The Domain of Control
'Where the Power Lies'
Minute Independence (MI)
WHERE THE SOUL REIGNS
Every soul has been given a small amount of independence, often referred to as ‘Minute Independence’, within the realm of which the soul performs certain actions, maintains certain desires, fulfills its goals, enjoys through its body, endeavors and interacts with this world. This small amount of limited sphere of independence is within the control of the soul. Within this domain, the soul is expected to exert itself through the medium of body and create a future destiny for itself.
The misuse of this independence means to perform detrimental actions, cultivate harmful habits, maintain unworthy desires- the actions that are inimical to oneself, others, or the world at large; and opposed to the will of the Lord. Such misuse of MI depicts one’s tendency to enjoy in imitation of The Supreme Person, and to exert dominance over matter and other living entities. This tendency keeps one entangled in this world and does not serve the ultimate purpose of the spirit soul. Therefore, the correct use of this independence is crucial in deciding the future journey and destination of the soul.
The Domain of Control
WHERE THE POWER LIES
One’s MI is a vital asset, an extraordinary gift, a resource given to each soul to use or misuse as they see fit. We have immense power and freedom within the realm of this Minute Independence- a crucial space which is well within the dominion of the soul. This is a goldmine of opportunity that needs to be used positively to make a meaningful, positive contribution to one’s life. Herein lies one’s power to exert control over one’s actions, choices, desires, efforts, responses, etc- therefore, I have described it as the ‘Domain of Control’.
The Cardinal Rule
CONTROL OR LACK THEREOF
One of the cardinal rules, the guiding principle of wise and learned souls, is that they focus on what is within their control. This is the most fundamental principle for success, peace, satisfaction, and great relationships in life. Thus, we are well advised to exert our influence within that domain of control to see tangible results in our own and other people’s lives.
What is within my control- My actions, My thoughts, My speech, My desires, My emotions, My conduct, My responses to situations, etc. The keyword here is ‘My,’ meaning that our maximum control is possible only over ourselves.
What is not within my control- Certain aspects of my existence are beyond my control- e.g., bodily changes, aging, illness, etc. Yet, how I treat my body, what I feed it, what music I listen to, and the books I read are all within my control. Actions are in my control, but outcomes or results of those actions are not in my control.
Fate- Certain things are allotted to us- as part of our Fate, e.g., honor, dishonor, illness, poverty, tragedies, etc, therefore, learned people recommend tolerating and accepting the cards we are dealt. This acceptance brings relief, as we realize we cannot control the cards we are dealt, but we can control how we play the game with the cards that are dealt to us.
I have identified four key areas where our control needs to be exerted to create a beautiful future and bring out one’s best potential-
Careful allotment of Time,
Choose Association Wisely,
Control the urges of the Mind, and Body,
Cultivate Virtues.
We cannot control the material that is given to us, but we can control what we create with that material.
Control over OTHERS
THE CAUSE OF CONFLICT
One of the important entities that is not within our control is- THE OTHERS. Other people’s thoughts, reactions, responses, desires, emotions, actions, and perceptions – to name a few. Therefore, one’s valuable time and energy are wasted when invested in things beyond one’s realm of control.
Infact, this is the most important cause of conflict in this age of Kali (also called ‘age of Quarrel’); when one tries to impinge on the minute independence of other souls and tries to control their actions, modify their desires, correct their perceptions, and change their values, lifestyle, or goals. Srila Prabhupada describes it as ‘exerting lordship’ over others, attempting to act as others’ master or controller. This leads the other soul to rebel as it wants to engage its minute independence in a way different than the one suggested by you.
It is extremely dangerous to try to encroach on another person's minute independence, as this can lead to quarrels, breakdown of relationships, and rebellions. This is evident on a mass scale when the minute autonomy of a group of souls, such as a country or community, is restricted or modified by the authorities. However, my concern is with the individual independence of the souls with which we interact and have varied relationships. Unless someone submits their MI at your disposal for modification, it is dangerous to impart suggestions for alteration.
During the course of our existence within this body and this world, we will encounter several aspects that are within the purview of our control, and that is where we are recommended to apply our attention, time, energy, and resources. Therefore, develop a habit of focusing on what is within one’s control. Engage one’s faculties and resources in carefully using MI to extract the best potential of one’s life. The best policy is to work within one’s own ‘Domain of Control’, not concerned with the MI of others.
The Supreme Controller
RELINQUISH THE CONTROL HERE
The Supreme Person, Krishna, is the Supreme Controller who can exert ultimate control over this material world, all spirit souls, and all their bodies. Even so, He does not interfere with the minute independence of souls. He gives them free will with which to operate in this world and use the agency of MI as they deem fit. Now, if one decides to submit one’s MI in service of the Lord and allows His control to prevail, one will receive the best possible guidance, instructions, favors, resources, and compassionate help. However, the flaws of a jeeva are threefold-
It does not focus on the control of its own MI —> waste of time
It tries to control other souls’ MI —> Quarrels, conflicts
It does not surrender its MI to the supreme controller —> Misuse of MI
Surrendering the minute independence to The Supreme Person and His representatives, the pure souls, and the teachers makes one amenable to correction, positive adjustment, and yields the best use of MI. Surrendering one’s ‘domain of control’ to their instructions positively nurtures and guides one’s control of actions, mind, time, efforts, goals, etc. Thus, one develops the proper skills to reign the kingdom of minute independence, and with appropriate spiritual direction, and authority rule the:
‘Domain of Control’
I will utilize my MI in commending you for writing this brilliant article. If more and more people can follow the knowledge given in this and other such articles, then people can be much more calm and happy. Each one of us needs to introspect and work on our MI and stop interfering in other's MI and this world can be a peaceful place for all.