Relationships are not just about companionship—they are the foundation of our personal growth, happiness, and spiritual evolution. From our closest family ties to our friendships and spiritual bonds, every connection we nurture has the potential to uplift us or challenge us toward greater maturity. In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the benefit of relationships is more important than ever.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- How close relationships enrich our lives.
- Insights from timeless wisdom, including the Bhagavad Gita.
- Spiritual perspectives shared by Swami Mukundananda.
- Practical tips, including “36 Questions for Increasing Closeness” science-backed technique .
- FAQs on why relationships matter and how to strengthen them.
Why Relationships Matter: The Foundation of Human Happiness
Research consistently shows that the quality of our relationships is the single strongest predictor of happiness and longevity. Money, fame, and achievements may bring temporary satisfaction, but strong, supportive connections bring enduring fulfillment.
The benefit of relationships includes:
- Emotional support in times of difficulty.
- Shared joy in moments of celebration.
- A sense of belonging and identity.
- Opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
Ancient Wisdom on Human Connection
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the value of harmonious relationships rooted in dharma and devotion. One verse beautifully highlights selfless service:
सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।
ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि॥
“Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Fulfilling your responsibility in this way, you will never incur sin.”
This verse reminds us that relationships flourish when we rise above selfishness and cultivate duty, respect, and compassion.
The 36 Questions for Increasing Closeness
A fascinating practice developed by psychologists at the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center In Action, called the 36 Questions for Increasing Closeness, shows how carefully crafted conversations can foster intimacy.
The questions range from lighthearted (“Would you like to be famous?”) to deeply personal (“What is your most treasured memory?”). They encourage:
- Vulnerability – Opening your heart builds trust.
- Empathy – Listening deeply strengthens bonds.
- Understanding – Discovering shared values brings harmony.
Quick Examples of Connection-Boosting Questions
- “If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality, what would it be?”
- “What do you value most in a friendship?”
- “When did you last cry in front of someone?”
By practicing such questions, relationships evolve beyond surface-level chatter into profound connections that feed the soul.
Spiritual Dimension of Relationships
Beyond emotional and psychological benefits, relationships are also steppingstones toward God-realization.
Swami Mukundananda teaches that there are three ways to deepen our relationship with the Divine:
- Through Knowledge (Jnana Yoga) – Understanding God’s nature.
- Through Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) – Cultivating love and surrender.
- Through Selfless Action (Karma Yoga) – Serving others as service to God.
When we extend love, patience, and forgiveness in our human relationships, we train ourselves to extend the same qualities toward God.
A Bhagavad Gita Reminder
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति।
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः॥
“If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.”
This verse reveals that even the simplest offering, when given with love, establishes a divine relationship. Likewise, in human connections, it is not grand gestures but sincere acts of love that strengthen bonds.
The Benefits of Close Relationships in Daily Life
Let’s break down the benefit of relationships into practical categories:
1. Emotional Resilience
- Strong relationships act as a buffer against stress.
- Talking to loved ones reduces anxiety and depression.
- Shared laughter boosts endorphins.
2. Physical Health
- Married couples and close-knit families often live longer.
- Strong support systems encourage healthier habits.
- Reduced loneliness lowers the risk of heart disease.
3. Spiritual Growth
- Relationships mirror our strengths and weaknesses.
- Challenges in relationships teach forgiveness, patience, and humility.
- Love and service prepare us for divine surrender.
4. Meaning and Purpose
- Caring for loved ones gives direction to our lives.
- Parenthood and friendship create legacies of love.
- Even challenges bring meaning when seen as opportunities for growth.
Call to Action: Deepen Your Understanding
If you wish to explore more about the benefit of relationships and spiritual living, we highly recommend subscribing to Swami Mukundananda’s YouTube Channel. His talks blend timeless wisdom with modern practicality, helping seekers build strong bonds both in worldly life and in their spiritual journey.
FAQs on the Benefit of Relationships
1. What is the biggest benefit of relationships?
The biggest benefit of relationships is emotional fulfillment. Human beings are wired for connection, and loving bonds give us joy, support, and meaning.
2. How do relationships help in spiritual growth?
Relationships act as a mirror of the self. By practicing patience, forgiveness, and compassion with others, we cultivate the same qualities needed to strengthen our bond with God.
3. Can relationships really improve health?
Yes. Studies show that people with strong social ties live longer, have lower stress levels, and recover faster from illness.
4. How can I strengthen my relationships?
- Practice empathy and active listening.
- Ask meaningful questions (like the 36 Closeness Questions technique discussed above).
- Express gratitude regularly.
- Resolve conflicts with understanding, not ego.
5. What does the Bhagavad Gita say about relationships?
The Gita teaches selfless action, detachment from selfish desires, and love rooted in dharma. When applied to relationships, it helps us cultivate harmony, forgiveness, and compassion.
Key Takeaways
- The benefit of relationships includes emotional strength, physical health, meaning, and spiritual growth.
- Ancient wisdom and modern science both affirm the value of strong connections.
- The Bhagavad Gita guides us in building selfless, love-filled relationships.
- Swami Mukundananda emphasizes that human connections prepare us for divine connection.
- Simple practices like the Greater Good Science Center’s 36 Closeness Questions can deepen intimacy.
References
- Swami Mukundananda, Wisdom Gems
- Bhagavad Gita Online – Holy Bhagavad Gita