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Spiritual essence

CHENNAI : Spiritual texts shed light on the nature of creation and of man's quest to attain the goal of existence. Sri Ramakrishna's teachings focus on the vital unity of the soul and the body that reflects the interdependence between spirit and nature, pointed out Swami Gautamananda in a lecture. To God we owe the body and the soul, comprising life, consciousness, intelligence and the divine spark. To develop the divine self one has to choose the good and realise it by conscious effort. The identification with the body draws one into the trap of the world and the goal of spiritual development becomes blurred.

A realised soul does not get attracted to worldly objects because the focus is on God. While on this earth, such a person accepts the responsibilities that come his way and follows the traditional path of uprightness. Faith in God is important and gives peace of mind. By remembering that one's permanent abode is with God and that life on this earth is temporary, one learns to cope with the varying fortunes that cross one's life. This thought helps to cultivate detachment towards worldly possessions and becomes the basis of devotion.

Like a tortoise that withdraws into its shell in times of danger and comes out when it is safe, one has to control the senses and utilise them for the right purpose. Such discipline makes one untroubled in the midst of sorrows and unassailed by desire when in the midst of attractions.

The path of Karma Yoga expounded by Lord Krishna makes it clear that while engaged in any work one neither has any claim to the fruit of his action nor does he believe that he is the agent who works. Both selfish attachment and expectation of rewards have to be relinquished. This implies the inner renunciation of ego and possessiveness, of the sense of I and Mine that comes in the way of spiritual evolvement. Absence of ego and desire becomes the most essential requisite in spiritual life.

Acceptance of God's supremacy and of oneself as His instrument involved in His service is the best way to reach Him. Meditation and the company of the pious can help to enrich one's spiritual life.

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