Take a Risk

In the Chaitanya Mangala, Locana Dasa Thakura describes how various demigods, fearful of losing their positions, came to tempt Dhruva away from his arduous practice. One demigod shouted in his ear, “Dhruva, have you come here to die?” Another told him, “Dhruva, your father died.” One demigod said, “Dhruva, look, a poisonous snake is coming to bite and kill you.” Another said, “Dhruva, your mother died.” One said, “Dhruva, quickly run away from here. A raging forest fire is rapidly approaching, and soon you’ll burn to death.” None of these threats could divert the determined Dhruva.

Throughout history, we see how distinguished saints pushed the barriers of their comfort zone, embraced uncertainty and voluntarily accepted highly precarious situations in pursuit of their cherished purpose. It spurred their dependence upon the will of providence. Token religious faith is commendable, but life becomes dynamically more exciting when we experience the mystery and wonder of divine intervention. Selfless sacrifices, exceptional endeavours and the willingness to take a risk are the drivers behind such experiences. How can we connect with the hand of God if we don’t have the courage to let go of the chronic desire for comfort and security?

It’s easy to gravitate towards the ‘safe options’ in life. Don’t do anything drastic, tread the path of least resistance and keep things safe and simple. The world has its preconceived notions – what’s acceptable and what’s not – and we just fit right in. The fear of embarrassment, failure and public opinion is too much, and thus plagued by the disease of conformity, we continually confine and limit ourselves. Yet a comfortable life is itself a hazardous disease. With it comes the danger of mechanical, ritualistic, mediocre and stagnated spirituality. In the name of caution, we sell ourselves short.

Dhruva Maharaja broke free and took a risk, and we should be ready to do the same. Life on the margin keeps things fresh. Our teachers don’t suggest anything whimsical or needless, but risks that are grounded in a sincere desire to better ourselves and better serve humanity. Such risks will always receive divine back-up and generate internal growth. As Mark Twain once said: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”