God Vs Material desires!

In Indian scripture 'Shrimad Bhagvatam', there is a story of Arjun (follower of truth and God's dear friend) & Duryodhan (an evil man who believed in possessions by hook or crook).

Once, despite all efforts, a war became inevitable between Arjun's side and Duryodhan's side. Both went to Lord Krishna (GOD). Krishna was a dear friend of Arjun but HE wanted to be fair to both sides and made an offer to both with 2 options.
Option 1. You can have all my army
Option 2. You can have me but I will not bear any arms so I won't be of help in the war

Since Duryodhan had arrived first, he was asked to make his choice first, even though this guy was no where dear to Lord Krishna compared to Arjun. Duryodhan was very pleased and asked for all the army. And why not. After all, of what use is Lord Krishna, as HE won't even be assisting in the war? Arjun was very relieved and pleased to have his friend Krishna, even if there was no help available from Krishna.

What should have Duryodhan done in such a situation? Pick the army or God? And our answer invariably is - God instead of the army. After all, that seems like an obvious choice, specially when we know that Arjun won the war because Krishna was on his side.

Now let's go to our daily choices. If we were given a choice to get all the material world conveniences vs giving up everything and taking God, what would we pick? Actually, we get that choice daily, and who do we pick? If we have a choice to go make a sale/go to a vacation vs do some prayers (& remember and be with HIM), which do we pick?

Why is it that we say that Duryodhan should have picked Krishna yet we miss that opportunity everyday of our life, again and again? Keeping this in mind, now let's ask that question again - was Duryodhan wrong? If yes, then are we wrong too, everyday?

Share your thoughts with us. Given a choice (actually we have been given that choice), would you rather be like Arjun or Duryodhan? Give it all to get him? Want it all and give HIM up? Or have it all and hope to have him too?

Our Past is NOT Equal to Our Future!

So often, we see people making the same mistakes again and again and blaming their past for their results. While there is no doubt that our past actions are the reason we are where we are today, we don't have to be stuck here. Our carefully chosen actions today normally determine our tomorrow.

Problem: Overweight.
Likely reason: Undisciplined eating habits; lack of exercise.
Solution: We know the answer that is most suitable for us. All we have to do is act.

Problem: Lack of sales, financial stress.
Likely reason: Not putting our priorities right.
Solution: Become the best at what we do, become irreplaceable.

Problem: Strained relationships.
Likely reason: Different view points, clash of opinions.
Solution: Look at their viewpoint. Say sorry for the past actions and mean it.

Problem: Whatever it is.
Likely reason: Take time out, sit back, and find out why.
Solution: Work on the reasons and see the difference.

Also, when we look around, by it's very nature, nothing is permanent. Everything changes. While we can't see it, millions of cells die in our body daily and millions take birth. Our way of thinking changes as we grow. The same things that we fought for, or fought over, are irrelevant years later (sometimes days later).

The biggest challenge is recognizing that we are responsible for our actions, and the results thereof. It is also crucial to recognize that what was important at one time, is not an issue anymore and that we don't have to be stuck in the same mind frame to make similar choices specially when we know better (different) now.

Wishing you a great future. You can make a difference.

Sanjeev Aneja
www.sanjeevaneja.com