Let the present moment be the focus of our attention, not the substance of our aspiration

Distraction often pulls us away from the present moment, with our minds oscillating between lamenting the past and worrying about the future. This tendency is unproductive because it diverts our focus from the present, which is the only opportunity we have to correct past mistakes or prepare for future challenges.

The importance of living in the present

Living in the present means giving the current moment our full attention. This focused attention allows us to tap into the potential of the present, enabling us to experience its richness and use it to create a better future. The Bhagavad-Gita underscores the significance of this mindful approach to life.

However, like all good things, living in the present can be taken to an extreme. When we shift from living in the present to living for the present, we make the present moment the sole purpose of our aspirations. This fixation can lead to short-sightedness, where we prioritize fleeting pleasures without considering their adverse effects on the future.

The danger of living for the present

When we live only for the present, we may blind ourselves to the long-term consequences of our actions. The Bhagavad-Gita (18.38) warns against such short-sightedness, reminding us that pleasures that seem like nectar initially can later turn into poison. For instance, overeating because food tastes great in the moment can lead to lethargy shortly afterward and obesity in the long term.

On the other hand, living in the present involves experiencing the moment fully while maintaining a broader perspective. For example, savoring the taste of food without anxiously rushing to the next bite allows us to enjoy the present meal without harming our future well-being.

Balancing the present and the future

Living in the present is about appreciating and utilizing the current moment to shape a brighter future. It’s not about indulging recklessly in the present at the expense of our future. Striking this balance ensures that we avoid the extremes of neglecting the present or jeopardizing our future.

Summary

  • Focusing on the present moment is essential for experiencing its richness and utilizing it to correct past mistakes or prepare for the future.
  • Taking focus on the present to the extreme of fixation can lead to reckless enjoyment, harming future prospects.
  • Let the present be the focus of our attention, not the sole purpose of our enjoyment, ensuring a balanced approach to life.

Think it over

  • Can you recall an incident where distraction from the present caused you to miss out on its richness?
  • Have you ever found yourself worrying excessively about the future, diminishing your capacity to prepare for that very future in the present?
  • Do you know someone who takes living in the present to the extreme of reckless enjoyment, thereby endangering their future? How can this tendency be addressed?

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18.38 That happiness which is derived from contact of the senses with their objects and which appears like nectar at first but poison at the end is said to be of the nature of passion.