Smart Discipline

To avenge the death of Kansa, his father-in-law Jarasandha attacked Mathura 17 times. He was defeated by Lord Krishna on each occasion.

When the 18th attack was imminent, Lord Krishna decided that, for the safety of the people of Mathura, the better option was to leave Mathura and take the entire Yadav clan to Dwarka. This earned him the name ‘Ranchhod’ (the one who left the battlefield).

As we progress on the spiritual path, we tend to think of ourselves as warriors who must fight and defeat habits and temptations at all costs. So we gather our troops, led by discipline and willpower, and prepare for the next attack.

This is a brave strategy, but not necessarily always the best one. Sometimes, the smarter approach is to stay (or even run) away from the battlefield.

Discipline and willpower are strong soldiers. But don’t waste their strength in fighting battles that can be avoided.

Be smart. Be a Ranchhod.