The moment-to-moment choices we make in life decide our destiny. What we are getting now is what we have chosen in the past.
Every problem always has two solutions. One of the solutions solves our problem permanently and the other gives the impression that the problem has been solved. For example, when Vidura was rebuked and humiliated by Duryodhana just before the onset of Mahabharata war then Vidura had the choice to retaliate back.
But Vidura chooses not to react angrily. Instead of confronting the arrogant Duryodhana and immoral Dhritarashtra, Vidura left the palace and his ministerial position in search for higher truth. He went on a pilgrimage. He visited several holy places and met several holy men including Uddhava and sage Maitreya.
Another example is of Vibhishana. When he was humiliated by proud and lusty Ravana then Vibhishana immediately took refuge of Lord Rama.
On the other hand, we see that when Karna faced unpleasant situations in his life then his reaction was appalling. He began blaming everyone for his miseries and he choose to side with evil Duryodhana. Karna initially thought that by aligning with Duryodhana, his sufferings will get mitigated but actually his sufferings aggravated.
Taking shelter of God dispelled all the miseries from the lives of Vibhishana and Vidura. But Karna always lived in constant anxiety and fear and ultimately met with an inglorious death because he turned away from God and took the shelter of Duryodhana.
Vidura, Vibhishana and Karna – all three had the option to choose. What then followed in their lives was the outcome of their personal choices. Life always presents us with various opportunities. Our reaction to the situation determines our destiny.
Always choose Krishna & get glorious destination
We can choose to be Krishna conscious, or we can choose to go against the wishes of Krishna. We are independent to choose our path, and based on that choice our destiny is determined.
Now, if we turn the pages of history, we will find that anyone who has gone against the scriptures have always suffered. But whoever has taken the shelter of the Supreme Lord never suffered. Initially it may look that the pious souls are suffering but ultimately, they always emerge victorious in their life.
For example, Pandavas faced lots of hardships, but they never blamed anyone for their suffering and most importantly they never left the shelter of Krishna. And we see that Krishna was always there to protect them.
In their so-called hardships too, Krishna was showering his merry upon them, so they never really suffered. How can there be any suffering when Krishna who is the source of pleasures is present in anyone’s life! And at the end Krishna used the Pandavas to free the world from irreligious Kauravas who were led by Duryodhana and Karna.
Surrender to Krishna always give glorious result. Krishna personally takes care of those who takes his shelter and make their life glorious. This is confirmed by Krishna in Bhagavad Gita 4.11, ye yathā māṁ prapadyante/tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham – As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly.
So before taking any decision in our life we should introspect and see where we are heading towards – are we getting closer to Krishna or are we moving away from him. Our choices will decide our destiny, will shape our future.
Three Reflections
- During difficult time Vidura & Vibhishana chose to take shelter of the Lord and attained glorious destination.
- Karna chose to take shelter of Duryodhana and attained inglorious destination.
- Our reaction to the situation determines our destiny.
Ask Yourself
- What choice I make when I face difficulties?
Action Item
- When you are feeling disturbed then try to pray to Krishna for help, read scriptures and chant the names of Krishna. Always choose Krishna in any situation.
