Living a life of purity and chastity is a challenging but ultimately rewarding path that leads to inner peace and serenity. On the other hand, the pursuit of sensual pleasure is a false promise that initially appears exciting but ultimately ends in disappointment and pain. Even those who choose this path eventually come to realize that they have been misled by their senses and must return to the path of purity to find true happiness.
By learning from the wisdom of great spiritual leaders, as recorded in works such as the Bible, Quran, or Bhagavad-Gita, we can save ourselves from unnecessary struggles and heartache. As Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “It’s better to learn from others’ mistakes than to make them all yourself.”
While the life of a spiritual celibate may appear dull to the sensual individual, it is actually a shortcut to a life of eternal bliss, whereas the pursuit of sensual pleasure is a dead-end road that leads to misery. By using the tools of intelligence, discrimination, and contemplation, we can distinguish between right and wrong and make the necessary choices to achieve our goals.
Meditation and pranayama, a practice of regulating breathing to control our vital energy, can help us calm our minds and focus on divinity. These practices should be learned from a knowledgeable source and require consistent effort to be effective. In the end, the reward is worth it, as the path of purity, godliness, and virtue is the only way to attain true happiness and inner peace.
