When we have some bad habits, we often strive to get rid of them. If we fail repeatedly, we may become disheartened and quit.

Why is giving up a bad habit so difficult? Because that habit is like a heavily armed aggressor and we are like an unarmed defender. Just like a weapon can pierce far sharper than bare hands can resist, the thoughts we are habituated to penetrate our consciousness far faster than our raw determination can resist. 

To improve our odds, we need to arm ourselves. How? By cultivating a good habit even while we still have that bad habit. When we become habituated to something, absorbing ourselves in it is easier. And when we are absorbed in one thing, that makes neglecting or rejecting something else easier. 

The Bhagavad-gita recommends habit replacement over habit resistance. First, it cautions that even those who are discerning and endeavoring can relapse because of senses habituated to worldly indulgence (02.60). Therefore, it urges us to use whatever sense control we have to focus on the all-attractive supreme reality, Krishna (02.61). This verse recommends that we develop the good habit of connecting with Krishna, thereby arming ourselves with the weapon of absorption in him. In our battle against temptation, such absorption can be both our shield and sword. As a shield, it can save us from feeling tormented when temptation thrusts itself into our inner world. As a sword, absorption can drive temptation out of our inner world by filling our consciousness with Krishna. 

While any good habit can help us fight against a bad habit, a devotional good habit is especially empowering because that habit connects us to all-pure, all-powerful, all-pleasurable Krishna. By that divine connection, resisting and rejecting the bad habit both become easier and faster. 

Think it over: 

  • Why is giving up bad habits so difficult?
  • In our battle against temptation, how can absorption in Krishna act as both shield and sword?
  • Among various good habits, why are devotional good habits especially empowering?

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02.61 One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence.

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