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Have you ever found yourself at odds with your own decisions, knowing the right thing to do but somehow failing to act on it? Perhaps it was the resolve to wake up early for a healthier lifestyle or speak the truth in a tricky situation. This internal conflict is not due to a lack of knowledge. Instead, it reflects a deeper struggle within, one that Indian spirituality has long explored and provided tools to overcome.

The Nature of the Inner Conflict

In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna’s moment of hesitation on the battlefield symbolizes the universal human struggle between Dharma (righteous duty) and Adharma (unrighteousness). Arjuna knows his duty as a warrior, but his attachment to his family clouds his judgment. This poignant scene reflects the conflict we face when emotions, habits, or fears obstruct our ability to act on what we know is right.

Indian spirituality describes the human psyche as a combination of Manas (the reactive mind), Buddhi (the intellect that discerns), and Ahamkara (the ego that identifies). Often, the mind’s impulsive desires and the ego’s need for validation overpower the intellect’s guidance. The result? We find ourselves procrastinating, avoiding, or rationalizing actions that we know in our hearts are right.

Root Causes of the Struggle

1. Ignorance (Avidya):​
   Indian spirituality identifies Avidya as the root of all suffering. Ignorance, in this context, doesn’t mean a lack of information but a misalignment with the truth of our existence. We often chase temporary pleasures or avoid discomfort, mistaking them for ultimate happiness. For instance, avoiding a difficult conversation might seem like a relief, but it often leads to greater challenges in relationships later on.
2. Attachment (Raga) and Aversion (Dvesha):​
   The mind is naturally drawn toward what feels pleasant and repelled by what feels unpleasant. This attachment and aversion skew our ability to make balanced decisions. Consider someone who knows they need to exercise for their health but avoids it due to the discomfort of physical exertion. The pull of comfort outweighs the push for long-term well-being.
3. Weak Willpower (Sankalpa):​
   In the Gita, Krishna describes the mind as “restless, turbulent, strong, and unyielding.” Without discipline, the mind wavers between impulses, making it difficult to follow through on decisions guided by the intellect.

Insights from Indian Spirituality

Indian spirituality provides profound insights and practices to overcome these struggles:

1. Karma Yoga:​
   Karma Yoga teaches us to focus on our actions rather than being overly attached to the results. When we shift our perspective to view life as service, the fear of failure or desire for reward diminishes. For example, choosing to do the right thing in a workplace dispute, regardless of personal gain, can lead to inner peace and integrity.
2. Meditation and Self-Discipline:​
   Practices like meditation and pranayama (breath control) calm the reactive mind, allowing the intellect to guide actions. These practices strengthen our willpower and create a pause between impulse and action, making it easier to choose what is right.
3. Satsang and Self-Reflection:​
   Surrounding ourselves with wise individuals and taking time for introspection helps us stay aligned with our values. Listening to spiritual discourses or reading scriptures can inspire clarity and courage to act in alignment with our highest self.

The gap between knowing and doing narrows as we align with our higher self, the Atman. The Atman, according to Indian spirituality, is pure consciousness, untainted by ego or desires. When we act from this state, our actions naturally align with what is right.

As Krishna advises in the Bhagavad Gita:
“Raise the self by the Self; let the Self not be weakened. For the Self alone is the friend of the self, and the Self alone is the enemy of the self.”

Quote of the week

Practice of the week

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Gently focus your attention on your thoughts without trying to control them. Let them flow naturally, simply observing without judgment or interference. Some thoughts may feel unsettling, but remember—they are just thoughts. With consistent practice over a few weeks, you'll notice a reduction in both the number and intensity of your thoughts.

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