The Power of Responsibility: A Path to Strength and Harmony

In 2012, my spiritual teacher, Devamrita Swami, gave me a simple but life-changing instruction: pray to Gaurani Tai and Krishna to become responsible. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what that meant, but over the years, through study, prayer, and experience, I’ve come to realize that responsibility is one of the most powerful positions a person can take in life.

Through the Mahabharata, Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and the Landmark Forum, I’ve deepened my understanding of what true responsibility is. And I’ve seen its impact most clearly in my own marriage.

What Is Responsibility?

Responsibility means taking ownership of your situation without blaming others, playing the victim, or making excuses. When things don’t go as planned, instead of pointing fingers, you ask, What could I have done better? What can I do now?

If I ask someone to do something and they don’t do it right, there’s something for me to be responsible for. That doesn’t mean it’s entirely my fault—but standing in the position that it is my responsibility, rather than blaming the other person, is more powerful. It’s not necessarily the absolute truth, but it’s a more responsible way of being. And it gives me more control over the outcome.

As Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita (6.5):

“One must deliver oneself with the help of the mind and not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.”

Taking responsibility is exactly this—lifting ourselves up rather than blaming the world for our struggles.

Responsibility in Marriage

In my previous relationship, I never took responsibility. I was defensive, always justifying myself, and blaming the other person. The result? That relationship ended.

But in my marriage now, things are completely different. My wife and I do not argue. We do not fight. Because I take responsibility. If she brings up a complaint and it’s valid, I acknowledge it and do better. If it’s not true, I simply say so. And because I rarely defend myself, I’ve earned the right to be heard when I do.

My wife has followed my lead in this, because as it is said, a wife mirrors her husband. She has taken on this same attitude of responsibility, and together, we’ve created a culture of ownership in our marriage. Instead of looking for faults in each other, we both look for what we can do to improve things.

This extends beyond our relationship—it’s how we interact with the world. Whether it’s at work or in social situations, when something is unpleasant, we first ask, How am I responsible for this? What can I do? This approach gives us strength rather than leaving us powerless.

A Call to Take Responsibility

In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira Maharaja was tested again and again, but never once did he blame others for his difficulties. He took full responsibility and remained righteous, even when everything was taken from him. This is the mark of a true leader.

Taking responsibility isn’t always easy, but it is empowering. Instead of waiting for circumstances to change, we can be the cause of change. Instead of blaming others, we can look at what we can do.

So, my invitation to you is this: Where in your life can you take more responsibility? Where can you stop blaming and start owning?

Responsibility isn’t a burden—it’s a strength. And when we take it fully, Krishna gives us the intelligence to navigate life with clarity and power.

Hare Krishna!