Become Determinate

Question:  How can we become determinate and firm about the real purpose (intent, objective) ?    

Swamiji:  The real purpose of human life is God-Realization, salvation, liberation and serving others. For this reason itself you have received this human birth.  Anything that opposes ones spiritual discipline or goes against God / Self realization, should never be done, never ever. 

No one else besides human beings can elevate themselves spiritually and serve others.  Just like those who make money, they only do the kind of work that generates money, and they avoid doing work that uses up their money!  

Our aim is God Realization, besides this there is nothing else at all!  –  This is the way to a determinate aim.  Only one aim, and that is – We will not do any work that is not in accordance to our aim.  

Place great emphasis on this point.  We will do Holy Name recitation, satsang (association with Truth), loud chanting (kirtan) etc., but that which is opposing to our aim, we will never do. It is easy to give up doing that which is opposed to our aim.  There is effort involved in Holy Name recitation etc.

We will not lie, cheat, deceive, commit fraud, or betray.  Even if we do not get food, water etc., then too, we will not commit a sin.  We simply will not!   By eating also we can die, then why not die abiding by the principles of life! 

We must not do those things which we know to be sinful, based on our knowledge and understanding, . That is all there is to it!  Whatever hardships may arise, it does not matter. This is genuine and determinate aim. After that, the progress will be natural and automatic.  On giving up the unreal, the real will be attained naturally. 

The truth does not have to be created by making an effort.  Become absolutely firm on this point that any work that goes against our spiritual disciple becomes unbearable, come what may! Then all will be alright!  Doing that which is prescribed requires effort, but what effort is required in not doing that which is prohibited? 

From summary of an older lecture in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji on Oct 12, 1990 at 5 a.m.