In youth, we are mostly in a state of hurry, having so many things to do and imagining that we can bend the world to our will.
In middle age, we are mostly in a state of worry, having learnt through life’s hard lessons that so many things may go wrong and fearing that we may not be able to control things when they go wrong.
In old age, we are mostly in a state of feeling sorry for ourselves, lamenting all the things that we did wrong or all the things that went wrong despite our best efforts.
The Bhagavad-gita outlines this unfortunate life-trajectory when it declares (18.58) that those who refuse to connect with Krishna will suffer and perish. The same verse offers a far better alternative life-trajectory when it states that those who connect with Krishna will pass over all obstacles by his grace.
Let’s see how this may happen in our “hurry, worry, sorry” life.
When we bring Hari (Lord Krishna) in our lives, then his wisdom frees us from:
- Hurry by clarifying our priorities so that we focus on life’s most important things without trying to do everything that everyone around us feels we should be doing,
- Worry by giving us the conviction that Krishna is always in control and will guide us to safety even when things appear to be going disastrously wrong.
- Sorry feelings by showing us how even if we have irrecoverably lost material opportunities, they would have at best alleviated our problems only temporarily, whereas spiritual opportunities that can solve our problems permanently are still available inalienably.
Wonderful. The matrix of three stages of life and the three states of mind with and without Krishna is superb.
Thank you Prabhu.
Hare Krishna dear Chaitanya Charan prabhu
Gita Wisdom really is effectice in clearing hurry and removing worry.
It is astonishing how intellectual comprehension of things can alleviate worry
Thank you very much
Dear Sanjiv P,
Yes, Krishna’s wisdom is extraordinary powerful in dissipating worry.
Happy to be of service to you.
ys
ccdas
Superb article prabhu..!!