Some people feel that if they
are to be on a spiritual quest, they will have to give up worldly activities
and relationships for the sake of spiritual progress. This misconception can
deter someone from pursuing Spirituality.
In reality though, when one does spiritual
practice* while living in society,
one makes faster spiritual progress. When one renounces the world and retires,
say, to the Himalayas, one is not tested enough, unlike while living in society
where one is tested at every step.
The aim of Spirituality is to realize God. It is possible
only after dissolution of the illusion that separates one from God. This illusion
stems from one’s
own mind, intellect and ego. Hence, for a spiritual seeker, it is important
to strive for purification of the mind, intellect and ego, so their hold over
oneself loosens. Making an unnecessary decision like giving up one’s worldly
duties or relationships does the exact opposite, by increasing the hold of one’s
mind and intellect over oneself. Such thinking or decisions thus prove detrimental
to one’s spiritual progress.
Another point to consider is the factor of Destiny. If it is one’s Destiny
to get married, then it cannot be avoided with gross decisions like renouncing
the world. In such a case, the spiritual aspirant wanting to renounce the world
may feel dejected that he was not even able to stand by his decision.
Ideally, the spiritual seeker takes all the relationships in this world as
an opportunity to practice Spirituality, by trying to give up his ego at every
instance. Naturally, the seeker who thus “lives Spirituality” while
functioning in the world grows faster than the one who tries to practice Spirituality
in isolation from the world. Hence, seekers of God or Bliss should keep in mind
that true sacrifice, which is Blissful in nature, is not necessarily giving up
relationships or possessions, but giving up one’s attachment to them.
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