“संकल्प”

Swami ji said…

Most of us might be able to play out in our mind – the number of times we had tried to tell ourselves sternly – ‘ I will do this from now !’ ‘ I will never do this again !’ – and , only, we can answer honestly, whether, we were able to live up to the firmness of our words with sincerity in the days ahead.
When we say these words – they do sound very decisive, path – breaking and promising – but, are we even aware of the magnitude ; the import of having said them – and, from then onwards do we feel duty bound ; obliged and conscious of following them up with the required , right action. Have we ever given a thought to what could have prompted many a great personalities and regular people like us to make a firm resolve – ‘संकल्प’ लेने का – to lead their lives in the manner in which they had intended to do –
‘संकल्प लेने के बाद ?’ Whether it was renouncing material possessions ; achieving the impossible ; giving up wrong habits – man, somehow, has found it easier to walk the path that he was meant to follow – ‘संकल्प लेने से…”

If we were to ask ourselves –
“हमे ‘संकल्प’ क्यूं
लेना चाहिए…?’ Then the answer to this would be that – ” ‘एक’ संकल्प ही काफी होता है हमारे जीवन को संवारने के लिए…” The moment we decide to either stop doing what we had been doing in the past , or , make up our mind to do something
that we intend to follow straightaway ; with immediate effect – we remain focussed – on what it is that we want to refrain from doing then onwards , or , begin anew henceforth. In a way, it gives a fresh meaning to our life as we begin to follow a set , clearly – defined course. Chaos and confusion find no space in a mind that is refreshed and rejuvenated – with the direction that our ‘संकल्प’ has provided it with ! But, when we make a resolve – whether it is silently to ourselves , or , declared loudly to one and all – do we do so simply at the spur of the moment – in excitement ; in anger ; in disappointment- just because we had to say or do something at that moment, or , do we do so with a sense of commitment ;
responsibility ;
understanding that the necessity of putting into practice the ‘संकल्प’ taken by us – will help us evolve into a stronger , balanced individual.

” ‘संकल्प’ लेने के बाद संदेह और शक की कोई गुंजाइश नहीं रहती…” as one feels that his determination ; his resolve – is an armour that shields him from doubts and conflicting thoughts…”और अब वो बिखरेगा नही…” How many times in our lifetime – ” ऐसा हुआ होगा कि हमने कोई संकल्प लिया हो और उस पर अमल करा हो ?” All it takes is some distraction ; a few moments of weakness and we forget about our ‘संकल्प’.The more we break our promises to ourselves – the more we lose confidence in ourselves,and, the more we begin to doubt ourselves. Within hearts of hearts, a fear creeps in that – all the big announcements that we tend to make ; all the changes that we have promised to show others in ourselves – are very likely to come to naught, as we will, in all likelihood, renege on all that we promised very soon. Such an existence is bound to be one of misery, making life unworthy of living. How can we change the world, inspire it – when we cannot trust ourselves to do what we have set our mind on today. Hence, the strong emphasis to keep our promises, at all costs, was maintained by our ancestors.

Just for a minute, let us try to relate with, and , experience the firm resolve , fierce determination and sincerity with which, in the epic ‘Mahabharat’ – ‘Bheeshma Pitama’ – ‘संकल्प’
लेते है, ‘प्रतिज्ञा’ लेते है आजीवन ब्रह्मचर्य का पालन करने का – and once those soul – stirring words had been said by him – ‘उनके दृढ़ निश्चय को दिखाते हुए’ – not once did he think of detracting from his ‘प्रतिज्ञा’. Irrespective of all the pain and suffering that he had to see and face in his lifetime ; he did not waver from his ‘प्रतिज्ञा’.

For the spiritual seeker, this is the greatest test of all. To stay firm to his resolve of -” ‘गुरु’ के बताए हुए मार्ग पर चलना…” And, God will test us. At the most unlikely, most uncomfortable and inconvenient moments – we will be reminded of our ‘संकल्प’.The mind will think of a hundred reasons to change course. Those around us will also encourage us to ‘take it easy’ and ‘do it tomorrow’. Even the mind will question why we are being so ‘inflexible’. But we will know the truth – that “हमे अपने दृढ़ निश्चय पर अटल रहना चाहिए…” This will also make us choose our words very carefully next time. We will consider a hundred times before committing ourselves to any action or taking on a responsibility. Eventually we will be wiser, and, not unnecessarily make promises in a moment of emotion – as such promises more often than not cost us our self-respect and relationships.