Do all duties and tapasya, and life will be full of enjoyments, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
Why is it that enjoyments are always left for the last, and sometimes we don’t even reach thereij Why are some bereft of real enjoyment in lifeij Sorry, I should have said most of us, because real enjoyment is that rare. To understand all these, let me begin with definitions. The word austerity is defined as a situation when people do not have much money to spend because there are bad economic situations. This word is frequently used for tapasya but does not come close to the real meaning. The word penance, which is defined as something that you have to do even though you do not like doing it is somewhat better. The word tapasya means to subdue one’s mind and senses in order to channelise their activities into spiritual pursuits. Normally, the mind engages in thoughts which are random and the senses seek maximum enjoyments with their objects. Tapasya curbs these tendencies. That is the reason doing tapasya is so difficult. It makes us undo our negative tendencies and forces us to engage the mind and the senses in positive ways.
The word duty is defined as something that you feel you have to do because it is your moral or legal responsibility. The Sanskrit word is kartavya or what is worth doing. And that is established by time, place, and circumstances. The word enjoyment causes no confusion because it correctly describes what is meant by sukh — the pleasure that you get from something. We need to do both tapasya and kartavya in order to have proper enjoyments. Sukh is of three kinds. That, which in the beginning is like poison but in result is like nectar is the best. (Gita 18.37) That, which is like nectar in the beginning due to the contact between senses and sense objects, but in result is like poison is not nice. (18.38) That, which comes from laziness and carelessness, is even worse. (18.39)
Obviously, we should seek the first kind and for that, doing both tapasya and kartavya are essential. The Gita describes such sukh as, “A person, having consciousness unattached to external sense objects, enjoys that happiness within, which is extraordinary. He, having consciousness linked to the Brahman, experiences eternal bliss.” (5.21)
Before I go any further, let me try to explain why these three were created. We must always do duty, without doing that even maintenance of the body will not be possible. (3.8) Tapasya is essential for purifying the mind and the senses. Enjoyment is the motivation to live. Why else would one want to liveij However, a balance must be created between the three. Kartavya and tapasya are the two poisons indicated in the verse 18.37. If we are able to accept them, then we go to the nectar described in verse 5.21.
This is all fine, but where do we go wrongij We either don’t do our duties or do not know what these are. We can seek help from God in this regard. God is omniscient and He alone knows the big picture; we are too small to know that. Same is true about what tapasya to do and how much. Not only do we need God’s guidance in these matters, but also for peace of mind and for gaining the necessary strength. Peace of mind is only possible through God consciousness. (2.66), and strengths like atmabala (spiritual), mental strength, and even physical strength come from God or by following His instructions.
Again, if that is so why are we not doing itij Our egos come in the way. Who is Godij I know everything. Why should I follow God’s instructionsij I am independent. What is the result of such warped thinkingij We limit ourselves to sukh of the kinds described in verses 18.38 and 18.39. And that is not very intelligent. let us, therefore, wise up and accept that God is central to everything good. If we wish to be happy, we shouldn’t ignore everything which can bring happiness. Nothing is lost. Get started today on doing all duties and the requisite tapasya and life will be full of topmost enjoyments.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com
