We Hurry and Then We Stop Abruptly

We are in a hurry to achieve success, fame, money, and goal. The road to prosperity, wealth, accomplishment and fortune is long with sudden twists and turns, steep, low and stiff climbs. It is not a smooth terrain. Those who start to reach the destination in a hurry end up stopping the journey abruptly.

Do not hurry, go slowly but make sure that you do not stop before you reach the destination.

Slowness does not matter as long as you are moving towards the goal.

Quite often, we are bothered about the destination and ignore the wonderful views that we get during the journey.

The road to fame and success is filled with numerous thrills and adventures. Some of these thrills might be scary. Some of them might involve risk and danger. These thrills and adventures might make the destination look distant and impossible. But when we learn to enjoy each moment, the journey becomes fun, less tiring and hard.

This is the specific reason why Krishna advises Arjuna not to bother about the end result. Do your work with utmost dedication without fear and attachment.

Today we are taught to think and worry more about results. Everything depends on results. This actually creates more problems than solutions. The result-oriented system churns out robots. There is no creativity. There is no fun. There is no empathy. Everybody is on a race, they do not know how many have fallen down, and they do not know with whom they are racing and what for.

Instead of getting into a race and getting dehydrated and stopping abruptly, enjoy the work and move steadily towards the goal. 

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop – Confucius

We Hurry and Then We Stop Abruptly: Insights from Hindu Scriptures and Modern Relevance

In our fast-paced world, many of us are driven by the desire to achieve success, fame, money, and various goals. The journey to prosperity and accomplishment is not a straightforward one. It is filled with sudden twists and turns, steep climbs, and unforeseen challenges. The road is rarely smooth. Those who rush to reach their destination often find themselves stopping abruptly, unable to continue due to exhaustion or unforeseen obstacles.

The Wisdom of Slowness and Steady Progress

Hindu scriptures emphasize the importance of moving steadily and mindfully towards one's goals rather than hurrying and risking burnout. The ancient Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita, provides profound guidance in this regard. In Chapter 2, Verse 47, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna:

"Karmanye vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshu kadachana"
(You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.)

This verse emphasizes the importance of focusing on one's duties and actions without being overly concerned about the results. When we are too fixated on the outcome, we become anxious and rushed, which can lead to mistakes, stress, and ultimately, failure. Instead, by moving slowly and steadily, we ensure that we do not stop prematurely on our journey.

Stories from Hindu Scriptures

The wisdom of not hurrying can be found in several stories from Hindu scriptures. One such story is that of Lord Rama's journey to Lanka in the Ramayana. The journey to rescue Sita was long and fraught with challenges, including crossing the vast ocean to reach Lanka. Instead of rushing into battle without preparation, Rama and his allies took time to plan, build alliances, and construct the bridge (Rama Setu) to cross the ocean. This careful and steady approach ultimately led to their success in the battle against Ravana.

Similarly, in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas' journey to reclaim their kingdom was filled with trials and tribulations. During their 13 years of exile, they faced numerous challenges, including the final year of living incognito. Rather than rushing to confront their enemies, they patiently waited for the right moment to reveal themselves and claim their rightful place. This patience and steady progress ultimately led to their victory in the Kurukshetra war.

Modern-Day Relevance

In today's world, where instant gratification and quick results are often prioritized, the lessons from these ancient scriptures are more relevant than ever. The constant pressure to achieve quick success can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a loss of purpose. Many people today find themselves in a relentless race, striving for more without pausing to appreciate the journey.

This race, fueled by a results-oriented mindset, often turns individuals into mere robots, devoid of creativity, empathy, and joy. They forget to enjoy the process, the small victories, and the lessons learned along the way. The modern emphasis on speed and efficiency can make the journey feel overwhelming, causing many to stop abruptly, disillusioned and exhausted.

Enjoying the Journey

The journey to fame and success is filled with numerous thrills and adventures, some of which might be scary or involve risks. However, when we learn to enjoy each moment, the journey becomes less tiring and more rewarding. This is why Lord Krishna's advice to Arjuna is so vital—by focusing on the present moment and the task at hand, we can alleviate the burden of worrying about the future.

Moreover, when we take the time to appreciate the journey, we become more resilient and better equipped to handle the inevitable challenges that arise. The road may be long and winding, but by moving slowly and steadily, we ensure that we reach our destination without stopping abruptly.

In conclusion, the wisdom of Hindu scriptures teaches us that it is not the speed at which we travel that matters, but the steadiness and mindfulness with which we approach our journey. By focusing on our actions and enjoying the process, we can avoid the pitfalls of hurrying and ensure that we reach our goals with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. In a world obsessed with results, let us remember to savor the journey, for it is in the journey that true growth and happiness are found.