taking directions

Verse 3.15: Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas, and the Vedas are directly manifested from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Consequently the all-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice.

Are you good at following directions? Maybe that's not a fair question. A better question perhaps would be, are you good at following certain directions? In answer to the second question, I'm guessing that many of you, if not most, are nodding "Yes."

So then, I pose to you, "Why do you follow some directions and not others?" If you've never asked that question of yourself, please take the time to do so today.

Everyone follows directions whether they realize it or not. Even the rebellious teenager who is against everything is following directions - they are following the directives of their mind.

It just goes to show that we are always following something or someone all the time.

What we forget sometimes is the fact that we have a choice; the choice to decide which directions to follow.

But how do we know what to choose? To make that informed decision, it's important to analyze the motivations of what and whom we may choose to follow. Let's analyze a couple of options beginning with the mind. The mind has only one end goal which is to satisfy the dictates of the senses. Although that might sound quite appealing, it unfortunately doesn't satisfy the soul's desire for eternal happiness since the enjoyment that we may experience through the senses is limited and temporary.

We may also choose to follow the instructions or directions of a particular individual. In doing so, once again it's so crucial to determine whether they are qualified. A self-proclaimed biology teacher will not be of any help if they themselves have not been taught biology and understand the subject matter.

Here, Krsna is stating clearly that we should follow the directions of the Vedas. However, I'd like to point out, in no way is He asking us to accept it's teachings, like those of the Gita, blindly. The essence of following the path of bhakti yoga has been outlined already and questions and queries have been encouraged.

We've learned that by this process of yoga one can become equipoised, compassionate and happy. What more, we become awakened to our real identity - that of being an eternal soul which is full of knowledge and bliss.

This is what happens when we accept directions from authorized persons and sources. We become enlightened. Whether it be for understanding a material subject matter or understanding the highest truth, I'd like to end by asking you, my dear readers, to remember - you have a choice in deciding which directions to follow. So take the time to investigate and really understand what you'll get by following any directions that are presented to you.