Our mind often chooses the path of least resistance. This tendency impedes us whenever we need to do something effortful for our spiritual growth. But that same tendency can be used to impede our relapses into anti-spiritual indulgences.

Suppose we drive regularly by a hotel that serves a favorite delicacy. As that delicacy is fatty and unhealthy, we have resolved to abstain from it. Thereafter, suppose we pass by the hotel and find it empty – we could be tasting the delicacy within minutes. And before we realize what we are doing, we drive in, order it and are chewing it.

But suppose the hotel is over-crowded – the queue will take thirty minutes and the order, another fifteen minutes. The resistance-averse mind will say, “Forget it; maybe some other time.” Here, the obstacle to indulgence came by circumstance. But it can also be brought by choice.

We can intentionally and intelligently create some obstacles between us and tempting objects. For example, we can keep unhealthy snacks out of easy access, maybe clear them out of our house. Whenever we feel tempted by them, fulfilling that temptation will mean going all the way to the shop. The mind will consider the effort needed and put it off for later.

The Bhagavad-gita (02.58) points to such a strategy when it recommends withdrawing our senses from the sense objects. Of course, mere distancing won’t work if the desire has grown to a craving. Pertinently, the Gita (02.61) states that self-mastery comes not just by regulating our senses but also by focusing on Krishna.

While striving to focus on Krishna, we can keep stray desires away by shrewdly channeling the mind’s laziness. And by making devotional activities readily accessible, we can further channel that laziness for connecting with Krishna, growing spiritually and finding inner fulfillment.

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