Time is ticking and I’m reflecting on what I’ve actually contributed to the world. Though trying to avoid the egotistical desire to ‘make a mark,’ we are impelled to share the ‘fruits’ we have received. Spiritually, morally, and even legally, knowledge brings a certain responsibility. In certain circumstances, to withhold information that can greatly assist others would be considered violent and unethical. Thus, I often consider how to develop myself into a better instrument to proliferate spiritual understanding. Projects have come and gone, ideas have worked and then fallen apart, some initiatives were thriving and then slowed own… and then I sometimes think – what will I really have to show after all is said and done? Everything I’m trying is a ‘work-in-progress’, and slow progress at that!

I was contemplating these thoughts yesterday, attempting to hone in on what is actually required to build strong, sustainable, successful, spiritual projects. My conclusion: intensive care. If we don’t intensively care for projects, in no time you’ll find those projects will end up in the ICU, nearing death. How much do I deeply, genuinely, actually care about what I’m trying to achieve? To care means:

To never give up
To be ready and willing to do whatever it takes
To give your quality time and undiverted attention
To be constantly meditating on your goal
To maintain your enthusiasm, despite an absence of results and reciprocation
To engage all your physical and mental capacities
To harbor no hidden agendas or personal motivations
To go that ‘extra mile’ that nobody else would consider
To be so immersed in the goal, that ‘getting the credit’ pales into insignificance

Now I’m wondering how many of my ‘dreams’ and ‘aspirations’ I genuinely care about. Achievements demand blood, sweat and tears. The classic syndrome of a lazy mind is to wishfully desire to emulate something or someone, oblivious to the endless hours of painstaking effort that’s been invested. The easier they make it look, the harder they’ve been working. Today I’m remembering the incredible sacrifices, unending compassion and resolute determination of Srila Prabhupada. He tried everything, went everywhere, and approached everyone, leaving no stone unturned. No amount of social commentary, historical analysis or academic reasoning can account for the miracle of his life. He genuinely cared, and that touched hearts and moved mountains.

Throughout life, people always reminded me to “put my heart into it.” Now I’m beginning to appreciate the profundity of that simple wisdom.