Attachment to things distracts us from the true purpose of life

Innervoice

It’s desire that forms the root of vices in the world. Some people want tangible possessions like a car, a television set, a diamond ring or more money. Some desire power, while some work towards fame.

We get unhappy when we do not get what we want, and that leads to sorrow and even bitterness. This is followed by anger and irrational behaviour. Lord Buddha cites the root of anger as desire. He taught people to be free from desire.

When we meditate, we can control our desires. As a result, we can focus, and experience the divine light and sound of god within ourselves. That experience results in our spiritual journey towards the merger of our soul with god. Being caught up in this maze of the mind — in possessions, in greed, in activities which our mind forces us — is a vicious circle.

However, we must understand that it is not the object that we desire. It is the mind’s tendency to always be in a state of desire. It leads us into attachment to things of this world. It distracts us from the true purpose of our human life — to bring about the communion of our soul with god. That is the only true and lasting happiness. All other desires for things of this world only lead to unhappiness because nothing is permanent in this world. We ultimately lose that which is worldly through separation, destruction, decay, or, death.

Even people whom we love are not permanent because death separates us. The only things that are lasting is the soul, and along with it god and the holy word. If we devote our time to seeking that which is not permanent, we may gain it for a while, but it will not last. (Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers) innervoice@hindustantimes.com