Page 21 - Desire to Disaster

own. Hence, people lack the skill of looking after their co-
religionists

We consider so many non-self objects as being critical to
our sense of well-being, although they are totally irrelevant
to our spiritual progress. We can make any sacrifice, spend
any amount on health, on physical fitness, on purchasing
conveniences, on beautifying our homes and decorating our
work spaces, on our staff, on doing things that boost our
ego, for attaining worldly power, and many other things of
a similar nature. Because we consider such things desirable,
we find ways to fulfill these objectives.

Similar is the case with Sunanda, who finds a way to persuade
her mother, the queen, to go to the park outside the city, in
order to celebrate the festival.
Once a person realises that his ultimate benefit lies in self-
realisation and decides that he should strive for the well-being
of his soul, its purity, on lessening his sins and increasing
his merits, on donation and other aspects of dharma, on
compassion, helping others, truthfulness, honesty, generosity,
purity, and he will surely find ways to achieve these goals. He
shall practice bhakti, Sāmāyika and Pratikramaña, and shall
contribute generously to the upkeep of temples, upāśrayas,
etc. He is prepared to find ways to serve his dharma. Hence,
it is extremely essential to realise that the most useful and
lasting objective, worthy of one’s time and efforts, is the
attainment of self realisation and liberation. This is where
one’s well-being lies, not in collecting worldly wealth.

Question : Despite knowing the above facts, why don’t we
feel motivated to follow the right path?

Answer : If you make the right efforts, the motivation for
spiritual upliftment shall strengthen. Spiritual
progress is not impossible. Look at the 63 Great
Desire to Disaster 21