Swami Adbhutananda on ways to conquer Lust and Desire

Lust and desire are two main blockades in the path of spirituality. Swami Adbhutananda looks into the ways to conquer lust and desire.

You will have to discriminate between the real and the unreal.

To keep one’s discrimination alert is a great austerity.

He who has learned to discriminate can successfully overcome lust and greed. So, cultivate your discrimination and conscience.

How can you struggle against evil tendencies if your intellect is not trained to differentiate between good and evil? First clear out the rubbish that has entered the mind through the gates of the sense organs, and then put a ‘No Admittance’ sign in front of each gate.

Those bad thoughts which ignore the notice and still come in, you will have to hand over to the police, which is your conscience.

With the help of the police you must evict the impure tendencies from the mind and then install the Lord there. That is the way to conquer lust and desire.

Swami Adbhutananda ( - 1920) a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Explanation

To keep one’s discrimination alert is a great austerity

Maintaining a keen sense of discrimination, or discernment, is indeed a significant discipline. It involves the ability to critically assess situations, ideas, and people, distinguishing between what is beneficial and what is harmful, what is true and what is false. This discipline is crucial for personal growth, decision-making, and overall well-being.

Here's why keeping discrimination alert can be considered a form of austerity:

Clarity of Mind: Discrimination requires mental clarity and focus. It involves sorting through various options or viewpoints to determine the most suitable course of action or belief. This clarity of mind often requires discipline and practice, akin to other forms of austerity.

Avoidance of Pitfalls: By exercising discrimination, one can steer clear of pitfalls, whether they be harmful behaviors, deceptive ideologies, or unwise decisions. This austerity helps in maintaining integrity and avoiding unnecessary suffering or setbacks.

Cultivation of Wisdom: Discrimination is closely linked to wisdom. It involves drawing upon past experiences, knowledge, and values to make sound judgments. Continuously honing this ability leads to greater wisdom, which is often considered a virtue in many philosophical and spiritual traditions.

Resilience against Manipulation: In today's world, where information is abundant and sometimes misleading, maintaining discrimination is crucial for protecting oneself against manipulation or exploitation. It empowers individuals to question, analyze, and verify information before accepting it blindly.

Alignment with Higher Principles: Keeping discrimination alert often involves aligning one's actions and beliefs with higher principles or values. This could include moral principles, ethical guidelines, or spiritual teachings. By staying true to these principles, individuals can lead more meaningful and purposeful lives.

Self-Reflection and Growth: Discrimination requires self-reflection and introspection. It involves examining one's own biases, assumptions, and prejudices, and striving to overcome them. This process of self-awareness and growth is inherently austere but ultimately rewarding.

In essence, keeping discrimination alert is not merely about being judgmental or critical; rather, it's about cultivating a balanced and discerning mindset that enables individuals to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and integrity. It's a form of inner discipline that fosters personal development and contributes to a more harmonious and enlightened society.