Priority refers to the relative importance or precedence assigned to tasks, goals, or activities based on their significance, urgency, or alignment with one's objectives. It involves making conscious decisions about what matters most and directing attention accordingly to maximize productivity, progress, and success.
In essence, it involves determining what needs to be addressed or accomplished first, given limited time, resources, and energy. Prioritizing in life is crucial for overall well-being and success.
The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities -Steven Covey
In the exploration of the profound concept of prioritization from a spiritual vantage point, the Bhagavad Gita emerges as an invaluable source of wisdom. This sacred Hindu scripture delves deep into the essence of life, offering guidance on how to prioritize thoughts and actions in harmony with one's higher self, transcending the conventional notions associated with management jargon.
This article unravels the pivotal role of the Bhagavad Gita in understanding and embodying spiritual priorities.
Prioritizing Spiritual Growth: Insights from the Bhagavad Gita
Dharma and Ethical Action
At the heart of the Bhagavad Gita's teachings lies the emphasis on 'Dharma'—an individual's righteous duty or ethical action. Spiritual prioritization, according to the Gita, involves aligning one's responsibilities and actions with ethical principles.
karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana l
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi ll 2.47 ll
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi ll 2.47 ll
karmaṇi—in prescribed duties; eva—only; adhikāraḥ—right; te—your; mā—not; phaleṣhu—in the fruits; kadāchana—at any time; mā—never; karma-phala—results of the activities; hetuḥ—cause; bhūḥ—be; mā—not; te—your; saṅgaḥ—attachment; astu—must be; akarmaṇi—in inaction
BG 2.47: You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.
By prioritizing the pursuit of righteous conduct and action, individuals navigate life's complexities with purpose, contributing positively to the world.
Non-Attachment and Equanimity
Central to the Gita's philosophy is the concept of detachment, urging individuals to prioritize the process rather than fixating on outcomes. This spiritual approach emphasizes non-attachment to results, allowing individuals to maintain equanimity in the face of success and failure.
dhyāyato viṣhayān puṁsaḥ saṅgas teṣhūpajāyate l
saṅgāt sañjāyate kāmaḥ kāmāt krodho ’bhijāyate ll 2.62 ll
saṅgāt sañjāyate kāmaḥ kāmāt krodho ’bhijāyate ll 2.62 ll
dhyāyataḥ—contemplating; viṣhayān—sense objects; puṁsaḥ—of a person; saṅgaḥ—attachment; teṣhu—to them (sense objects); upajāyate—arises; saṅgāt—from attachment; sañjāyate—develops; kāmaḥ—desire; kāmāt—from desire; krodhaḥ—anger; abhijāyate—arises
BG 2.62: While contemplating on the objects of the senses, one develops attachment to them. Attachment leads to desire, and from desire arises anger.
Such prioritization espicially introspection and sublimating our basal desires fosters inner peace and reduces the sway of external circumstances on one's spiritual well-being.
Pursuit of Knowledge and Wisdom
In the spiritual journey, the Gita places a premium on prioritizing knowledge and wisdom. Seeking a profound understanding of oneself, the universe, and the divine becomes a priority.
na hi jñānena sadṛiśhaṁ pavitramiha vidyate l
tatsvayaṁ yogasansiddhaḥ kālenātmani vindati ll 4.38 ll
na—not; hi—certainly; jñānena—with divine knowledge; sadṛiśham—like; pavitram—pure; iha—in this world; vidyate—exists; tat—that; svayam—oneself; yoga—practice of yog; sansiddhaḥ—he who has attained perfection; kālena—in course of time; ātmani—wihtin the heart; vindati—finds
BG 4.38: In this world, there is nothing as purifying as divine knowledge. One who has attained purity of mind through prolonged practice of Yog, receives such knowledge within the heart, in due course of time.
By aligning actions with higher principles through the prioritization of wisdom, individuals make informed choices that facilitate personal and spiritual growth.
Discipline and Self-Mastery
Spiritual prioritization, according to the Gita, involves the cultivation of self-discipline and self-control. The following verse highlights the role of conscious self-effort in improving ourselves.
uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet l
ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ ll 6.5 ll
uddharet—elevate; ātmanā—through the mind; ātmānam—the self; na—not; ātmānam—the self; avasādayet—degrade; ātmā—the mind; eva—certainly; hi—indeed; ātmanaḥ—of the self; bandhuḥ—friend; ātmā—the mind; eva—certainly; ripuḥ—enemy; ātmanaḥ—of the self
ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ ll 6.5 ll
uddharet—elevate; ātmanā—through the mind; ātmānam—the self; na—not; ātmānam—the self; avasādayet—degrade; ātmā—the mind; eva—certainly; hi—indeed; ātmanaḥ—of the self; bandhuḥ—friend; ātmā—the mind; eva—certainly; ripuḥ—enemy; ātmanaḥ—of the self
BG 6.5: Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself, for the mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.
Certainly, discipline inherently involves mastering control over the mind. In this context, here are three points emphasizing the connection between discipline and mind control:
- Self-Control (Indriya-samyama)
Discipline requires individuals to exercise control over their senses and desires. The mind is often influenced by sensory inputs and desires, leading to distractions and impulsiveness. Through disciplined practices such as meditation, self-reflection, and adherence to moral principles, individuals can train their minds to resist temptations and maintain focus on higher ideals.
- Renunciation of Desires (Tyaga)
Discipline involves renouncing attachment to worldly desires and pleasures. The mind is naturally drawn to objects of desire, causing attachment and suffering. By cultivating a mindset of detachment and renunciation, individuals can free themselves from the bondage of desires and attain inner peace.
- Controlled Action (Karma Yoga)
Discipline in action (Karma Yoga) involves performing one's duties selflessly and with detachment from the results. The mind often seeks validation and gratification through the outcomes of actions. By relinquishing attachment to the fruits of actions and focusing solely on the duty at hand, individuals can overcome the fluctuations of the mind and achieve a state of equanimity.
In summary, discipline necessitates the control and mastery of the mind, enabling individuals to transcend worldly distractions and pursue higher spiritual ideals. Through disciplined practices and conscious effort, one can harness the power of the mind to attain self-realization and spiritual fulfillment, as elucidated in the Bhagavad Gita.
Prioritizing these aspects empowers individuals to overcome the distractions of the mind, channeling their focus effectively on the spiritual journey.
Conclusion as we align priorities
As a timeless guide to spiritual living, the Bhagavad Gita unveils a unique perspective on prioritization. By prioritizing Dharma, detachment, knowledge, devotion, and discipline, individuals shape their thoughts and actions in a manner that transcends mere management jargon.
The Gita's teachings provide a roadmap for effective spiritual living, offering a profound and meaningful existence through aligned priorities.