18.25: A moment of indulgence, a lifetime of repentance

by November 7, 2011

(A Bhagavad-gita perspective on current scandals)

Time and again, we see talented individuals with a promising future ruining their prospects by succumbing to immoral temptations. Blinded by the hope for quick gains, they throw away their integrity and end up disgraced and dispossessed of their careers, left to regret lifelong their momentary indulgence.

What impels them to such foolish choices? The Bhagavad-gita (18.25) describes that short-sighted action unmindful of the consequences is typical of the mode of ignorance, which is the subtle force of nature that influences people’s minds toward self-destruction.

This destructive psychological force is given a free hand by our contemporary culture, which glamorizes live-for-the-moment thinking. That’s why all of us – even those who righteously condemn others’ immoral choices – are susceptible to the insidious influence of the self-destructive force of ignorance. We can insulate ourselves from such influences by cultivating spiritual wisdom and leading a moderate lifestyle. These two practices help us harmonize with the mode of goodness, which is the subtle psychological force that extends and expands our inner vision, thereby enabling us to make prudent, far-sighted choices.

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4 Comments
  • November 10, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    Respected Maharaj,

    Rightly said. Thank you very much.

  • vraja bihari dasa
    November 11, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    i agree. i think we also need very strong association of others who are striving to live by highest moral and spiritual standards. it is this association and friendship with sincere people that we can save ourselves from the lure of wrong temptations.thanks for the post

  • kiran Wagadari
    September 4, 2012 at 9:50 am

    So it Is Very Imp. For Sadhaka to come to the Level of mode Of Goodness.Thank U Very Much prji

  • Dhananjay Vashistha
    November 23, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    Each & every word of this article has a huge potential, some note worthy points are-
    (1)-ruining their prospects by succumbing to immoral temptations.

    (2)-short-sighted action unmindful of the consequences is typical of the mode of ignorance, which is the subtle force of nature that influences people’s minds toward self-destruction.

    (3)-Our Current culture glamorizes live-for-the-moment thinking

    (4)-To convert our short sightedness into farsightedness, we should cultivate spiritual wisdom and lead a moderate lifestyle.

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