Making Decisions

 

We have to decide at every moment – sometime for trivial action and other times for crucial ones. How should we go about making any decision so that every decision helps us move forward in life with peace and prosperity?

Recently, I heard a talk by Swami Aparajitananda on this very topic based on the wisdoms contained in Bhagavad Gita. Below is a summary of my understanding.

While making decisions we should consider following factors:

• Roles: We play a variety of roles in life at different times in different situations. We must take decisions while playing these roles. Sometimes decision taken in one role may adversely affect the other role. When such a situation arises, we should consider taking the decision from the point of higher role (where larger interest is served even at the cost of smaller interest). In the battlefield of Mahabharata, Arjuna wanted to run away from fighting because that would mean killing his kith and kins in the opposite side. Krisna rightly guided him towards the higher role of a warrior to re-establish righteousness in the kingdom by killing his kith and kins who had sided with unrighteous forces. A soldier will let go of his family’s welfare over the nation’s welfare.

• Beneficiary: Consider taking decisions that will benefit maximum people (totality) around you. A selfish decision may seem to benefit you in the short term while hurting many others, but it would hurt you also in the long term. Larger the beneficiary group, higher your happiness will be.

• Mind and Intellect: Mind works on likes and dislikes, while Intellect works on Rights and Wrongs. This presents four possibilities:

o   You may like to do something that is right

o   You may dislike doing something that is wrong

o   You may like to do something that is wrong

o   You may dislike doing something that is right

There is no problem in the first 2 situations. However, you must exercise control over the last 2 situations.

When we continuously decide to do what is right, irrespective of whether we like it or not, we build an integrated personality which will always follow the righteous path. Such a person’s mind loves to do what is right. He is said to be taking decisions from his heart, since heart is coming together of mind and intellect.

• Swadharma (Innate nature): Take decisions in line with your swadharma or natural tendency/innate nature. Consider that decision ‘right’ which is Self-inspired, comes to you naturally, part of your hobby, makes you love the challenge, if any, following the decision. Such decisions will help you grow internally and may bring material success as well.

• Voice of Conscience: Conscience is like a mariner’s compass – always pointing to ‘Truth’ (that which is right). Any deviation from it will cause mental disturbance and stress. Always listen to your voice of conscience while making decisions. Sometimes you may fail to hear this voice while taking a decision. Watch for mental disturbance or a feeling of guilt after taking a decision. If it is there, that decision was not right for you. When you thus review your every decision, you refine your sensitivity towards the voice of conscience.

• Mind in Sattvik state (Calm): Watch your state of mind while taking a decision. Never take a decision when it is in Tamasik state (dull/indolent) or Rajasik state (excited/agitated). Wait for the calmness to return. A calm mind provides clarity and decisions taken with a calm mind are almost always right.

• Seek guidance from wise: When you are confused about what to decide, you may be lacking the proper knowledge and/or maturity. Seek guidance from a wise person whom you trust. He/she could be your teacher, mentor, parents, or friend.

•         Surrender to God: If you are unable to decide through any of the above ways, surrender to God with a sincere prayer for help. You will receive His guidance in the silence of your mind with reassuring effects.