Growing in steadfastness (sthariyam)

The Sanskrit word sthariyam (unswerving self or steadfastness) is a spiritual quality mentioned in Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 13, Verse 8). The word steadfast can also be traced to the Old English word “stedefaest,” in which stede, means “place,” and faest, means “to be firmly fixed.” It is good to be steadfast or firmly fixed in one’s beliefs that are positive, self-uplifting, and geared toward accomplishing one’s goals. Steadfastness is a behavior as well as a personality trait. If we practice this behavior of steadfastness in our everyday dealings it can become part of our personality. Such steadfastness shows a sense of commitment that leads to dependability, trustworthiness, and integrity in character.

Constantly setting goals and objectives and putting in a concerted effort toward accomplishing those goals and objectives is part of being steadfast. In the process, one should not be disappointed with failures and must continue to put in effort. Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), the famous American inventor, who is among the most prolific inventors the world has known was never perturbed by failures and exercised steadfastness in accomplishing his goals. He worked on thousands of experiments throughout his life and many times he failed only to begin the experimentation once again with renewed enthusiasm. He is attributed to saying, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up,” and “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” He was steadfast in his character which led to his astounding success. A steadfast person is likely to succeed in life even though he may temporarily face failures.

Dealing with adversities and rebounding from these adversities is the hallmark of steadfastness. The ability to be resilient to mishaps is the biggest test one encounters in one’s journey to being steadfast. This quality comes with practice just like all things in life. Steadfastness must start with the thought process. We must be steadfast in our thoughts. Whatever goals we decide for ourselves we must try to fulfill those through concerted objectives and effort in the right direction. There is no point in having lofty goals without having a plan for fulfilling them. And then having a plan and not implementing it is also not wise.

Being steadfast requires us to have some principles in life that should not be easily subject to compromise. If we compromise our principles every time a situation presents itself then it is a blow to our ability to stand firm. What these principles should be? This must be decided by each individual keeping in mind the societal norms, rules, regulations, and laws prevalent in the town, state, and country and, of course, keeping one’s preferences in mind.

Steadfastness is somewhat different than being rigid or stubborn. Steadfastness entails a commitment to pursue what we believe to be the correct thing to do and to stay firm on the principles that we espouse usually serving a purpose other than merely our self-interests. Stubbornness on the other hand is sticking to one’s point and resisting those of others to the point of merely proving one’s point irrespective of whether it is in the interest of the greater good or not. Steadfastness in one’s disposition helps in self-growth, as well as, the growth of others. Being stubborn or rigid is simply detrimental to growth and development.

Dr. Manoj Sharma is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. He is an avid practitioner of Kundalini Yoga.