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Why We Should Develop A Positive Attitude Towards Failure? - Hinduism Perspective

Why it is necessary to develop a positive attitude towards failure?

One cannot really go through life without experiencing some kind of failure — failure in studies, in personal goals, in relationships, in business endeavors and so on. The inability to accept these failures leads people to give up their dreams, goals, and commitments. Some even develop psychophysical troubles and in extreme cases end their lives.

Failures are said to be the stepping-stones of success. But, truly for this to happen, we should first of all analyse threadbare and discover the root causes of failures in our undertakings, and secondly take steps to not repeat them. It calls for a reframing of our attitude towards failure.

An excellent example of a positive attitude towards failure is seen in the life of Thomas Alva Edison. When in his quest to invent a long-lasting electric bulb he had failed 5000 times, someone asked him if he would give up after so many failures. Edison is said to have replied, ‘I’ve not failed. I know 5000 ways in which an electric bulb cannot be made.’

Developing a positive attitude towards failure is very important in one’s spiritual journey. It is a tough journey which demands grit, perseverance and patience. Spiritual practitioners who are over-sensitive make a huge issue of their small moral lapses and sometimes even leave the path with a false sense of unworthiness. And if they continue on the journey, they do so with no strong hope of achieving their spiritual goals.

SourceVedanta Kesari October 2017 issue

Explanation And Other Teachings

 In Hindu philosophy, the notion of failure is not seen as an ultimate end, but as a natural and integral part of life's journey. Life is viewed as a continuous process of learning, growth, and evolution. The challenges and setbacks one encounters are not just obstacles, but opportunities for self-improvement and spiritual awakening. By understanding and accepting failure, individuals can find the strength to persist on their path, be it personal, professional, or spiritual.

Symbolism of Failure in Hinduism

In Hindu teachings, the concept of Karma plays a central role in understanding failure. Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, where actions (both good and bad) have consequences. Failure in any endeavor is often seen as a result of one's past actions, but it is not meant to be punitive. Instead, it offers a chance to reflect, learn, and improve. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hinduism, teaches that one must not be attached to the results of their actions:

  • “Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana” (Bhagavad Gita 2.47): "You have the right to perform your duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."

This verse encourages people to focus on their effort rather than the outcome. Failure becomes a part of the process, and detachment from the results allows individuals to keep striving without being disheartened by temporary setbacks.

Stories from Hinduism Illustrating Failure

  1. Lord Rama and Exile: The story of Lord Rama in the Ramayana is an excellent example of overcoming failure and adversity with grace. Despite being the rightful heir to the throne, he is unjustly sent into exile for 14 years due to palace intrigue. This would have been seen as a failure to fulfill his duty as a prince. However, Rama embraces the hardship with equanimity and continues to uphold righteousness (Dharma). His life teaches that failure or adversity is not permanent but is an opportunity to demonstrate strength of character and integrity.

  2. King Harishchandra: King Harishchandra, known for his unwavering commitment to truth, lost his kingdom, wealth, and family due to a series of misfortunes. He even ended up working as a servant in a crematorium. Yet, he remained steadfast in his devotion to truth and integrity. His story teaches that even in the face of overwhelming failure, holding on to one’s values can lead to ultimate victory. His struggles are symbolic of how life’s challenges test our deepest convictions.

Hindu Scriptures on Failure and Perseverance

The Hindu scriptures are rich with teachings that emphasize the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of failure. The Upanishads suggest that the ultimate goal of life is self-realization or moksha, but the journey towards it is long and filled with challenges. Just like in the pursuit of material success, spiritual success is fraught with obstacles. However, failure is seen as a stepping stone towards eventual enlightenment.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna the importance of maintaining composure in both success and failure:

  • “Samatvam yoga uchyate” (Bhagavad Gita 2.48): "Equanimity in success and failure is Yoga."

This teaching emphasizes that true spiritual maturity lies in the ability to maintain balance and peace regardless of external circumstances. Failure, therefore, is an opportunity to practice inner balance.

Modern-Day Relevance of Hindu Teachings on Failure

In today's fast-paced world, failure is often stigmatized. In the pursuit of material success, people feel pressured to meet societal expectations. Those who fail in their studies, relationships, or careers may feel overwhelmed, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. However, Hindu teachings provide valuable insights into how one can cope with failure and transform it into a positive force in life.

  1. Resilience in Career and Business: Entrepreneurs and professionals often face repeated setbacks in their careers or business ventures. The principle of detachment to outcomes, as taught in the Bhagavad Gita, encourages resilience. By focusing on the effort and not being overly concerned with immediate results, one can persist with greater calm. This can be particularly helpful in industries like startups, where failure is common, but each setback is also a learning experience that moves one closer to success.

  2. Failure in Relationships: Relationships are another area where people often experience failure. Broken marriages, friendships, or estranged family relations can be deeply painful. Hindu teachings emphasize the impermanence of everything in the material world, including relationships. This doesn’t mean one should become indifferent, but that one must cultivate a broader perspective, understanding that every relationship has a role in our spiritual evolution.

  3. Mental Health and Coping with Failure: The modern world has seen a rise in mental health issues, with many people feeling the burden of failure. The teachings of Hinduism, particularly around the idea of self-acceptance and non-attachment, can be incredibly beneficial. Meditation and mindfulness practices, rooted in Hindu and Yogic traditions, help people detach from negative thought patterns and develop resilience. Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Dhyana (meditation) can alleviate stress and anxiety, helping individuals cope with failure constructively.

Additional Thoughts and Practical Application

In day-to-day life, failure can be reinterpreted as feedback. For example, if someone fails in an academic examination, Hindu philosophy would suggest introspection and understanding what went wrong without excessive self-criticism. Was the effort sufficient? Were there distractions or misunderstandings? By analyzing the cause, one can improve for the next time, learning from the failure.

In Hinduism, Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to God) is a principle often emphasized in yoga practice. It means trusting that a higher force is guiding one’s life and that every failure or success is part of a divine plan. This belief can bring immense peace to those who struggle with accepting failure.

Quotes from Hindu Scriptures on Failure

  • “As a man casts off worn-out garments and takes new ones, so does the embodied soul cast off worn-out bodies and enters new ones” (Bhagavad Gita 2.22). This teaches that life is cyclical, and just as the soul transitions from one body to another, failures can be seen as transitions that lead to new opportunities.

  • “Udhyamo Bhairava yasya saha dridaha samupadhyaya” (Chanakya Niti): "He who strives continuously with determination, for him nothing is impossible."

This emphasizes that with sustained effort, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome.

Hinduism provides deep insights into the nature of failure and the best ways to handle it. Whether through understanding karma, practicing non-attachment, or seeing failure as part of one’s spiritual journey, these teachings remain highly relevant in the modern world. By accepting failure and learning from it, one can find the strength to continue striving toward one’s goals, all while maintaining inner peace and spiritual progress.


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What does Ganesha breaking his tusk to write the Mahabharata symbolize?

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