Bhagavad Gita 18.34

yayā tu dharma-kāmārthān

dhṛtyā dhārayate ’rjuna

prasaṅgena phalākāṅkṣī

dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha rājasī

 

That determination which holds on tight,

To pleasure and treasure, claimed as one’s right;

Chasing outcomes, craving worldly gains—

That determination is passion’s chain.

 

My dear Lord, determination is one of the most inspiring and transforming human virtues. Simultaneously, I need your inspiration to transform the direction of my determination.

O omnipotent Lord, the history of humanity is filled with moving and riveting stories of individuals who overcame seemingly insurmountable adversities to achieve something wonderful. Yet, behind the scenes, many of these success stories conceal tragedies of dissatisfaction, disintegration, and even possible self-destruction. All because they found out too late that what they worked so hard to achieve did not bring them fulfillment. Instead, it left them vulnerable to the misdirecting forces of illusion that are ever-present in this world.

O all-discerning Lord, let me learn from their success stories the indispensable importance of determination. And let me learn from their private pains the even greater importance of determining what is actually desirable. Help me explore and examine what will actually bring meaning and fulfillment to my heart. Let me realize that these come ultimately only from a life in harmony with your love, for you have a most magnificent plan for my supreme welfare, and indeed for everyone’s supreme welfare.

O empowering Lord, once I have dispassionately determined what is truly desirable, grant me the passionate determination to pursue those things wholeheartedly in a mood of devotional participation in your glorious plan.

18.34 But that determination by which one holds fast to fruitive results in religion, economic development and sense gratification is of the nature of passion, O Arjuna.