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कमाना तो ज़रूरी है, पर किसलिए और कितना? || आचार्य प्रशांत (2020)
30.5K views
5 years ago
Spirituality and Work
Purpose of Earning
Liberation (Mukti)
Yoga
Indulgence (Bhog)
Worldly Duties
Vidya and Avidya
Mind's Security
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses a question from a dentist who is concerned that his worldly profession might be an obstacle to his spiritual progress. The speaker explains that worldly work is not an obstacle but a necessity. He humorously points out that even a spiritual teacher would need a dentist for a toothache to be able to give discourses. Therefore, all worldly professions are necessary for the spiritual process to continue. He emphasizes that everyone, including himself, must engage in worldly tasks like management and planning, using tools like computers and education. One cannot simply ignore worldly responsibilities and enter a state of trance (samadhi). The speaker clarifies that the ability to engage in spiritual pursuits, such as attending a discourse, is often made possible by one's worldly work, which provides the necessary financial means and peace of mind. Without a livelihood, one would be consumed by worries about basic needs. Similarly, the speaker himself must attend to his duties to be able to conduct sessions. Therefore, all these tasks must be done. The crucial point, he advises, is to remember that these worldly activities are not the central purpose of life; they are peripheral. One must take care of the body and provide the mind with a minimal sense of security, as the mind cannot be simply forced to abandon all concerns. One must also bear the fruits of past actions and fulfill the duties one has undertaken. The main precaution is to ensure that these worldly programs do not become life itself or dominate it. While performing these tasks, one must constantly remember that they are external matters and not the primary goal. The purpose of earning is not for indulgence (bhog) but for liberation (mukti) and yoga (union). Life is too precious to be sold for mere indulgence. The spiritual path is for those who understand the importance of both worldly knowledge (avidya) and spiritual knowledge (vidya), and who seek to provide sustenance for the body while aiming for peace of mind.