Daily Meditation: Sunday, September 15, 2002

Ask people about their likings and you will be overwhelmed …

09/15/2002

Ask people about their likings and you will be overwhelmed by the diversity. According to their temperament, everyone has likes and dislikes, there is nothing unusual about that, but if they do not call upon the help of a higher element called wisdom, self-control, will-power, to control and give direction to their impulses, they are undoubtedly heading for disaster. Each and every one of us is driven by instinctive forces. Whether from the stomach, the intestines or the genitals, there is always something to lead us astray. But that is no reason to succumb. And this is why, before you give in to an impulse, ask yourself: 'Alright, what will the result be if I give in to this impulse?' So long as your consciousness is not awakened there are still many things that can bring you joy, but do not be surprised if these joys soon turn to suffering, bitterness and regret. Only the joys of a wise, enlightened individual remain pure gold. I am not saying you should deprive yourself of joy or pleasure, only that you should be aware of their nature and replace them with better, purer, nobler and more beneficial joys and pleasures.