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