Life must be oriented to the spiritual goal

CHENNAI, OCT. 13. One of the common pitfalls that must be overcome by human beings is the tendency to postpone the pursuit of the spiritual goal to old age. Spiritual life cannot be divorced from the worldly life a person leads. What is essential is a change in perspective altogether. All actions must be oriented to the spiritual goal so that there is a gradual withdrawal from engaging in material pursuits as one advances in age. Eventually by the time a person discharges his duties he will develop the right frame of mind and detachment to devote the rest of his life to realise God, which is the rationale of human birth.

One who is wedded to the spiritual goal will acknowledge God as his sole refuge. Saints have advised that a devotee must turn to God during times of distress and that he must demand of Him, ``I am Your child and suffering in this world. How can You let me grieve like this?'' Devotion will enable a devotee to take such liberties with the Almighty. Likewise, it has been confirmed by the God-realised that a devotee can envision God if he weeps in anguish for Him even for a day and a night. But worldly people only demand of Him to alleviate their lot. Just as Ekalavya mastered the art of archery by practising before the image of his Guru, Drona, in spiritual life also it is possible to realise God through the grace of the Guru if one has total faith in him. The words of wisdom of the saints are spoken from their spiritual experience.

There should be perceptible progress towards the spiritual goal in an individual's life, said Swami Gautamananda in his discourse. To be forewarned is to be forearmed and this is especially true in spiritual life. One can avoid the pitfalls indicated by saints. Regular prayer elicits divine grace and reinforces faith in God especially in times of distress when it is very easy to become dejected. Saints have indicated that the test of unswerving faith in God and devotion to Him is during such setbacks in life.

Some may wonder why there is so much suffering in this world and why human beings have to face sorrows. This is akin to the mental frame of a reluctant child packed off to school by its mother. The child must be thinking that its mother is not allowing it to be happy by staying at home without realising that it is for its welfare that she is doing so. The trials and tribulations that human beings face in the world are similarly meant to increase one's faith in God's grace. When a person understands that God is guiding his destiny he will become fearless as there will not be anxieties.

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