Puran Chand Sharma
While moving across, interacting and analyzing cross section of society on the national horizon for better understanding of the behavior of different segments forming part of the Indian society, we observe that by and large the common masses are in the habit of procrastinating the things, their important and most useful chores which need be accorded the top most priority for the ultimate, success and happiness in life.
The people who habitually postpone their significant works, assignments, would certainly stumble over failures and debacles in life and get stuck in the desert of negative emotions and the deluge of deep rooted physical, mental and emotional stress. Habitually procrastinating and postponing our very essential matters is absolutely damaging and regressive which slows down our productivity and performance. Therefore, it must be ruthlessly and vehemently divorced forever.
A story from Mahabharata shall awaken and enlighten us on the right path, hence reproduced hereunder for the valued Readers:
“Kaal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab,
Pal mein pralaya hoyegi , bahuri karoge kub.”
In this Hindi Doha, the great saint of Bhakti Movement Kabir Dass Ji says,
“Do today what you plan to do tomorrow; Do now what you plan to do today.”
He further warns that a deluge may occur any moment and the life could turn upside down and what would you be able to do then?
Such a deep teaching in such simple words! We must not procrastinate and must not put off for later. Whatever work one has to do, must be done as soon as possible, because once one gets into the habit of saying “tomorrow”, that “tomorrow never comes.”
In a short story in the Mahabharata, Bhim teaches Yudhishthir, a lesson about this.
After the war was over, Yudhishthir took over as the king of Indraprastha. He was a very good king and the people were pretty happy. One day, a poor peasant came to the court and asked him for help because he was in distress. Since Yudhishthir had a very tiring day, he felt that he could listen to the poor farmer’s woes the next day. So, he told the farmer, “I will solve your problem tomorrow. Come to the court tomorrow.”
Bhim heard this. Immediately, he ran to the gate of the palace to the huge bell which was hung there. In the olden times a huge bell used to be hung on the gates of the main palaces so that anyone who wanted to draw the attention of the king to his /her problems could ring it and get an immediate audience with the king.
Bhim started ringing the bell deliriously like a mad man. He was shouting, “Yudhishthir has conquered death! Yudhishthir has conquered death!”
Yudhishthir heard the noise and came out to the gate. He told Bhim to stop ringing the bell and asked him how he came to the conclusion that Yudhishthir had conquered death.
Bhim told Yudhishthir, “Bhaiya, everyone knows that you never tell a lie. Today you asked a distressed farmer to come to the court tomorrow and promised him that you would solve the problem tomorrow. How you could have done that, unless you had conquered death?”
Yudhishthir was stunned. He realized his mistake and called the farmer back to the palace immediately and made arrangements to solve his crisis. Bhim smiled. He knew that one could become a successful person only if one never procrastinated.
This short moral story from the Mahabharata nicely enlightens us to be careful and fully aware whilst navigating the abysmal sea of temporal world.
As per our Shastras and spiritual scriptures we have to combat with six internal enemies such as: 1,Nidra 2.Tandra 3. Bhayam 4. Krodham 5,Aalasayam 6. Dheeraghsootarta.
Out of these we have already discussed Dheeragsootarta or Procrastination and understood it in the form of a short moral story and the remaining five internal enemies also need be looked at and mastered as well as handled wisely and consistently.
First one is Nidra or Sleep:- Of course it is very essential for our holistic health that is physical, mental and emotional health, but at the same time indulging into excessive sleep is extremely undesirable and harmful for one and all, therefore, any kind of negative tendency on this score must be genuinely taken care of.
Second one is Tandra which means Drowsiness, an unaware existence where the soul is not yet enlightened. If it is not properly managed it may by and by metamorphose into critical health issues and block our path to peace and happiness, as such must be carefully negotiated.
Third one is Bhayam that is Fear which is a huge hurdle in leading our worldly life purposefully and meaningfully. Whenever engulfed and overpowered by fear, our performance is obstructed and we lose steam for life.
Fourth is Krodham that is anger. Whereas controlled anger is helpful in maintaining stability and mental equilibrium, uncontrolled anger plays spoilsport and we ultimately end up into gross failure and turn into a lame duck. Therefore,it needs be tamed for success and peace.
Fifth is Aalasaya that is laziness and inertia which creates blockade in normal progression of life, as such requires to be tackled wisely and tactfully.
SIXTH is Dheeragsootarata or Procrastination which has already been discussed at length through the medium of an appropriate moral story in the beginning.
Logical Conclusion
In continuation to what has been significantly narrated and deliberated herein above with regard to our six hidden enemies, it will be noteworthy that controlling as well as neutralizing them in one go will not be that easy but their adverse effect can be expunged by dint of pursuing constant learning and practicing holistic Yoga unhindered on regular basis. For instance:
Performing Asanas (Physical Postures for Bodily Health as physical body is our most dependable vehicle , We do Pranayama, deep breathing , Kapalbhati etc. for healthy mind and Meditation for purification of Subconscious mind (CHIT).
Our country has taken lead for promoting regular practice of Yoga for holistic health across the globe by virtue of celebration of International Yoga Day on 21 st June every year. Hence the message is loud and clear that if we have to lead a purposeful and healthy life in this highly stressful world, we shall have to defeat our internal enemies which obstruct our physical, mental and spiritual efficiency and the inherent capabilities. Unflinching determination and unhindered pursuit of Yoga coupled with victory over Procrastination and associated negative emotions are the buzz words and the beacon light.
