For Internal Progress, What is Evil and What is Good?

By H H Maa Purnananda

“Moh Vipin Ghan Dahan Krishanuh Sant Saroruh Kaanan Bhanuh; Nisichar Kari Varooth Mrigraajah Tratu Sada No Bhav Khag Baajah...” – (Sree Ram Charit Maanas – Aranya Kand 10/3)

In the given Chaupai, Sant Tulasidas ji has so lucidly spoken about one of the most important aspects of Spiritual pursuit. He says, may the Almighty Lord always protect us, Who is like fire for burning the thick forest of delusion, Who is like the sun for blossoming the garden of lotuses likened to saints, Who is like a lion for the Raaksha-s-like hoards of elephants and Who is like an eagle for the transmigration-like flock of birds.

Here, it can be clearly understood that delusion, lowly evil instincts and transmigration are surely evil for the internal progress towards saintliness, and, correct comprehension of the Scriptural Knowledge by the grace of the Almighty is very important for a seeker’s necessary internal progress. So, any Spiritual practice taken up by an individual needs to be in accordance to the requirement befitting his internal progress.

The Wisdom says that for internal progress and transformation of Antahkaran, it is necessary to cultivate an integrated personality. It means that there should be complete coordination among thoughts, words and deeds. The body should be able to respond energetically as directed by the mind. And even for it to give right direction to the body, the mind itself has to think in sync with the intellectual understanding. Therefore, it is essential to deliberate the attempt to proper understanding of the worthy Wisdom of the Guru-s.

Man is generally driven by his inherent tendencies. Moreover, throughout life his thought, words and deeds are mostly influenced by the impact of the world in which he lives. So, it would not be possible to transform without the higher vision. The utmost necessity of Holy association, Scriptural studies and religious practices, is very rarely understood, valued and accepted by people. In such a society of people, where materialism and self-gratification supersede the careful adoption of Spiritual and religious practices, it becomes more difficult for an individual aspirant striving hard internal progress and transformation. But that should not be a disappointment for a sincere person. He rather has to take it as a challenge and proceed forward with more faith, determination and complete focus on what he has set as his Goal.

Once decided, he should never step back! Even the toughest challenge, if it is on the basis of Dharm, he should rest assured that sooner or later he would be able to be successful. The reason behind it is repeatedly given in our Scriptures. Dharm is the Essence of all. Dharm is the Essential Nature of all. Dharm is the Essential Existence Itself. Therefore, the word Dharm is given to all such practices that lead man to his Essential Core. Dharm is righteousness. Righteous thought is termed as Ritam, speaking righteous words is termed as Satyam and performing righteous deeds is termed as Dharmam. But, righteous words and deeds cannot be the outcome of unrighteous thoughts! So, it is essential to observe the intention behind any action, because, motive indicates the inherent tendencies and the quality of thoughts nurtured by the performer.

Therefore, firstly, it is necessary to eradicate evil from the Antahkaran-the inner equipment. Purification of inner equipment can be achieved only by certain specific sacred religious and Spiritual practices under the guidance of the Guru and with the blessings of the Almighty Lord. In as much good is enhanced within the Antahkaran, gradually that much evil is eradicated from it. In course of time, evil is almost given up and progressively the practitioner gets well established in leading life on the basis of righteous thoughts, words and deeds.

This transformation of the inner equipment is most desirable nay expected as the outcome of the religious and Spiritual practices. With this understanding, offer obeisance to the ancestors during Pitripaksh and celebrate the auspicious Navraatri and Dushehra, by shedding evil and worshiping Devi-Devta-s with faith, humility, clarity, thoughtfulness, sincerity, discipline, determination, focus and inner joy.