In my previous posts, I have made it amply clear that I am confused when it comes to how mere reflections of the ONE can walk varied paths towards realizing the ONE true Self. I have been at conflict as to how deep within the human DNA is carved the need to find a life partner and procreate when the real yearning beyond all these is to reach the state of salvation, to realize the ONE. Great wise men have through times talked about these conflicts and have provided answers in their own ways to reach salvation or nirvana - via Karma, via Bhakti, via Knowledge. The great Swami Vivekananda has advised the less enlightened mortals to practice all of the above in their life-time to reach the ONE. He mentions that people should enjoy all the worldly pleasures in their life and when their yearnings for these worldly pleasures are satisfied, they would hunger for more, look for answers, for a purpose to their life, and therein they would turn back to basics of Bhakti, of Knowledge and of Karma.
In line with this thought, and in an attempt to find answers to the conflicts within ME, I have been currently reading Practical Vedanta by Swami Ranganathananda. The book elaborates what Vivekananda told us in his lectures on Hinduism. It has been a great read so far and explains the four Purusharthas in life viz. dharma, karma, kama, and moksha. The reason I started off on such a spiritual note is to drive home this point about the four Purusharthas. I was re-introduced to these Purusharthas again, when I got married back in June of this year. The priest explained to me and my lovely wife R that marriage is all about living these four Purusharthas. As per the priests' advice, we hope to follow dharma, enjoy kama, work the karma, and attain the moksha. While R and my journey has just begun, we are hoping to find answers to the conflicting questions, answers to realize through marital bliss, the spiritual enlightenment, we all seek.
-- Sifar (The Full Circle)
