When we travel on the road, especially in India, we may often come across roads full of potholes. It is a very common sight. On some routes, repair work is going on and a sign is displayed — Work in Progress. Yet there are other roads where nothing seems to be happening at all.

In our journey of spiritual life, which road are we driving on?

Pure devotees are on expressways. For them, there is no question of exits. When we drive in America, we see many exits appearing every few miles. By the mercy of pure devotees, sometimes we may get onto the expressway of devotional service, moving swiftly, with focus and clarity. But often, we get distracted by the exits and take those detours.

The life of a pure devotee, although filled with challenges, does not stop or waver. Śrīmad Bhāgavatam describes the flow of bhakti of a pure devotee:

mad-guṇa-śruti-mātreṇa
mayi sarva-guhāśaye
mano-gatir avicchinnā
yathā gaṅgāmbhaso ’mbudhau

“The manifestation of unadulterated devotional service is exhibited when one’s mind is at once attracted to hearing the transcendental name and qualities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is residing in everyone’s heart. Just as the water of the Ganges flows naturally down towards the ocean, such devotional ecstasy, uninterrupted by any material condition, flows towards the Supreme Lord.” SB 3.29.11-12

What about practicing devotees?

Work in Distress

Many times, devotees find themselves in a complaining mood. They are not happy with what is happening in their lives.

They may feel disturbed because of loss, relationships, expectations, or how others behave with them. There is often a subtle current of blaming, moaning, wailing and lamenting within.

Śrīla Prabhupāda would say, “Chant and be happy.” Yet sometimes, we find ourselves working in distress, even within Kṛṣṇa consciousness, a path meant to give the highest happiness.

The example of King Citraketu from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam is very instructive. Before he had a son, he was a “work in distress.” He had everything, yet the absence of one thing made him unable to experience any happiness. Even the association of saintly persons did not satisfy him.

When he finally had a son by the blessings of sages, he thought his distress was gone. But when that son left his body, his distress reached its zenith.

At that moment, Nārada Muni and Aṅgirā Ṛṣi enlightened him and elevated him from his distressful condition to a state of spiritual realization. Later, even when cursed by Mother Pārvatī, he did not become disturbed.

Earlier, he was distressed for not having a son. Later, he was not distressed even to take birth in a demoniac family.

Similarly, Dhruva Mahārāja also began as a work in distress. He was unhappy with the circumstances of his life. But with proper guidance, his distress transformed into determination and eventually into perfection.

There may be a thousand reasons to lament. But, a devotee chooses to see the good and marches ahead on the path of bhakti.

Work in Regress

Sometimes, devotees become so fed up that instead of continuing their efforts, they slow down or even stop.

Instead of striving to improve their Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they become satisfied with the minimum.
Instead of taking responsibility in service, they withdraw into seclusion.
Instead of moving forward, they settle into comfort.

This is work in regress.

In the Bhagavad-gītā, Kṛṣṇa explains that mere inactivity does not lead to progress. Staying in a comfort zone, avoiding challenges, and practicing bhakti without intensity does not take us very far.

It is like stopping in the middle of a journey and simply enjoying the scenery. We have the opportunity to take the expressway, but we choose to remain on local roads.

On roads, red lights last only a few moments. But in spiritual life, these “red signals” can last for years, even lifetimes. depending on our choices.

Some of these red signals are – offenses, complacency and sense gratification.

We must be observant that our life is not becoming a work in regress!

Work in Progress

A sincere sādhaka must aim to come to this stage.

The roads may be bad, the speed may be a bit slow, but there has to be a “movement.” Kṛṣṇa consciousness is a movement. If we are completely still, then something is missing.

There is no problem in having anarthas. There is no problem in having attachments. But if someone asks us, “Where are you in your spiritual life?”, we should be able to honestly say:

“I am a work in progress.”

Some progress is happening. I am at least trying to endeavor.

Without progress, spiritual life can gradually feel dry and uninspiring. But even small, consistent movement brings hope and enthusiasm.

Dhruva Mahārāja steadily increased his standards over time. Nārada Muni, in his previous life, progressed through sincere association and practice. They did not become perfect overnight. They kept moving forward, and the work in progress transformed into working in perfection.

A devotee can plan many things in Krishna’s service. SB 4.22.39 states, “A devotee with intelligence plans so many things for the service of the Lord in Krishna consciousness that stagnant material desires become overflooded by the desire to serve the Lord.”

We need to pause and honestly introspect:

Am I a work in distress?
Am I a work in regress?
Or am I a work in progress?