There is a common phrase amongst many advanced students on the spiritual path, which is, “Do the next ‘right’ thing.” What this means is that when you feel conflicted and are not sure what move to make or which decision to choose, simply take a stand to “do the next right thing.” In other words, find your quiet center and then allow common sense to show what decision will most likely bring “the most good for the most people.” It also means to get off your butt and do something . . . anything but do not become frozen and thus, worthless.

As you might recall, I have previously referenced the story of Lord Krishna riding into battle in a chariot along with his friend, a gentle prince named, Arjuna. Once again we can use this ancient story as a metaphor to solve problems of today. Although the battle was righteous by all human standards, as it was to defend Arjuna’s peace-loving kingdom from an evil, aggressive army, poor Arjuna still couldn’t decide if it was the “right” thing to do. In this story, Arjuna represents the part of us that is too airy-fairy, passive, and/or ungrounded and therefore tends to get little accomplished or even takes the role of victim. So he begins to use his version of “spiritual values” to defend his doubt about going into battle.

Just as the battle is to begin, Arjuna (our weak, human nature) cries out to Krishna (symbolizing God) and asks him for guidance to resolve his inner conflict. With tears in his eyes, Arjuna says, “I see no value for going into battle. It seems wrong and against our religion—especially given that some of the invaders are our own family members.”

Well, Krishna would have none of this. He promptly scolds Arjuna and tells him, “The very idea that you are in conflict on this matter means you are not accessing your Divine Mind. Get it together and take notice that there is a battle before you. Stand up and be counted. An entire kingdom of people (who will surely be destroyed) is counting on you. Take control of the horses of your chariot (symbolic of the four chakras of the lower, human self) and steer your chariot (your soul) towards righteous actions. In bringing God to the battle, you are transforming the battle into a victory—win or lose. Yes it would be great to be sitting in a serene setting enjoying peace and nature but that’s not what’s happening right NOW. In this present moment, we have a battle to fight. So, get in your body, be a master, and get moving.”

Krishna goes on to say, “Taking action is nearly always better than inactivity—provided you remain unattached to the outcome of the action. Besides, there is nothing else like a righteous battle to teach you so much about yourself—provided it is unprovoked. If you die or fail in a righteous battle, it matters not because you will have achieved a bit of Heaven. Of course if you succeed and arise victorious, you will have gained a much better life here on earth.”

As you might already have noticed, Arjuna’s plight is common amongst “New Agers.” We often hear, see, and experience men and women on the spiritual path who hide their preference for hyper-passivity behind their spirituality. Yes, of course, it’s great to be passive—as long as that is what the moment and the inspiration are calling for. But if you see a car accident, get out and help; if you see someone at the store who’s short a few dollars to pay their bill, help them out if you can. Otherwise, you remain valueless and without the respect of yourself or others.

The story of Krishna and Arjuna is a metaphor of the battle we all have to face between our soul (who wants to return to God) and our ego (who wants to remain in a state of separation). It also reflects a battle between our good and bad habits; forgiveness and anger; selfishness and unselfishness; faith and doubt; and humbleness and pride. This metaphor reminds us that we will be confronted with numerous battles between our soul and ego but that we must remain courageous, have faith in times of darkness, and follow our inspirations—even when dark forces would oppose us. This is the kind of Spiritual courage that filled Jesus at his trial and crucifixion, the Forefathers of our country when they were under threat of being hung for treason, Abraham Lincoln when he fought to free slaves, and Martin Luther King who knew that his life was in danger if he pursued civil rights.

Such courage is not only found in great leaders. It’s also found in ordinary people who are choosing to be extra-ordinary. This can apply to the man who finds a way to feed his children—even though their mom passed away; it’s found in the woman who gets that divorce from her abusive husband—even though it means he’ll fight to keep her from getting any money; and it’s found in those who are willing to set clearer boundaries with family and/or friends (if necessary) for the sake of his or her spiritual pursuits; as well as in someone who has to fight a battle to even get out of bed each day. In all such cases, the moral of the story is that we all need to practice getting clearer guidance and then develop the courage and skills to follow through and act upon that guidance. We also need to deal with the adversary in our doubt-filled minds that tell us to turn around and run the other way. We are all being called to grow up (spiritually), ready the horses (your personal power), focus on our goal (of love and self-worth), and then drive on forward (and don’t look back).

The fight must be fought, if not today, then tomorrow. You can run but you can’t hide. These are your own fears and issues rising up to either defeat you, thus giving more power to your ego OR to be defeated, thus taking you one step closer to Home. One thing is certain, you have all the Power of Heaven behind you, therefore, it is inevitable that you will win the fight. But this cannot be accomplished when you don’t have the courage to show up. Finally, when you do arrive and fight your demons (personal issues of fear and lack), you will eventually heal and move forward into higher consciousness. When you do, you’ll realize that there never was a battle, or an enemy. All along, the fight that you resisted or hid from was merely your beliefs in those very things. Yes, it’s ironic and a bit of a paradox, to say the least, but you will not see through the illusion and rise into an awakened state of consciousness until you go through all the complexities of doing battle with your foes that aren’t even there. You see, it’s by going through the motions of being afraid, intimidated, and then preparing for the battle, that your human weaknesses are brought up for healing so that your spiritual self can mature. Until then, your spirituality is merely a theory. Once you’ve fought “the good fight,” your spirituality shifts permanently (although a piece at a time) from being a myth to a reality.