Our life is often filled with many problems, and so is our world. When we have so many problems to tackle, we may wonder, “What is the use of remembering Krishna, as the Bhagavad-gita repeatedly recommends? 

To understand, let’s contemplate the reality that we can’t always solve problems simply by spending more time or thought or energy; we often need more wisdom. Sometimes, our own impulsive actions create problems for us, and our hasty efforts to solve them only make things worse. And even when problems come on their own, our knee-jerk reaction or resentful attitude makes things worse. Later, we may lament, “If only I had acted more wisely, I wouldn’t be in such a big mess.” 

Here are three aspects of wisdom that we can access by remembering the Lord:

Security: When we regularly remember Krisna and his ultimate controllership, we no longer hyper-ventilate amid problems; they don’t seem to be the end of the world. We stay peaceful (05.29), knowing that the Lord who saw us through our many past problems will see us through this one too. 

Clarity: When we remember Krishna with a devotional disposition, we attract his grace (10.10) that dissipates the darkness within (10.11). Such darkness leads us to misinformed perspectives and misplaced priorities. When we are internally illumined, we become clearer about the things that matter the most to us and focus on getting them right. 

Epiphany: The more we habituate ourselves to remembering Krishna, the more we become receptive to insights that come as if magically (15.15). Those insights show us creative ways to both fix the things that matter and deal with the things that can’t be fixed. 

One-sentence summary: 

Cultivate the habit of remembering Krishna and be empowered to face problems with greater security, clarity and epiphany. 

Think it over:

  • When facing problems, what is not always helpful and what is? 
  • How does the habit of remembering Krishna empower us to face problems?
  • Is any problem burdening you? Try absorbing yourself in remembrance of Krishna and approaching it with a fresh perspective.

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10.10: To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.