Sometimes we have the tendency to justify our irresponsible behaviour using devotion as an excuse. Many a times working devotees (including me) develop deep renunciation immediately after entering the office premise. Why am I working? It’s a wastage of time.
It’s not going to help me to develop love of God as my work is not directly linked to Krishna conscious activities. We become extremely philosophical and wilfully start neglecting our work.
Our feeling of renunciation is not because of our love for Krishna but because of our laziness, lethargy and unwillingness to face challenges in life. This can be easily understood because in the evening after leaving our workplace and during weekends our feeling of renunciation is untraceable. It pops up the next time we enter our workplace.
Krishna expects sincerity from us
The pseudo renunciation which we develop as per our whims is not going to help us in our personal, professional and most importantly devotional life. When Arjuna wanted to run away from the battlefield and wanted to beg for living then Krishna did not glorify Arjuna but rather admonished him. Krishna told him that dying in the war would be more glorious & graceful than running away from there.
Krishna also expects us to work sincerely like Arjuna. Like Arjuna we should never give up our work which is given to us by Krishna only. In fact, we should be sincere in our work. Work helps in our devotional life too. The money which we earn helps us to maintain ourselves, our family members.
It also facilitates in practicing devotion to Krishna peacefully. We can even use our money in spreading Krishna Consciousness movement either by donating some amount to the temple or by organizing devotional programs in our house or in any other ways which we find suitable.
If we are doing our work properly keeping Krishna in the centre, then we will also attract people to Krishna Consciousness.
More than our words, our action inspires people. If we are sincere, serious, hardworking and honest in our work then others will not only admire us but will also develop a positive impression about the devotees. It will motivate them to practice devotional life.
When chanting just chant, when working just work
Bhaktivinod Thakura is an ideal example for all the devotees. Through his life he has taught us how to be productive in occupational duties, how to be caring and loving towards the family members and how to be extremely sincere in executing devotion to Krishna. Following his footsteps we too can lead a healthy devotional life.
So, next time when the feeling of renunciation arises in our heart as we enter the office premise or open our laptop to work then we should remember Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. And we should also understand that this is not renunciation, but this is laziness and irresponsible behaviour which Krishna does not like.
We should always do our office work honestly and also practice devotional to Krishna sincerely.
A simple formula to follow – be always in the moment. It means “When you chant the names of Krishna just chant” and “When you work just work.” Do not mix both. This is what Arjuna did, and this is what Krishna expects us to do.
Three Reflections
- Krishna admonished Arjuna when he wanted to run away from the battlefield.
- Like Arjuna we should never give up our work, in fact, we should work sincerely and honestly.
- When you chant the names of Krishna just chant & when you work just work.
Ask Yourself
- Am I doing my office work sincerely?
Action Item
- Do your work sincerely. Use a timer to track your activities during office hour to make sure that you are not wasting time.
