Vaisesika Dasa: The New Oxford American Dictionary defines, opportunity cost, as “the loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen.” And here’s another simple definition by an economist: “ An opportunity cost is the cost of a missed opportunity.”
In the following verse from the Gita, Lord Krishna encourages us to use our time and energy to advance in Krishna consciousness, as by doing so, one gets the greatest value for one’s life:
“In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.” (Bhagavad-gita 2.40)
Especially for a human being – who is afforded the chance to free himself from birth and death and to go back to Godhead – the opportunity cost of missing even a second outside the practice of devotional service is huge.
Therefore, Visnu Purana states: “If even for a moment remembrance of Vasudeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is missed, that is the greatest loss, that is the greatest illusion, and that is the greatest anomaly.”
Knowingly or by consent everyone incurs loss by the choices they make throughout their lives. Economists, businesspeople, financial advisers, and others therefore, carefully consider opportunity costs so that they may make the best and most profitable choices.
Serious bhakti yogis also meticulously calculate the opportunity costs of their actions and investments. Those who do this never lack the incentive to stay steadily engaged in devotional service and to forsake inferior activities.