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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/04/05/stories/2003040500640900.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

  

 

Attachment cause of bondage

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

APRIL 5

 

.. Attachment is the cause of worldly bondage and hence a person desirous of

liberation must try to overcome it in his life. In the beginning when one tries

to consciously make effort in this direction the mind will hanker after sensory

attractions and so one can wean the mind away from its natural tendency only

slowly. It is beneficial to remind oneself constantly that sensory pleasures are

short-lived even when one is enjoying the same. This awareness will eventually

prevent one from succumbing to worldly attractions and help to overcome

attachment.

 

If a person is clear about the objective of human life, which is to realise the

goal of liberation from rebirths, then he will not get entangled in worldly

attachments. It is possible to enjoy worldly pleasures even while pursuing the

spiritual goal. This is described in the scriptures as a life wedded to Dharma.

One who consciously upholds Dharma will not yearn for worldly enjoyments; but

that does not mean that he should not enjoy whatever he is blessed with in life.

It is matter of re-orienting the mind to accept whatever he gets legitimately.

Such an attitude will enable him to develop dispassion gradually and when his

worldly duties are over, he will have the right frame of mind to dedicate the

rest of his life to realise the spiritual goal with total dedication. This is

the way to balance worldly and spiritual goals simultaneously.

 

In his discourse, Swami Gautamananda said one must pursue any objective with

total commitment, as half-hearted involvement would not be successful. This is

especially true of spiritual life. How much time one devotes to spiritual

pursuit is not the point; it is the intensity with which one longs for communion

with God that is the key to success. Like a child, which cannot be distracted by

a toy when it cries for its mother, so also when yearning for God becomes an

all-consuming passion the devotee will not rest till he experiences Him.

 

When the seeker develops such intense desire for God, the Guru (spiritual

teacher) appears at the right juncture to guide him further on the path. Saints

like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa are born in the world only to help others.

Worldly duties arise due to attachment but realised men of God engage in action

out of love for suffering humanity.

 

 

 

 

 

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