Can lack of time affect spiritual growth?

Can lack of time be an impediment to spiritual growth?
Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that one of the factors that impedes bhakti is prayasa (over-endeavor). So we need to consider: What exactly is causing the shortage of time?

At one level, time poverty is something almost everyone experiences. We all need to make the best use of whatever time we have. I look at this issue from three perspectives.

1. The IAS Framework:

I like to analyze the problems we face in life into three categories, using the acronym IAS. Just as many aspire to become an IAS officer, we can aspire to become an IAS in problem-solving.

• I – Inevitable problems
• A – Avoidable problems
• S – Strengthening problems

Inevitable Problems:

These are challenges we all face, like juggling multiple roles—family, work, social duties, etc. No one gets as much time as they would like for everything they want to do. In this sense, time poverty is just a fact of life.

Within that framework, we need to become more conscious of how we use time. Complaining about the lack of time often isn’t helpful—who doesn’t feel they lack time?

More importantly, Krishna knows our situation and doesn’t hold it against us. For instance, if it’s very cold and someone’s body is sensitive to cold, they may not be able to wake up early. When things are beyond our control, Srila Prabhupada says in a purport that “there is nothing to lament.” So we can trust that Krishna is understanding.

After all, Krishna is an understanding God. So we shouldn’t waste too much emotional energy in guilt. If we’re juggling family, a job, and social obligations along with spiritual life, we simply do our best.

Avoidable Problems:

These are often self-created problems. Sometimes, we get entangled in activities that aren’t necessary. How much we want to grow materially—career-wise, financially, socially—is a decision each of us has to make.

This is where prayasa comes in. If we’re over-endeavoring in material pursuits and creating a time shortage for ourselves, that’s something we need to correct.

Some practical steps:

• Cut down on unnecessary social engagements.
• Limit professional ambition to what’s sustainable.
• Set clear boundaries for time and energy.

Of course, there are exceptions. If someone has exceptional talent in a field and feels called to contribute meaningfully, that might be their calling, not just a career or job.

In such cases, if their focus is contribution, not just compensation, then even that activity can be spiritualized—if they remember that their gifts come from Krishna and offer their work to Him.

Strengthening Problems:

These are challenges that actually help us grow.

If we have a shortage of time, it can push us to become more conscious of how we use it. In our tradition, time is also a manifestation of Krishna.

So if we recognize time as Krishna and try to use it consciously in His service, we can come closer to Him. That means:

• Using every moment meaningfully.
• Aligning our life with our values and spiritual purpose.
• Avoiding distractions and unnecessary engagements.

Yes, having more time is a good foundation for rapid spiritual growth. But growth doesn’t come just from more time—it comes from how we use the time we already have.

The Retired Trap:

Sometimes people think, “I’ll retire and just chant, read, and worship.” But merely having more time doesn’t guarantee spiritual growth.

In reality, retirees can sometimes get entangled in gossip, controversies, or institutional politics, especially when the institution has a spiritual purpose but operates in the material world.

The Key: Inspiring Goals

Set clear and inspiring spiritual goals. Try to prioritize time for those goals. When we experience deep engagement, absorption, and fulfillment in pursuing them—even if not fully achieving them—it becomes easier to let go of other engagements.

At that point, cutting down on other activities doesn’t leave us feeling empty—it simply frees up more time for things we’re already eager to do.

So, at a certain stage of life, even if we don’t fully retire, we can take on a less demanding role, giving us more opportunity to connect with and contribute to Krishna’s cause. That’s definitely conducive to rapid spiritual growth.