Page 20 - Desire to Disaster

Had people really understood where their welfare lay, they
would have inverted their priorities and led completely
different lives. Dharma results in both spiritual and worldly
benefits. Once the seeker understands where his true benefit
lies, he will begin focusing on developing guña {positive
qualities}, practising sukruta {good deeds, usually acts of
generosity} and performing sādhanā {disciplined activity for
the purpose of attaining moksha}. If any difficulties come his
way, he shall find a way to overcome them without losing
his way. Hence, understand and realise that your ultimate
wellbeing lies in achieving spiritual objectives, not in fulfilling
worldly goals.

Focus on Worldly Objectives, even though they lead to
Difficulties and Sorrow

Who makes excuses for not following guñapālana {practising
appropriate conduct}, sukruta {earning merits through good
deeds}and dharma sādhanā {disciplined religious activity for
the purpose of attaining moksha}? The inability to realise
that religious and spiritual activities are truly beneficial in
all ways leads to people making excuses for not following
the above acts. Irrespective of the difficulties people face in
sañsāra, they stick to their preconceived notions. But when
it comes to obstructions that block their material progress,
people use their initiative and find solutions to the most
vexing problems.

For instance, it is extremely difficult these days to earn
money. Despite that, no one is sitting at home twiddling
his thumbs. People go about their jobs and businesses, not
finding excuses to not work.

Similarly, parents find ways to deal with their children, even
if they are disobedient and impudent.

Sādharmika people, co-religionists, are not considered one’s

20 Desire to Disaster