Swadharma

The title of this Colorado newspaper article delivers the point — “Economic downturn delays plans for Hindu temple.”

Temple construction has run smoothly over the past few years, but the present economic climate has stemmed the flow of donations.

Here is the most telling excerpt:

“The proof of the pudding is writing the check, and people are saying, ‘Give me some more time, my business is not doing well,’ ” said Kumar, who is vice president of the new temple committee.

[...]

The clock is ticking, too. As time stretches on, costs will rise. Plus, in uncertain times, there’s the risk that ordinarily generous donors will hesitate – or wish they had. When oil prices were skyrocketing last summer, one donor in the oil business wrote a sweet check for $50,000.

Now, Kumar chuckles ruefully, “He’s probably wondering, ‘Why did I do that?’ “

I picked this article today because the story of this delayed construction draws out a more general idea of prioritization.

It is easy when life is smooth to dabble in many things without worrying about ranking their importance, but it is when the noose tightens that we find what is most important to us. I find this relevant to me because I try to prioritize Swadharma, even though there are no visible benefits, and the noose of work tightens. So I recommend, though I am no expert, that you take 30 seconds and consider what you prioritize in your life, to see if you are living life according to what you really believe in.

Related posts:

1. Not too recent, but always relevant
2. Question of the Week: Prioritizing
3. Go Not To the Temple….
4. Karma Yoga in Harvard Square
5. Muhammad Yunus: An exemplary karma yogi?