Guiding Light: Freedom Of Choice And Karma Yoga — Lessons From Operation Sindoor

Whether it is an individual, a community, a family or a nation, one thing is certain: in the worst of situations, one always has the freedom of choice.

If we exercise this freedom of choice appropriately, even the most horrible situation or tragedy can be converted into an opportunity that leads us to achieve what we truly need. One has to keep in mind that one fully exercises this freedom of choice, considering our short-term and long-term goals and our strengths and weaknesses. One also considers the opposing forces and their strengths and weaknesses and acts in a manner that is both assertive and creative in our response.

It is essential to be creative because the world is not a static place—everything keeps changing. What worked yesterday may not work today. So, one always has to adapt and modify one’s response.

We say a prayer because one does not know what Ishvara’s plan is in the given situation. But if one is functioning in alignment with Dharma, universal principles and ethics in mind, then the chances are that one is in harmony with Ishvara and will succeed in his or her individual endeavours.

This principle is well illustrated in the recent military operation by India: Operation Sindoor. The tragedy of losing 26 civilians by a dastardly act was converted into an opportunity to teach the inimical forces a lesson. A rogue nation was brought to its knees, where it had to quietly agree to terms and agree to peace.

These principles are demonstrated every day in people's lives at a much smaller level. That is why, whether it is an individual, a community or a country, one needs to exercise one’s freedom of choice proactively, creatively, assertively, and responsibly.

Exercising freedom of choice forms the very basis of Karma Yoga. If we add to this a sense of surrender to Ishvara and the acceptance of the consequences of the action as prasada, then it completes the application of Karma Yoga in our lives. This is not some passive, airy-fairy spirituality but a dynamic, successful way of living a full life.

The writer is the founder of Aarsha Vidya Foundation. You can write to him at aarshavidyaf@gmail.com

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