Please explain about will-power and how to strengthen it to serve God?

[A question by Ms. Laxmi Thrylokya]

Swami Replied:- Will power in devotion to God is nothing but the strength of the devotion itself. The will is very important based on which only, knowledge, devotion, service and sacrifice are done. If the will has power or strength, all these four stages get implemented. If the power or strength is less, these four remain in theoretical phase only and will not enter practical phase. Even in the matters of worldly life, will power is another name of success. In the matters of Spiritual life, in which God tests the devotee in every step, lot of will power is needed. A person having will power in Pravrutti definitely succeeds in Nivrutti. In Pravrutti, the will power is subject to verification by sharp analysis at every step. In Nivrutti, the analysis will spoil the success and full tamas or unshakable determination is needed in Nivrutti. If any doubt comes, which is inevitable to come at every step due to hurdles created by God, the failure is sure (Saṃśayātmā vinaśyati…- Gītā). But, in Pravrutti, at every step the torch light of analysis is required because it is a journey in darkness. In Nivrutti, at any step, the torch light of analysis is not required because it is a journey in bright sunlight. 100% will power is needed in Nivrutti and even 99% will power does not lead you to the true goal.

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