The paradox of pleasure

The paradox of pleasure

June 2023

A true seeker of liberation stays as detached from pleasure as he does from pain  says Shivi Verma 

Most people come to  spirituality when they  are facing a hard time or  seeking answers to their questions. Were there no problems, mankind  would be busy enjoying the fruits  of this Creation and having a gala  time. However, he also runs the risk  of becoming decadent, selfish, and  mindlessly indulgent in a scenario  such as this. 

Karma apart, pain gives the much needed depth, patience, resilience,  and empathy to a person, without  which the human journey would  stay incomplete in its purpose. Becoming a fully rounded person  can be a journey of several  lifetimes. The stories that tumble  out during past life regression  sessions reveal that humans don’t  die a complete death at the time of  passing. They carry a lot of sorrow,  regret, guilt, attachment, or a sense  of victimhood in their auric bodies  while passing over. These remnants  compel them to come back in order  to fill these gaps and complete the  journey. However, since the earth  plane makes them forget their  purpose and their past lives, pain  actually acts like a reminder, a  needle prick of awareness, making  them wake up to the hard reality of  life. Most people get angry, or like  to complain about the hardships  they are facing. Since our senses and mind are directed outwards,  it takes huge blessings and good  karma to earn the ability to look  within and take responsibility for  our life. Otherwise, we are doomed  to repeat the cycles of death and  rebirth, until we finally decide to  wake up—which may not be soon  enough. Fortunately, those who  take the trouble to introspect,  and connect with spirituality  can see the bigger picture of life.  They develop a lot of forbearance,  tenacity, and optimism in the face  of difficulties. They know that  pain has a larger purpose and  refuse to wallow in self-pity. They  learn to detach from suffering  and see it for what it is. A karmic  payback, an important life lesson,  or an opportunity to heal mental or  emotional baggage. They continue  to do good karma and do not  return hurt with more hurt.This  attitude aligns with the purpose  of human birth: to become better,  evolve higher, and grow stronger.  When one walks steadfastly on the  path of life with their eyes open,  seeing the compassion of the  Divine even in trouble, pain, and  hardships, there comes a point  when the karmic backlog begins  to diminish. The stars begin to  align in their favour. They begin  to attract abundance, joy, and  wish-fulfilment. Success begins  to kiss their feet. Happiness,  love, appreciation, and warmth  enter their life as keepsakes. You  might think that once this point is  reached, the goal is accomplished  and all is well in paradise. But  a true seeker knows that just as  pain is a trap, so is material and  emotional abundance. It’s easier  to lose sight of your purpose when  surrounded by riches and success  than when shackled by pain and  problems. This is where most  seekers of liberation tumble and  fall, including the great sages. One  needs to keep reminding oneself  that just as pain is an illusion, so  is pleasure, which is rather a far  more dangerous one, because it’s  effortless to lose yourself in it. The  intelligent will see the riches as a gift  from God, which will be taken away  the moment ego and entitlement  set in. They surrender doership  and maintain a strict vigil on their  inner world even when surrounded  by power, fame, and luxury. They  keep offering everything back to  God. And when their time comes,  they enter the gates of heaven, only  to never return. 

Editor of Life Positive, Shivi  Verma is a devotee who found  all her answers in loving God  passionately. 

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