Fear of Failure
If you have a fear of failure,
the shloka "Karmanye Vadhikaraste" offers a transformative perspective.
The shloka "Karmanye Vadhikaraste" belongs to the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. This shloka, found in Chapter 2, Verse 47,
Arjuna, the great warrior of the Mahabharata, hesitated to fight, worried about the war's consequences and the results of his actions. In this dilemma, Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to him. Then Lord Shri Krishna said to him...
Sanskrit form reads:
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Transliteration:
Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karmaphalahetur bhur, ma te sangostvakarmani
Translation:
You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the result of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.
Story
In the bustling city of Varanasi, there lived a young man named Raj, known for his ambition but paralyzed by a fear of failure. Despite being a talented musician, the thought of performing on stage filled him with dread. Raj often dreamt of sharing his music with the world, but the fear of criticism held him back.
Noticing his son's struggles, Raj's father, an avid reader of the Bhagavad Gita, decided to help. One evening, as the sun set over the Ganges, he shared the wisdom of the shloka "Karmanye Vadhikaraste."
"Raj," he began, "Lord Krishna told Arjuna, 'You have the right to perform your duties, but not the result of your actions. Never think you are the cause of the results, nor be attached to inaction.'"
Raj listened intently as his father explained that they must put forth their best effort without obsessing over results. Success and failure are beyond their control and determined by a higher power. What matters is sincere and dedicated action.
These words resonated deeply with Raj. Realizing his fear stemmed from his attachment to outcomes, he decided to take a leap of faith. He signed up for a local music competition, focusing on his performance rather than winning or losing.
On the day of the competition, Raj took the stage with a calm mind and a heart full of passion. He played his music wholeheartedly, captivating the audience with his joy and dedication.
When his name was announced as the winner, Raj realized that overcoming his fear was the true victory.
Raj's journey serves as a powerful reminder that fear of failure is natural but should not hold us back. By embracing the wisdom of "Karmanye Vadhikaraste," we can pursue our dreams with dedication and detachment, transforming fears into steps toward fulfilment and inner peace.
Key Lessons from the Shloka
- Focus on Actions, Not Results
The primary teaching of this shloka is to focus on the action itself rather than the outcome. Krishna advises Arjuna to engage fully in his duty as a warrior without being preoccupied with the results. This principle can be applied universally, encouraging individuals to give their best effort in any endeavour without being anxious about the outcome. This approach reduces stress and promotes a sense of fulfilment and purpose.
- Selflessness and Detachment
The shloka teaches the importance of selflessness in action. When actions are performed without selfish desires or attachment to outcomes, they become a form of yoga – a path to spiritual growth. This detachment helps maintain equanimity in success and failure, fostering inner peace and resilience. It reminds us that our worth is not tied to external achievements but to the integrity and sincerity of our efforts.
- Responsibility and Dharma
Krishna’s counsel underscores the importance of adhering to one’s dharma, or duty. Each individual has a role to play in the cosmic order, and fulfilling one’s responsibilities with dedication and integrity is crucial. This sense of duty extends beyond personal gain, contributing to the greater good. By performing our duties without selfish motives, we contribute to the harmony and balance of the world.
- Avoiding Inaction
The shloka also warns against the temptation of inaction. Fear of failure or attachment to success can lead to procrastination or avoidance of responsibilities. Krishna emphasizes that inaction is not an option; one must strive to perform their duties diligently. This proactive approach ensures that we do not become paralyzed by fear or indecision and that we continuously contribute to our personal and collective progress.
Applying the Wisdom of Karmanye Vadhikaraste in Modern Life
In today's fast-paced, result-oriented world, the wisdom of this shloka is more relevant than ever. Here are a few ways to incorporate its teachings into daily life:
Professional Life
Focus on performing tasks to the best of your ability without obsessing over promotions, raises, or recognition. This approach not only reduces stress but also enhances productivity and job satisfaction. By prioritizing excellence in action over external validation, you cultivate a sense of intrinsic motivation and fulfilment.
Personal Goals
When pursuing personal goals, such as fitness or learning a new skill, concentrate on the process and consistent effort rather than immediate results. This fosters perseverance and long-term success. By valuing the journey over the destination, you develop resilience and a deeper appreciation for growth and self-improvement.
Relationships
Engage in relationships with genuine care and effort, without expecting anything in return. This selfless approach strengthens bonds and promotes emotional well-being. By practising unconditional love and compassion, you create a nurturing and supportive environment for yourself and others.
Spiritual Practice
Embrace spiritual practices, such as meditation or community service, with a sense of duty and devotion, without seeking personal rewards. This cultivates inner peace and spiritual growth. By dedicating your efforts to a higher purpose, you transcend ego-driven desires and connect with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
If you have a fear of failure, the shloka "Karmanye Vadhikaraste" from the Bhagavad Gita offers a powerful perspective. It teaches that by focusing on sincere effort rather than outcomes, you can reduce anxiety and build courage. This wisdom emphasizes duty and detachment from results, guiding us to find peace and fulfilment through dedication. Embracing this approach helps transform fear into growth, enriching every aspect of our lives.