Difference between Doing and Happening
The difference between doing and happening is a profound concept in spirituality that speaks to the essence of surrender and flow in life. In our everyday existence, we are often caught in the cycle of doing — planning, striving, controlling, and forcing outcomes. While action and effort have their place, the spiritual path invites us to recognise the deeper dimension of happening, where life unfolds effortlessly, guided by a higher intelligence.
Doing is rooted in the ego’s perception of control. It is the belief that we are solely responsible for every outcome, that our actions must shape and define our reality. This perspective often leads to tension, anxiety, and a constant need for validation. The mind becomes consumed with goals and expectations, losing sight of the present moment. Doing, when driven by the ego, creates a sense of separation — from others, from nature, and from the divine flow of existence.
Happening, on the other hand, is the state of surrender. It is the realisation that while we are participants in life, we are not its sole creators. There is a vast, interconnected force — call it the universe, divine will, or consciousness — that orchestrates the unfolding of events. When we align with this force, life begins to flow effortlessly. Actions arise not from compulsion or fear but from a place of clarity and harmony.
Meditation is a powerful practice that helps us shift from doing to happening. In meditation, we learn to quiet the incessant chatter of the mind and simply be. We become observers rather than doers, witnessing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attachment. This state of being allows us to tap into the deeper current of life, where actions arise spontaneously and organically. As His Holiness Shivkrupanand Swamiji often teaches, meditation is not about controlling the mind but about letting go and allowing the mind to settle into its natural rhythm.
The distinction between doing and happening is also reflected in nature. The sun rises and sets without effort, rivers flow naturally to the sea, and flowers bloom in their own time. Nature embodies the principle of happening — it is in perfect alignment with the universal flow. When we observe nature, we are reminded of our own innate ability to live in harmony with this flow. The more we resist, the more we create friction in our lives. But when we surrender, life unfolds with grace and ease.
This does not mean that we abandon action altogether. Spirituality does not advocate passivity but encourages mindful and intentional action. The key is to act from a place of alignment rather than struggle. When we let go of rigid expectations and trust the process, our actions become expressions of the divine. We move from “I must do this” to “Let this happen through me.” This subtle shift transforms every action into a form of meditation, a dance with the infinite.
The Bhagavad Gita beautifully illustrates this concept in its teachings on karma yoga. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duties without attachment to the results. This teaching emphasises that while action is necessary, the outcomes are not in our control. By focusing on the present moment and offering our actions to the divine, we transcend the ego-driven cycle of doing and enter the realm of happening.
The difference between doing and happening also impacts our relationships. When we are stuck in doing, we approach relationships with agendas and expectations, often leading to conflict and disappointment. In the state of happening, however, we cultivate acceptance and presence. We allow relationships to evolve naturally, fostering deeper connections and understanding.
In embracing the essence of happening, we free ourselves from the burdens of control and expectation. We come to realise that life is not something to be conquered or manipulated but a beautiful journey to be experienced. By trusting the flow and surrendering to the divine, we align ourselves with the infinite wisdom of existence, discovering peace, joy, and fulfilment along the way. Life, then, becomes not a series of tasks to complete but a sacred unfolding to witness and cherish.
