One must have a lot of patience to go through the process and be motivated enough to induce change, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI

Why do our New Year’s resolutions fail? Because bringing about a change in one’s own nature is extremely difficult, even though we realise that to do so is highly beneficial. Why else would so many make New Year’s resolutions! Others do not have to necessarily point out our glaring flaws; we are generally aware of them. Because we as a whole, resist such changes. Beginning with our self-identification, we have got so used to our natures that there is no deep desire to change. And to be able to effect any major change in our natures, there must be a burning desire. Then, there is inertia, which has a lot of motive force.

All our faculties oppose such a change beginning with our bodies. For example, it is sensible to be very active, especially when it relates to taking care of oneself, but we turn to others for help. What will explain not getting up to get a glass of water? Our senses are not less culpable. For example, we should routinely eat foods, which are wholesome and nutritious. Some indulgence, sometimes, maybe acceptable, but do we follow this golden rule? Our mind is no friends; it is full of thoughts for sense enjoyments, which are harmful to say the least. Our intelligence instead of disciplining our minds and senses finds some crazy justification. Ego is also a hindrance. One feels that one will be able to manage; one is special. Lastly, our consciousness, which is heavily polluted materially and doesn’t really help; we need higher consciousness to be able to do that. In short, one is generally heavily attached to one’s nature.

The challenge is big, very big but is not impossible to overcome. We need to search our hearts and make a list of what all in our natures require changes. Believe me the list will be long if we are honest with ourselves. Then, these must be prioritised. We should tackle one fault at a time. Attempting a complete change is totally impractical. Personally, I took up my habit to worry as the most pressing need. Then, we need to write how it is hurting in all its details to convince the self that we are better off working on it now not later. A deep desire must be there to motivate the self to effect the necessary changes. In my case I had to take shelter of God as there was no other way to tackle my problem. This solution, that is help and guidance from God, works in every case, but in some matters may not be so direct.

God, the omnipotent, is crucial for change in nature. We, souls, are small and quite helpless. God must be part of the solution, at least in the long-term. Atmabala, that is the strength of the soul comes from God only. This is superior to physical, mental and emotional, strengths. Then, doing spiritual practices help because they connect us with God. They help in the purification process – the real cure. Defective nature is a result of impure existence. Even saintly persons remain engaged in self-purification with their bodies, mind, intelligence and senses. (The Gita 5.11) The idea is to enhance the proportion of goodness in the self as compared to passion and darkness. We must realise that the preponderance of the lower modes are the causes of our faulty natures. Detachment from material objects, especially sense ones helps a lot. And we must have lots of patience to go through the process. It is not easy; this is like changing one’s personality.

That said, benefits of doing or being able to do so are enormous. We effectively change our fates — the part which manifests in our natures. This is a real achievement in life. Not only is the quality of this life greatly improved but the next life is also positively influenced. Don’t we take our habits, consciousness, etc. to the next life! (15.8) Change of nature is considered one of the greatest achievements of one’s life, more than any material success, because it is enduring. Difficult it is, but is not impossible if one is determined.

Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com