Do not call it quits until you win.

शमथ। Samatha

Walking away from everything has long been portrayed as the ideal. Let us examine if this is correct.

In the Mahabharata we see two well-known walk away situations. One is the vow of Bhishma  and the other is Arjuna telling Shri Krishna that he does not want to fight. Bhishma’s vow that he will never become the king lasted till his death. Arjuna’s dilemma gave him the right understanding.

Why did Bhishma take such a vow when the throne was was rightfully his? He renounced the throne so that his father does not live a life of despair and dejection. His renunciation of the throne did not prevent him from carrying out all his duties and responsibilities to the kingdom. In other words, Bhishma’s giving up led to the larger good of his country, his family and he did it with no trace of doubt in his mind or heart.

Arjuna, on the other hand, was overwhelmed by emotions and withering self confidence. He thought only about himself and his feelings. Duty and goodness did not cross his mind even in the presence of his Master. When the fear of failure gripped his heart, his mind came up with reasons which looked noble to the uninitiated, the perfect alibi to walk away.

But when Arjuna listened to the Master, he discovered that he should not let his vanity and fear destroy his self.

See for yourself whether your desire to quit or your desire to renounce rise from dutifulness.

Such a renunciation is Dharma, the other is self-deception. The day you win over this self-deceiving delusion, you are free to call it quits.

Feel Blessed
Swastham Shantam Sampurnam