From the Editor’s Desk

Wishing all our readers a very Happy New Year! May 2021 bring a new wave of spiritual energy and inspiration to inch forward toward the ultimate goal. This month we tackle an interesting challenge that many of us experience from time to time. At the start of the New Year, as we all make and revise our New Year resolutions, it is a good time to think about how well we utilize our time. The challenge of the month is Overcoming Procrastination.

We tackle this issue by relying on Vedic knowledge (i.e., tatvagyan) to help us understand the problem and find viable practical strategies to deal with procrastination. If you have successfully overcome procrastination to make a difference in your life, please email us at [email protected] to share your success story.

Vedic Wisdom & Application

Challenge of the Month

Overcoming Procrastination

Reflection Questions

  • Why do we procrastinate? 
  • What are the signs of procrastination?
  • How can we overcome procrastination?
     

Time is a very precious commodity. Each moment that is not utilized wisely, is a lost opportunity that cannot be regained. From time to time, many of us fail to take full advantage of this precious resource due to trivial pursuits, engagement in more pleasurable activities, and procrastination from critical tasks. There are many reasons why we put off starting or completing important tasks.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

The underlying cause for procrastination is the lack of self-control or will power. When we are unable to resist the temptation to do something more pleasurable to the senses, compared to something which requires hard work or is boring, then we avoid starting or completing those tasks even if the delay causes harm at a later time. For example, if we put aside reviewing and paying our bills on schedule, we may be hit by late fees or cancellation of services.

According to the Bhagavad Gita (18.28), people with tamasic tendencies (steeped in the mode of ignorance), have many responsibilities, yet they perceive the effort involved as laborious and painful. Thus, they tend to be lazy and procrastinate. They are governed by their basic instincts which makes them unhappy and morose later in life.

अयुक्त: प्राकृत: स्तब्ध: शठो नैष्कृतिकोऽलस: |
विषादी दीर्घसूत्री च कर्ता तामस उच्यते || 28||

ayuktah prakritah stabdhah shatho naishkritiko lasah
vishadi dirgha-sutru cha kartu tumasa uchyate

BG 18.28: A performer in the mode of ignorance is one who is undisciplined, vulgar, stubborn, deceitful, slothful, despondent, and procrastinating.

Swami Mukundananda ji says that people in the mode of ignorance are more likely to choose an easier path to a lower goal than a difficult path to a superior goal.

What are the signs of procrastination?

Procrastination can be easily recognized through many observable behaviors. In 7 Mindsets For Success, Happiness and Beyond, Swamiji says that procrastination will not improve over time on its own accord. Procrastinators tend to indicate signs of laziness as evidenced by “excusitis” and “paralysis by analysis” (p. 67):

  • Attributing our shortcomings to destiny;
  • Not taking responsibility for one’s own actions;
  • Making excuses for not completing tasks;
  • Persisting in the preparatory stage of the task or thought pattern forever;
  • Postponing task completion to a future undetermined date;
  • Continuing to analyze the task or problem instead of finding a solution.

We can overcome procrastination by (1) taking responsibility for one’s own actions, (2) finding the inspiration to start or complete non-preferred tasks, and (3) developing will power to push oneself forward. The gist of these is elaborated below.

How Can We Overcome Procrastination?

The Bhagavad Gita (BG 18.29) explains that the quality and quantity of work is affected by the intellect (buddhi) and determination (dhriti). The intellect is the faculty of discrimination or vivek, and determination is the inner strength or willpower. Together, these nudge the soul to persist, postpone preya pleasure, and start or complete undesired tasks, in spite of challenges, in order to achieve shreya happiness.

However, because our body, mind, and intellect are material in nature, they constitute the three gunas (modes) – sattva guna (i.e., mode of goodness), rajo guna (i.e., mode of passion), and tamo guna (i.e., mode of ignorance). Our personality traits emerge on the basis of which combination of gunas are proportionately dominant within us.

Sattva guna is associated with a peaceful state, high moral values, serenity, etc. Rajo guna is associated with passion, ambitiousness, and endless desire for material enhancement. Tamo guna is characterized by ignorance, laziness, excessive sleep, delusion, intoxication, and other vices.

The sattvic intellect helps souls to make good choices based on righteousness. Shree Krishna tells Arjun that such disciplined and steadfast determination can be achieved through the practice of yog (union with God). “The steadfast willpower that develops when one learns to subdue the senses, discipline the life-airs, and control the mind, is sattvic dhriti (determination in the mode of goodness)” (BG 18.33).

Discipline can help to overcome procrastination by cultivating sattvic qualities through meditation. Swamiji says, “Discipline is the bridge between intention and accomplishment, between inspiration and achievement, and between knowledge and practice. It empowers us to do the right thing even though it may be difficult.” Discipline also empowers us to desist harmful activities inspired by the power of the intellect over the mind.

In conclusion, when internally motivated, we all can do seemingly impossible things to accomplish a valued goal. Swamiji calls it the "why power" or why we feel inspired to pursue a goal no matter how challenging. It is that internal strength that drives our spirit; it is something we would be willing to die for. If we understand the source of the problem, we may be more equipped to overcome procrastination.

Tools for Your Personal Growth

Knowing something about the reasons for procrastination and ways to overcome it, let’s try to apply this knowledge in our daily life.

Causes Strategies

Boring Task

 

Recognize guna (state) to be in the tamasic mode. Convert it into rajasic or sattvic mode

  • How can I make a boring task fun to do? Can I finish it within 15-minutes? (Rajasic)
  • Intersperse boring and fun tasks (Rajasic)
  • Mindset change - Finish task so you or others can benefit (Sattvic)
  • Performing the task is not for sensual pleasure but to do the duty without expecting rewards (Sattvic; BG 3.29)

Difficult Task

Recognize guna (state) to be in the tamasic mode. Convert it into rajasic or sattvic mode

  • Break task into smaller doable steps (Rajasic)
  • Intersperse easy and difficult tasks (Rajasic)
  • Seek help or guidance from others (Sattvic)
  • Tap into the “Why Power” to complete (Sattvic)

Vague Task

Recognize guna (state) to be in the tamasic mode. Convert it into rajasic or sattvic mode

  • Break task into steps with clearer instructions (Rajasic)
  • Seek help or guidance from others (Sattvic)
  • Tap into the “Why Power” to complete (Sattvic)

No Valued Outcome

Recognize guna (state) to be in the tamasic mode. Convert it into rajasic or sattvic mode

  • Complete the task out of a sense of duty (Sattvic)
  • Tap into the “Why Power” to complete (Sattvic)

Distractions

Recognize guna (state) to be in the tamasic mode. Convert it into rajasic or sattvic mode

  • Self-talk: Will access preferred items after task is done (Rajasic)
  • Recognize the power of material maya and complete the task associated with one’s duty. Eliminate distractions by weighing shreya vs. preya pleasures (Sattvic)

No Deadline

Recognize guna (state) to be in the tamasic mode. Convert it into rajasic or sattvic mode

  • Create your own deadline based on personal importance of task (Rajasic)
  • Tap into the “Why Power” to complete (Sattvic)

Love to Hear from You

  • How did you apply the Vedic Wisdom?
  • What challenges did you experience in the process? 

Please share your comments under “Join the Discussion” below.

Gems of Wisdom from Swamiji

Here are some YouTube video titles and related links where Swamiji describes ways to develop will power and overcome procrastination.

•    STOP Making Excuses - Take Charge of Your Life
•    STOP Wasting Time Before it's Too Late - Life Motivation | Day 18 of Life Transformation Challenge 
•    Mindset To Resist Temptations
•    Do You Have A Strong WHY For What You Do? Self-Motivation 

Hold Your Breath! Check out Upcoming Events

We are very excited to share with you, three dynamite events to look forward to at the start of the New Year!

Purpose of Life

Purpose of Life – 21 Day Challenge

Could there be a better way to start the New Year? Are you still thinking about the New Year’s resolution you made? Do you want to revise these resolutions to make a true difference in your life?

You may already know that on January 1, 2021, Swamiji initiated a new 21-Day lecture series called Purpose of Life and How to Achieve It. Participants will learn divine knowledge and methods of implementation for:

  • The things for which we would be willing to die if needed;
  • The difference between responding and reacting;
  • Ways to develop and maintain a Growth Mindset.

Similar to previous lecture series, this series too will last for 21 days with 21 different videos and 21 tools for application of the divine knowledge. The program is free and the knowledge is priceless! Each of the 21 videos will be released on Swamiji’s YouTube channel. Register for the event now!

Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj

Jagadguruttam Diwas Celebration

In 1957, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, the fifth original Jagadguru in Indian history, was venerated with the title of Jagadguruttam by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat. Since then, January 14th has been celebrated as Jagadguruttam Diwas. Shree Maharajji, the personification of the nectar of divine love, has inspired millions of devotees toward the path of bhakti.

All the JKYog centers around the world will celebrate the 64th anniversary of Jagadguruttam Diwas by singing His kirtans, offering special Abhishek and Aarti, and listening to His video lectures to relish the philosophy and teachings. We will celebrate the program on January 17th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

7 Divine Laws Book

Swamiji’s Much-Awaited Book

We are delighted to inform you of Swamiji’s newly published book – 7 Divine Laws to Awaken Your Best Self. As the name suggests, this book expounds on the 7 divine laws that can transform a person’s life from within and lead them toward the path of success and fulfillment.

Swamiji beautifully starts off the book by explaining how we human beings, naturally strive toward perfection because we are tiny fragments of the all-pure and perfect God. The problem, however, is that we have not aligned ourselves with the laws of nature to give rise to our highest and best potential to take advantage of this human form, due to lack of true knowledge or inability to implement the knowledge effectively. It is in this context that Swamiji describes the 7 divine laws which, if understood and implemented, has the potential to make each of us very successful in life. Each chapter beautifully summarizes the main points to promote reflection and leave the reader with take-away points.

Published by Harper Collins and released by Amazon on December 30th, this book is also anticipated to be a best-seller like Swamiji’s other published books.

Voices from the Global Community

We would like to introduce you to two young members of our community who have been impacted by the scriptural knowledge as taught and disseminated by Swamiji. 


This month, we feature Sidharth Bhat and Siddhi Petadia, both of whom have several things in common. They both are undergraduate students at the University of Texas at Austin. Both are pursuing a dual major, Sidharth in Business Honors and Finance, and Siddhi in Biochemistry and Computer Science. Both also teach Bhagavad Gita virtual classes for youth on Sundays.
Sidharth has been involved with JKYog since its inception in 2009. In his free time, he enjoys watching and playing sports, hanging out with his friends, and listening to music. Siddhi too has been involved with JKYog since she was a young girl and actively participates in many seva opportunities through the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas.

Please watch the video where both of them describe how they benefitted from Swamiji’s teachings to inspire themselves and others to follow their duties in a responsible manner.

We invite our readers to share their inspirations and success stories with us at [email protected].  

JKYog Transforming Communities

We would like to share the amazing activities and news about programs conducted by JKYog for the benefit of the global and local communities especially in these trying times of continued social distancing.

JKYog has been taking various initiatives to connect like-minded people empowered to inspire each other, and progress together on the spiritual path through devotional practice and self-improvement. We continue to offer numerous online classes for children and adults in the form of blissful Satsangs, magnificent festival celebrations, Bal-Mukund programs for children, dynamite youth seminars and leadership activities, and health webinars by medical professionals. 

Some specific classes are the Bhagavad Gita study and recitation, classical vocal and instrumental music, daily yoga and meditation, daily sadhana, Patanjali Yog Sutras, tabla, harmonium and kirtan learning classes, devotional chanting, language classes for Sanskrit and Hindi, and many other classes. All of these programs are free of cost for the global community, with the primary purpose of enhancing spiritual enlightenment, teaching the next generation to appreciate our Indian heritage, and educating the community about our Indian culture. 

Many more classes will soon be added for children, youth and adults in the community. Information on all of these classes can be obtained through the JKYog and Radha Krishna Temple websites.

Glimpses of Past Events

Here are some beautiful glimpses of December’s most notable programs.