One day while wandering about, a dog found a small bone. He sat down on the road and started to chew on it. After some time another dog arrived and very soon many dogs gathered around and started to fight over the bone. Despite all his efforts, the first dog was unable to hold on to the bone and he dropped it and ran off alone. Whether this is a true incident or not, what is certain is that in the effort to attain success unless a person is able to move beyond prescribed boundaries, one will be caught in the web of sorrow or grief. Objects of gratification invariably cause grief. One should leave them behind; despite living in the world, one should not get caught in the cycle of constant consumption. One should not get enmeshed in temptation and cross one’s boundaries. Whenever one steps out of prescribed limits, that is when one is beset by sorrow.
All the saints have spoken about forsaking indulgences. This does not mean one has to sacrifice worldly life. The right interpretation of this implies not falling into the trap of temptation. One should not cross one’s commensurate boundaries. If the dog had chosen to chew on the bone which he had found within his territory, he would not have ended up losing it.
Dressing appropriately, maintaining one’s decorum, building suitable homes and having a few necessary items does not qualify as an indulgence. However, in order to attain these things if one’s conduct transgresses socially acceptable norms and resorts to illegal means, it is because of greed and one becomes a slave to it. One may indulge in something for a day or two and then end up being enslaved to it for life. This is the reason the saints speak about living with simplicity. Once our lives are simplified, our sorrows also become lighter.
A walnut may seem huge to a tiny insect but is as good as nothing in front of a mountain. The same analogy can be applied to sorrow.
There are different codes of conduct for sannyasins and householders. Similarly, there are different rules for a king. A king needs to maintain chariots. Each person’s life is prescribed according to their position. That is why it is no use in blindly emulating anyone. Something that is necessary for a king can be excessive for someone else. Every necessity can turn into an indulgence. This is the reason why one should apply one’s discrimination and act appropriately.
Whenever we sacrifice something, there is also a reaction to it. If one is repelled by indulgences, if one thinks wisely and then chooses to leave them behind there will be no negative reaction. However, forcefully giving up a bad habit can cause an even stronger relapse. Choosing to give up something after careful consideration does not result in regret or difficulties. One has every right to use things that are in keeping with one’s lifestyle. Not falling prey to temptations which are not appropriate is the first step of spiritual life.
Sri Swami Satyananda spoke about Sri Swami Sivanandaji’s spiritual message during a satsang given on 2 February 1956 at a prayer meeting held by the Secretary of the Divine Life Society, Patan branch, North Gujarat. Reported by Shri Rasikbhai Suthar.