Suppose we had to clean a water tank. We would need to do
two things: clean the water already in the tank and regulate the water flowing
into it. If dirty water were allowed to flow in unrestrictedly, then despite
the best cleaning, the tank would still remain unclean.
Like a water tank that needs cleaning, our consciousness
needs purification; we need to purge it of base impressions for selfish,
shortsighted indulgence so that we, as eternal spiritual beings, can actualize
our potential for lasting fulfillment. To cleanse our consciousness, we need to
expose it to pure stimuli. The best such stimulus is the supreme spiritual
reality, God, Krishna, who is supremely pure and supremely purifying.
Consistent connection with him can purify even the most contaminated
consciousness.
Simultaneously, we need to avoid further exposure to impure,
agitating stimuli. The Bhagavad-gita, while outlining how to control selfish
desires (03.36-43), stresses that we need to begin by regulating our senses
(03.41). Such regulation prevents the further contamination of our
consciousness. Though we can’t avoid all contact of the senses with the sense
objects, we can certainly minimize it to the essential.
Won’t such regulation seem like deprivation? Not if it is
the springboard for connecting with a source of higher satisfaction.
Pertinently, the Gita reminds us of our spiritual identity (03.42) and urges us
to use our intelligence for situating ourselves on the spiritual platform
(03.43). The most easy and effective way to become spiritually situated is by
practicing bhakti-yoga (08.14). This yoga of love connects us with Krishna, who
is the source of unlimited happiness. That connection enables us to gradually
and increasingly relish life’s supreme happiness. The Gita (06.27) confirms
that steady spiritual discipline enables us to find the ultimate joy.
Thus, regulation sets the ground for purification and
ultimately the supreme satisfaction.
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