i havent been following dharam actively as career takes up most of the time. what can i do?
Answer
It is completely understandable. Jain Dharma does not ask you to abandon your responsibilities; it teaches you to live with awareness, non-violence, self-control, and inner purity even while fulfilling worldly duties.
If your career takes most of your time, begin with small, steady practices rather than trying to do everything at once.
What You Can Do
- Start your day with Namokar Mantra
Recite it 3, 9, or 27 times with calm attention. Even a few sincere minutes matter. - Practice Ahimsa in daily life
Be careful in speech, avoid anger, reduce harshness, and try not to hurt others through words, actions, or thoughts. - Do one small act of restraint daily
For example: avoid unnecessary snacking, reduce waste, speak less negatively, or control one impulse. - Keep food awareness
If possible, avoid eating after sunset, choose vegetarian/Jain food, and eat with gratitude and mindfulness. - Do short Pratikraman or reflection
At night, spend 2–5 minutes thinking:- Did I hurt anyone today?
- Did I speak with anger or ego?
- Where could I have shown more compassion?
- Keep one weekly Dharma time
Set aside even 20–30 minutes once a week for Jain reading, pravachan, temple visit, samayik, or quiet reflection. - Observe small vows gradually
You can slowly practice limits in food, spending, entertainment, speech, or possessions. Jain Dharma values gradual progress.
Spiritual Understanding
In Jain Dharma, the true measure is not how much time you externally appear religious, but how much awareness, compassion, restraint, and purity you bring into life.
A busy person can still walk the path of Dharma by reducing violence, controlling passions, remembering the soul, and living with sincerity.
Takeaway
Do not feel guilty. Start small, but start sincerely. Even a few mindful minutes of Namokar Mantra, forgiveness, restraint, and Ahimsa every day can reconnect you with Jain Dharma.