Page 24 - Desire to Disaster

with, only result in sorrow, worry and disease. So then, why
identify with and engage in this complexity? Passions and
attachments not only cause sorrow and anguish here, on
earth, but result in endless pain and misery in the next world.
Hence, do not indulge in attachment and aversion, material
wealth and status. These things are pointless. In fact, they
serve no purpose except harming the soul. If you really wish
to understand what is beneficial for your soul, seek the advice
of the wise ones.

4. Comparing the lives of a true spiritual seeker and a
materialistic pleasure seeker

The fourth method of discovering the benefits of the spiritual
quest over the material quest is that one should examine the
lives of ascetics and true seekers and then compare them
with the lives of those who seek material wealth and worldly
pleasure.

You will find that the ascetics and seekers experience
comfort, peace, gentleness, majesty, independence, etc. In
marked contrast, the hedonists have to contend with reversals
of fortune, troubles, anxiety, worries, anger, restlessness,
weakness and dependence. Observe this, and realise for a
fact that true happiness lies in spiritual well-being not in
material well-being. Going forward understand this and make
spiritual well-being your goal.
5. Seeking inspiration from great men

Even in today’s world, where we are constantly surrounded
by the glamour of the material world, and struggling to keep
our own dispositions clean, there is a safe haven. Spiritually
evolved seers and thinkers are a sanctuary for those who
are troubled by the vicissitudes of worldly life. Think of the
learned brahmin Indrabhuti Gautama, think of the chief
priest of King of Chittaur, the brahmin Haribhadra, and the

24 Desire to Disaster