Suppose a truck is moving rapidly on a road on which a tree has fallen. If the truck is large and has high momentum, it can just knock the tree aside and move on. Instead, if a cycle is being pedaled along that road, it would be brought to a stop by the fallen tree.

During our life-journey, we sometimes face problems that are like trees fallen across the path of our life. When such problems come upon us, they can overwhelm and paralyze us, if we don’t do anything constructive about them. 

And the most constructive thing we can do is find a purpose bigger than those problems. Our purpose shapes our perspective and determines our momentum. When we have a big purpose, that brings with it a higher inspiration, which can dwarf our problems. And the biggest purpose is that which brings enduring meaning and joy to our life, both in this world and the next. The best such purpose is to connect with our all-attractive Lord, Krishna, through loving remembrance and to contribute in this world in a mood of loving service. 

When we seek something worldly, our momentum is like that of a bicycle; worldly changes which make that goal unattainable bring us to a stop. But when we seek to connect with Krishna as our life’s overarching purpose, then our momentum becomes like that of a giant truck which can push its way through any obstacle. Worldly changes may obstruct a particular service, but no change can strip us of all opportunities to serve our Lord. Pertinently, the Bhagavad-gita (18.58) assures that if we become conscious of Krishna, his grace will enable us to overcome all obstacles. 

 

Think it over: 

  • How does our purpose determine our momentum?
  • What purpose can make our momentum unstoppable? How?
  • Is any problem overwhelming you? Can you think of a purpose that can dwarf that problem?

 

***

18.58 If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.

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