We are always conscious, but we aren’t always conscious of where our consciousness is. Our consciousness is our most undervalued resource. Whatever we do, learn, experience or relish, it is all through our consciousness. 

We often seek better things to do, to learn, to experience, to relish, but we rarely try to better the medium through which we access all those things: our consciousness. And that oversight undermines all our efforts for a more fulfilling life. Suppose we have delicious food. If, however,  our consciousness is filled with resentment, we can’t enjoy that food much. 

To value our consciousness, we need to first become conscious of where it is. Exhorting us to become consciousness-conscious, the Bhagavad-gita (06.26) urges us to alertly notice whenever our consciousness wanders and expertly refocus it. When we thus tap the power of our consciousness, we can enrich all areas of our life. If we can be attentive while studying, we can learn so much more. If we can be aware of the many blessings we have, we can be so much more content. And the ultimate enrichment comes when we become spiritually conscious, for the spiritual alone endures. 

Spiritual growth centers on becoming more conscious: conscious of where our consciousness is, where it can be most fulfilled and how to take it there. Gita wisdom reveals that the most enriching object for our consciousness is the all-attractive ultimate reality, Krishna. He is the embodiment and fulfillment of everything we long for (07.19); whatever we long for reflects just a spark of his splendor (10.41). The time-honored process of bhakti-yoga provides us many accessible channels to direct our consciousness toward Krishna. 

When our consciousness habitually rests and rejoices in Krishna, we relish unending joy. 

Think it over:

  • How are we not conscious of our consciousness? Why does it matter?
  • How can tapping the power of our consciousness enrich various areas of our life?
  • How can bhakti-yoga practice offer us the greatest enrichment?

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06.26 From wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the Self.

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