Be Vigilant - Teachings From Hinduism

A person on the path of spirituality needs to be carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger that pushes the spiritual aspirant down the ladder. Be vigilant is a term constantly echoing in Hindu scriptures. Here's a collection of teachings on Be Vigilant from Hinduism.

Om is the bow, the self the arrow; and Brahman is said to be the target. It is to be struck with an undistracted mind; the self should become one with Brahman, as the arrow with its mark. (Mundaka Upanishad, 2.2.4)

This, the firm control of the senses, is what is called yoga. One must then be vigilant; for yoga is subject to growth and decay. (Katha Upanishad, 2.3.11)

Sculpture at Halebidu - Karnataka

If the mind ever so slightly strays from the ideal and becomes outgoing, then it goes down and down, just as a ball inadvertently dropped on the staircase bounces down from one step to another. (Vivekachudamani, 325)

…inadvertence is death itself, and mindfulness is immortality. It is due to inadvertence that the asuras were subjugated by defeat and death, and it is by virtue of vigilance that the gods are immortal. (Sanatsujatiya, 4-5)