Written by Sweety Vyas
We are all unique. Each one of us has our intrinsic nature operating under the influence of the modes of material nature. Different opportunities are given to us to progress. We should choose our path according to our natural disposition. This will result in harmony and peace.
Society has its definition of success. Rather than catering to external definitions of success, we must each define success on our terms. We must choose our vocation according to our aptitude. Assume that you are pursuing a teaching career according to your desire and interest. You may see another person in a different career making more money than you. But this should not deviate you from your path. Being caught up in another’s vocation may not utilize your natural skills and talents, and will result in failure and unhappiness.
The same principle applies to the spiritual platform as well. We should follow our path according to our inclination. We can take advantage of suitable opportunities available to us. We are placed in different situations according to our karma and other characteristics. The Lord arranges everything for us perfectly. These arrangements are made for us according to the Lord’s plan and for our growth. Wisdom lies in accepting the plan for us.
In the Kurukshetra War, Arjuna was a great warrior from the Pandava side with a natural talent for fighting. His responsibility was to engage in the war for the sake of human welfare. The path of renunciation was not suitable for him and was even detrimental as he would fall from his own sva-dharma or natural duty. It would create conflict in his mind, senses, and intellect. It could even hinder his spiritual progress. When Arjuna had doubts regarding the path he should follow, Lord Krishna advised him. This is mentioned in Bhagavad Gita 3.35 – It is better to perform one’s prescribed duties, even though covered with faults, than another’s prescribed duties in a perfect manner. Destruction in the course of performing one’s duty is better than following the path of another, which is dangerous. Swami Vivekananda remarks, “All the men and women, in any society, are not of the same mind, capacity, or of the same power to do things; they must have different ideals, and we have no right to sneer at any ideal. Let everyone do the best he can to realize his ideal. Nor is it right that I should be judged by your standard or you by mine. The apple tree should not be judged by the standard of the oak, nor the oak by that of the apple. To judge the apple tree you must take the apple standard, and for the oak, it’s standard.” Do not imitate others, instead look within and act according to your nature. Do your duties sincerely. Keep your mind focused on the Lord and on doing good for others. This will lead to happiness and progress. It will enable you to become the BEST version of yourself.
