The Hindu : Sustained effort ensures progress

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 01, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Sustained effort ensures progress

CHENNAI APRIL 1 . Man has been endowed with body and mind to realise his spiritual nature. But it is tragic that he misuses these instruments to enjoy sensory pleasures. This is akin to the mice getting duped by eating puffed-rice so that they do not go near the grains stored for human consumption. Just as a child plays with its toys and runs in search of its mother when its fascination for them ceases, so also, human beings remain engrossed with sensory pursuits driven by their desires till they are satisfied. Only a person who understands the evanescence of worldly pleasures will turn to God.

In the case of the majority of people this turning point comes rather late in life when the faculties will not cooperate with the newfound interest in spiritual pursuits. It is for this reason that it is stressed that one has to make a beginning early in life as this will ensure progress steadily. As long as there is identification with the body and mind one has to engage in worldly life and discharge one's duties. But at the same time one has to devote sometime to spiritual practice everyday, which is food for the soul. In course of time the mind will automatically dwell on God effortlessly and worldly interests will wane.

In his discourse, Swami Gautamananda said in the beginning stage both worldly and spiritual engagements would be in equal proportion. But as one evolves spiritually, interest in worldly affairs will decline according to the intensity of one's spiritual involvement. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to advise devotees not to curb worldly desires totally. The mind's tendency is to hanker after something, which is denied forcefully even if it is a simple thing like eating one's favourite dish. When this desire is satisfied, before long the person will lose interest in it and outgrow his craving. This is the natural way to overcome worldly desires, as everyone cannot renounce worldly life totally and take to the spiritual path.

So for the lay people it is advisable to progress gradually in spiritual life without attempting to take it on with fierce determination at once. But, this does not mean that God can be realised easily. The progress will be according to the intensity and sincerity with which he longs for God and communion with Him. One cannot buy a good quality diamond cheaply; so also only by sustained effort can one realise God.

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