Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu
Human nature inherently carries a deep-seated desire for more in our journey of life. From childhood, this yearning, termed "desire for more," becomes intricately woven into the fabric of our existence. It influences our thoughts, actions, and ambitions as we grow older, transforming into a crucial aspect of our lives.
As children, our wishes are simple and straightforward. If we have one toy, we long for another; if we have two, we crave four. These innocent desires gradually evolve, becoming more complex as we progress through different stages of life. In academics, the desire shifts toward excelling, acquiring more knowledge and achieving higher grades. This relentless pursuit of desires in every facet of our existence leaves a profound impact on our lives.
As we transition from childhood to adulthood, the innocent longing for toys and grades morphs into a desire to earn more. The accumulation of wealth becomes a focal point, and soon, the race begins for more-more money, more respect, more authority. This race consumes a significant portion of our lives, driving us to invest our time and energy in a never-ending quest for material success.
In today's digital age, the obsession with more extends to our social interactions as well. The traditional face-to-face connections are often replaced by the pursuit of more friends and followers on social media, further feeding the desire for validation and recognition.
As the intoxication of more deepens, it often evolves into a quest for power and control. This shift leads us to assert dominance over our accumulated wealth and possessions. Initially, life revolves around amassing more, but eventually, it becomes about exercising authority and control over what we have acquired. This cycle of accumulation and control can become so entangled that it ensnares individuals, leaving them trapped in a lifelong struggle to maintain their dominance.
Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission offers a profound solution to this entanglement: spirituality. Spirituality, according to Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu, is not about renouncing the desire for more or the quest for power, but rather about directing these desires toward a higher purpose. It teaches us that the pursuit of more should be guided by the quest for the ultimate truth and that power should be used in the service of the greater good.
Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu further explains that true joy cannot be found through the mere pursuit of religious rituals or external achievements. Instead, true happiness is attained through spirituality, which brings us closer to our soul. Spirituality invites us to look within, to connect with our inner self, and to discover the true essence of who we are. This inner connection leads to a profound sense of joy, liberating us from the endless cycle of desires.
Spirituality also teaches us that it is possible to fulfill our duties without becoming entangled in desires and struggles. Effort is essential, but it should be free from the turmoil of constant striving. When we approach life with this mindset, our efforts become a form of karma yoga-a path of selfless action that leads to a deeper connection with the divine.
In the midst of life's myriad choices and opportunities, it is easy to lose sight of our true selves. Every new option presents new challenges and opens new doors, creating a cycle that seems never-ending. However, Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu reminds us that true self-realization begins when we take the time to look in the mirror and recognize our true identity. This recognition marks the beginning of our spiritual journey.
Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu's teachings emphasize that true happiness does not lie in external achievements or material possessions. Instead, it is found in drawing closer to our soul, transcending our desires for more and realizing ourselves.
While the desire for more and the pursuit of power are natural aspects of life, it is crucial to direct these desires toward a higher purpose. The path of spirituality offers a way out of the entanglement of desires, leading us to our true identity and guiding us toward a state of lasting joy and fulfilment. In the end, it is only by knowing about spirituality that we can break free from the cycle of desire and control, and find the true happiness that lies within.
