Answer
Planning certainly has its place. There is a saying: "God helps those who help themselves." We should work hard and make plans.
For example, we may identify milestones—A, B, C, D, and so on. However, we must understand that not all milestones can be determined through a purely logical or rational process.
Some milestones are obvious. If they are already clearly visible, they are simply part of a straight path from A to B. But when the destination is much farther away, such as from A to D or even A to Z, there are many intermediate stages that cannot be predicted merely by our own planning.
Therefore, we should not have excessive confidence in our ability to plan everything. If we do, we will eventually encounter obstacles that expose our limitations.
In devotional service, one should always remember dependence on Krishna. Krishna Himself instructs us to depend upon Him. He resides within the heart as our friend and guide.
Whatever we do, we should understand that we are working together with our Master. Because we are limited, we cannot fully foresee the path ahead. We may think that a particular step is B, or that we should proceed through B, C, D, and so on, but Krishna often changes our plans.
Consider a large project, such as constructing a temple. If point A is acquiring land and point B is completing the temple, can we realistically plan every detail from A to B—or even from A to Z? If we think we can completely map out every step, that is unrealistic.
On the other hand, if the task is simple—such as walking from here to the prasadam hall—it is a straightforward path that requires little planning.
The level of planning required depends on the complexity of the task. Complex situations can only be managed by superior intelligence. Krishna knows how to take a devotee from the beginning of a service to its successful completion.
A devotee should understand: "Krishna knows the way. I am His servant. I simply move from one milestone to the next as He inspires my intelligence."
One cannot independently determine the entire path to a goal. We must leave room for the Lord to reveal the path gradually. The journey from A to Z is revealed by Him step by step.
That is the art of working in devotional service.
Follow-up Question: Can we say that wherever there are routine activities, it is beneficial to have a detailed plan, whereas in situations involving many complexities and uncertainties, we should leave things to the Lord?
Answer:
Yes, but the principle is even broader than that.
Wherever planning is practical and useful, one should certainly plan. However, one should not plan obsessively or unrealistically.
Consider driving from here to Chennai at night. Your headlights illuminate only a limited distance ahead. You steer according to what you can presently see.
You do not sit down beforehand and map every turn for hundreds of kilometers, noting that one turn comes after 10 kilometers, another after 50 kilometers, and so on. Such detailed planning is unnecessary.
Instead, you drive as far as your headlights allow you to see. When the road bends, you adjust. Then you proceed to the next visible stretch. In the same way, we should plan up to the next visible curve in our journey.
Beyond that point, we generally do not have the capacity to know what lies ahead.
When people try to control everything through excessive planning, they often become frustrated when their plans fail. Yet many times, despite plans failing, success still comes. Krishna guides the devotee to the destination.
The tendency to plan everything is often a manifestation of the desire to control.
The small sphere of control that Krishna has given us should be used in His service. Beyond that, we should recognize our dependence on Him.
The proper mood is:
"The Lord and I work together. The Supersoul and I together execute all service."
That understanding should guide our approach to planning and devotional service.
