Hindu Article-Man's worst enemy

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Man's worst enemy

 

CHENNAI: A conscious effort to overcome the desire for worldly

objects is fundamental in the practice of spiritual discipline. A

realised soul remains steadfast in thoughts about God and is not

affected by worldly affairs. In a lecture, Swami Gnanadananda quoted

Sri Ramakrishna's advice to his disciples when he used to caution

them about the obstacles in the path of the spiritual aspirant, and

the preceptor's valuable suggestions to defeat their force. Love

(Kama), anger (Krodha), delusion (Moha), greed (Lobha), arrogance

(Matam) and jealousy (Matsaryam) — are the main obstacles, each of

which is strong enough to easily weaken an individual's desire to

practise devotion. Hence the need to deal with them suitably.

A sincere devotee has no choice but to turn these into advantages.

For instance, the tendency to love worldly objects (Kama) has to be

transformed as love towards God to the extent of becoming a single-

minded longing for Him. Since it is easier said than done, the

spiritual aspirant needs to put in a tremendous effort, both

conscious and constant. One has to be convinced that all of us owe

our existence to God and all are His children. Taking pride in this

fact and dedicating oneself to God is a first decisive step in the

effort at God realisation.

Further analysis will reveal that enjoyment of worldly objects is

very temporary and leads to sorrow. Once a person relinquishes

worldly enjoyments then there is no cause for tension. It is pursuit

of worldly enjoyments or wealth that becomes the root cause of all

evils, causing worry, anxiety and restlessness, and leaving one

forever dissatisfied and longing for more.

In the Bhaja Govindam, Adi Sankara urges people to shun wealth since

it is not as desirable as people think it to be. It actually brings

misery, and is man's worst enemy. It can be the cause of rift between

family members and friends.

Once the diversions of worldly life are kept at bay, it becomes

easier to focus on God. One's mind has to be tamed and trained so

that all distractions are overcome. But the arduousness is in the

fact that it is certainly not a one-time winning effort. The spark of

spiritual awareness becomes alive only when the veil of delusion is

removed and one is able to perceive the truth.

 

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