Suppose our energy level starts dropping while we strive to manage our many to-dos. We might presume that we are weak, sick or just lethargic. Additionally, there’s one less-considered possibility: we might just be confused. To understand how decrease in clarity can decrease energy, here’s an example. 

Suppose while we are driving for an urgent meeting, stormy winds muddy our car’s windshield. Being unable to see clearly, we will naturally slow down. Once we clean our windshield, we can drive faster. Our driving speed depends not just on our car’s engine, but also on our clarity. 

The same dynamic applies to our inner world, albeit more subtly. The Bhagavad-gita explains that we are conscious beings who are on a drive through material existence. We have a mind that acts as the interface between us and the physical world around us — our mind is thus like our car’s windshield. Sometimes, too many urgent to-dos start crowding and clouding our mind, leaving us confused about what to do first and what later. Choosing impulsively, we do what we can, but soon find that too many important things still remain undone. Feeling as if we can’t do anything worthwhile, we become demoralized and de-energized. 

To regain such energy loss, we need to first seek clarity. The Bhagavad-gita can act like a powerful windshield cleanser; it reminds us of the things that truly matter and helps us choose wisely among our various to-dos. Gita study can restore our clarity and energy, as it did for its original student, Arjuna (18.73). Taking time to study the Gita is like taking time to clean a car’s windshield — it makes life’s drive safer, smoother, speedier. 

One-sentence summary:

The lesser our clarity, the lower will be our energy — seek clarity and energy will follow. 

Think it over:

  • How can decreased clarity decrease energy? Explain with an example. 
  • How is our mind like our inner windshield? What role does it play in de-energization?
  • How can the Gita act like an inner windshield cleanser? 

***

18.73: Arjuna said: My dear Krishna, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.

 

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