Miscellaneous - Religion   

Cultivate virtues

CHENNAI : The majority of people evince interest in pursuing the spiritual path but are unable to put it into action. It is not as if they cannot pursue it single-mindedly for when the intention is there they are able to achieve worldly goals very successfully. What then prevents them from realising the spiritual goal? Worldly preoccupation is the impediment to spiritual life. One can appreciate the truth of this fact with an example. A person can read a newspaper with total concentration for a couple of hours but if he tries to meditate he would find it difficult to even engage in it for half an hour. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to compare this human tendency to a matchbox that has fallen into water. Not a single wet matchstick in it will light up. So also one engrossed in worldly life will not be able to pursue the spiritual path.

In his discourse, Swami Gautamananda said one should be taught spiritual practices right from young age because the mind would then be untainted by worldly matters. Whatever is learnt while young will become a habit and even if not practised will come to one's aid later in life when there is renewed interest in spiritual life. Just like there is a certain age for studying in school and then in university, so also, it is best to begin the spiritual quest while young when the mind is not fettered by worldly interests and obligations. Instilling virtues and teaching simple spiritual practices like singing hymns for prayer, faith in God and in His existence, and that He would respond to prayer are the greatest wealth that one can give one's children, as these will prepare them to face the vicissitudes of life with poise.

The qualities that aid spiritual progress are simple life, adherence to truth, broadmindedness, concern for the welfare of all and selflessness. Every parent must instill these values in his child because there is no point in complaining later about its character. Desire is another impediment for spiritual progress because till it is fulfilled the mind will only hanker after the object of desire. It is said that God is very far away for one who has desires and in the case of one who has overcome them He is as close as a fruit in one's hand.

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