Suppose we are driving to a distant place for some important work. If the road is clear, we will drive at the highest legal speed. But if the road becomes crowded, we will drive slowly. If we become inordinately irritated by how slowly we are moving, we may just give up and never get there. To maintain fixity of purpose, we need flexibility of pace.

We need a similar attitude if we wish to progress steadily on our spiritual journey. This is a journey from being attached to the world to becoming attached to the source of the world, Krishna. 

We drive on this journey by our spiritual practices such as studying scripture, meditating and worshiping. But sometimes our worldly obligations don’t let us spend too much time on spiritual practices. If we equate spiritual progress only with spending lots of time on explicitly spiritual activities, we may become disheartened, deeming spiritual life impractical for us. Instead, we can understand that these times are like high-traffic zones for us. We need to slow down and move at whatever pace we can. Later, when other obligations become less pressing, we can start moving faster again. 

The Bhagavad-gita points to such a multi-paced approach towards spiritual growth when it outlines various levels at which we may connect with Krishna. Best is to be lovingly absorbed in him (12.08). If not, we can strive to be focused on him (12.09). If not, then we can work for him (12.10). If not, we can sacrifice for some good cause, thus cultivating a mood of selflessness (12.11). 

By thus providing the facility for flexibility of pace in connecting with him, Krishna reveals himself to be an understanding God who eagerly wants us to attain him. If we strive sincerely, he will soon deliver us (12.07).

 

Think it over:

  • How does flexibility of pace help us maintain fixity of purpose?
  • What is Gita’s multi-paced approach to spiritual growth?
  • What does Gita’s multi-paced approach reveal about Krishna?

 

***

12.10 If you cannot practice the regulations of bhakti-yoga, then just try to work for Me, because by working for Me you will come to the perfect stage.


To know more about this verse, please click on the image
Explanation of article:

Podcast:

Download by “right-click and save”