The words conscience and conscious are often confused because they sound similar, yet they signify two entirely different realms of human experience. Conscience refers to the inner sense of right and wrong — a moral compass that guides our choices. Conscious, on the other hand, means being aware of one’s surroundings, actions, and thoughts. In the Bhagavad Gita, consciousness is linked with chit — one of the three intrinsic characteristics of the soul: sat (eternal), chit (aware), and ananda (blissful).

This discussion, however, focuses on conscience — how it originates, how it operates, and how it can be strengthened. According to the Gita (15.7), every living being is a part of the Supreme. The soul within us is active and permeates the entire body, as seen in our ability to feel sensation anywhere when touched. One of the most vital roles of the soul is to alert us........

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