METHOD OF USE OF WORLDLY OBJECTS AND MEANINGFULNESS OF ABANDONING THE WORLD

Some people are of the notion that without abandoning the world, spiritual progress cannot be attained. But this is wrong. Worldly objects cannot be done away with at any cost. The persons moving on the path of spiritualism cannot abandon food, medication et cetra, if required. The system of our bodies is such that we all require these things for sustenance of our bodies irrespective of the path, we follow. Even staunch naturalists will have to accept this fact. Money is desired not for the sake of money but for the sake of the things, money can buy. One desires a healthy body not for the sake of body but for the self. Remember! Purpose of life can never be physical but it is always spiritualism. As such, it is wrong to negate the use of worldly things on following spiritualism. When we accept the importance of worldly things for the purpose of sustenance of bodies, then what is the meaning of abandoning the world? Is there any code of conduct for using the worldly objects? Yes! Ved has answered this question by saying-, “Use the worldly objects with detachment”. Such a beautiful solution to this issue cannot be seen elsewhere. You can leave your house but wherever you go, you will require some sort of shelter to live in. Isn’t it change of house rather than abandoning house? You can leave your family relations but not your social relations. You can stop depending on others externally only, but you will always remain dependent on others internally. As such, the truth is you cannot leave house, relations and other worldly things altogether. When it is said that spiritualism requires abandoning of worldly things, then it is meant that attachment with the worldly things one is using should go. Use of worldly things with attachment brings miseries and on the other hand use of worldly things with detachment brings happiness and pleasure. For deep thinking and meditation secluded place is very much necessary but this does not mean leaving the society. It only means to be away from noise et cetra, which disturb our minds.

-Thoughts of Pandit Gangaprasad Upadhayay