When dealing with temptation, we often focus on saying no to it; we may even define our self-worth by our success in resisting it. Thereafter, if we fail, we may feel not just dejected, but crushed. Even if we succeed, we may still feel a gnawing sense of deprivation due to losing the pleasure offered by that temptation (Bhagavad-gita 02.59).

How can we avoid that sense of deprivation? By shifting our focus from that lower pleasure to a higher purpose — to something that we feel inspired to do and would definitely do if we had greater freedom from temptation. 

Even if we are powerless when temptation hits us, we still have the power to choose what we do in the intervals between the attacks of temptation. During those intervals, we can start taking tangible steps to pursue a meaningful purpose. By such steps sustained over time, we will feel a positive sense of movement, excitement and fulfillment entering into our heart. That positivity will inspire us to further fill our life with meaningful activities, thereby leaving us with lesser time to dwell on temptation. Even if we fall for a temptation, we won’t waste time in self-pity or self-loathing; we will quickly pick ourselves up without indulging and resume the pursuit of our purpose. Over time, as our sense of purpose permeates and animates our entire life, the resulting fulfillment will as a byproduct increase our power to resist temptation — till we eventually become completely free from it. 

One-sentence summary:

Even if we don’t have the power to say no to a lower pleasure, we still have the power to say yes to a higher purpose — focus on becoming purposeful, not on becoming temptation-free. 

Think it over: 

  • What’s the problem with focusing on saying no to temptation?
  • What does shifting our focus from pleasure to purpose mean?
  • How can focusing on a higher purpose help us deal with temptation? 

***

02.59: Though the embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness.

To know more about this verse, please click on the image