Keep God in the loop while making crucial decisions, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
How does a common man decideIJ Generally, a lot of speculation is involved in decision-making. No one, I mean no one except God, can know everything. Forget about knowing everything, it is difficult to know fully even about one subject in which one may be proficient. Knowledge is unlimited and in the words of Einstein, we are only able to scratch the surface.
One speculates because one wishes to appear intelligent, without being knowledgeable. One is too proud to consult, ask questions. One can gain more knowledge but is too lazy to do so; is satisfied with what limited knowledge one has. Speculation is easy because it is just a mental exercise, whereas getting all the facts together requires considerable efforts. Unfortunately, even though speculating hurts, for many people it becomes a habit with disastrous consequences. These are the people who are in a tearing hurry to decide.
If this is not bad enough, one behaves whimsically. Because one is ignorant of the benefits of consultation. One is falsely sure of his or her limited knowledge. One lacks humility and is too proud to consult. One does not bother to think of the consequences. There is no discipline of the mind. One has a false sense of total freedom, though such a thing is a mirage only; we have at best very limited freedom.
How, then, should one decideIJ One should develop balanced views. This can be done by gaining a lot of knowledge, especially higher spiritual knowledge. One should decide in the mood of being detached. No one should be an egoist. Balanced view become a good possibility when one keeps company of sane people. There should be a feeling of moderation, which can come from being open-minded. Scientific bent of mind and logic help a lot in this.
One should be very careful before deciding something, especially important matters. One should consider all aspects, and not only what is apparent on the surface. Clear mind is crucial. Ability to concentrate enhances this quality. Greater awareness, developed by higher spiritual knowledge, helps. There should be rationality in decision-making. One will avoid mistakes, then, one is unlikely to take wrong decisions. One will not hurt self or others by irrational behaviour or decisions. One will be able to resolve disputes; will avoid enmity.
One should generally seek guidance from knowledgeable persons/experts in the field, those having experience about the matter in hand, etc. There is no shame in asking questions. To remain ignorant is foolish. By seeking guidance, one gets wisdom. One lessens the chances of mistakes; will avoid consequent sufferings. One does not have to experiment and waste a lot of one’s time. And chances of success go up with proper guidance. We have discussed the flaws of speculation and of whimsical behaviour. We have also learnt the virtues of having a balance view, being careful in deciding anything, the advantages of rationality in decision-making and of seeking guidance.
This is all very good, but we can still go wrong in spite of being so careful. Because neither us, nor anyone can ever be omniscient. Therefore, we need to take God’s help before we decide anything important. When I say God I mean all those who are connected with God and practise what God has instructed and bona fide scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita. Advanced devotees of God are even able to speak to God directly and God does answer in his own ways, like giving intuitions.
Finally, we should follow one golden rule and we will never go wrong: That is to always keep God in the loop whenever we have to decide anything important. And when we have to resolve a dispute, we should put God in the centre, ie accept what God has said on the matter, then all disputes will get resolved amicably; vested interests will be eliminated. I welcome your comments.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com