Why true satisfaction begins with God
There is a logical reason for it. We, souls, are parts of God (The Bhagavad-Gita 15.7). Then, it stands to reason that we can be satisfied only when God is in the loop. A simile of a toddler and his mother will shed light on this matter. Nothing pacifies the child until he is united with his mother. Similarly, God must always be involved in our life in order for us to feel satisfied; otherwise, it is not possible.
Let us examine the veracity of this statement. We have been given gross senses and subtle faculties, which are the mind, intelligence and ‘ahankar’ (fake ego). Starting with the senses, they always seek sense objects. The tongue seeks tasty food. Does it ever get satisfied? It does not. One must follow God’s instructions in this regard. What has God instructed? One should eat what is right for us, and neither too much nor too little (6.16 and 17). How about seeing? Where do we go wrong in this regard while seeking satisfaction? We see wrong content, strictly prohibited by God, because it goes against ‘dharma’ (highest principles). Thus, we become our own enemy (6.5 & 6).
Similar pleasures are sensuous. They never satisfy. Otherwise, why would anyone indulge in illicit relationships, with big punishments waiting? God has given a safe option, which is to enjoy within dharma, as permitted by the social norm of marriage (7.11). Similar restraint is required in choices made by us in talking, hearing, etc.
Now turning to the mind, does it not hurt us time and again by being uncontrolled? It does, in the form of depression, etc., and must be controlled to enable us to feel satisfied. Lord Krishna has instructed us to practise mind control by being detached (6.35). And this is possible only with God’s active help, as is our experience also. Let us take objects of the mind. We all want lots of wealth, don’t we? Does money by itself ensure proper maintenance? God has to ensure it, and He does for His devotees. How else do sannyasis exist, and quite well too! The only real power is that of empowerment by God; all others are temporary and are taken away sooner rather than later. The same is the fate of fame; it lasts as long as good, pious acts last.
Intelligence of the material kind can only help one earn a living. Real intelligence lies in being wise. For this, one must be connected to God — the Omniscient. He guides, and one succeeds 100 per cent (10.11). The remaining faculty of ‘ahankar’ is entirely harmful unless one gives it up and takes active shelter of God, as Arjuna did (18.73). Contrarily, what happened to Ravana and his over-bloated ahankara?
Therefore, if we are really keen on having satisfaction, we have to take shelter of God and remain there. The senses will be satisfied, the mind will be peaceful, intelligence will become wisdom and ahankara a dear friend. Ask me, who is enjoying a very satisfactory life in the shelter of my Lord.
The writer is a spiritual teacher; Views presented are personal.
