How to use the material to reach the spiritual?

Suppose we received a large sum of money as inheritance. If we were prudent, we would invest it wisely to create something of sustainable value. 

That is the principle which the Bhagavad-gita uses to guide us toward spiritual growth, which is the thing that lasts with us forever.. We all have certain things that we naturally value according to our psychophysical nature. The Gita (18.46) urges us to use our nature to work in a mood of worship for the Lord. 

Arjuna is the paramount example of such worship through work. He excelled in his archery skills through tireless practice and then used that excellence for establishing dharma, ethical and spiritual order in society. 

We all may or may not know our innate nature at present. Still, whatever we value presently is an indicator of our natural orientation. Of course, everything we value can’t be directed spiritually. Due to our past sensual indulgences and the corresponding mental impressions, we may value many things that give immediate pleasure. But these may get us so distracted and degraded that they strip our life of lasting value. 

Nonetheless, if we over-emphasise what we need to give up for spiritual growth, that makes spiritual growth seem forbiddingly difficult. Rather than worrying too much about the things we value that we need to give up, we can work on the things that we value which can be constructively dovetailed. 

If we can get expert guidance from seasoned spiritual teachers and do regular introspection to understand ourselves better both spiritually and psychophysically, then we all can adopt this more affirmative vision of spirituality, thereby infusing our life with greater meaning and joy.  

One-sentence summary:

Gita wisdom guides us to use what we presently value to progress toward what is of ultimate value 

Think it over:

• What vision of spiritual life makes it seem forbiddingly difficult?
• What vision of spiritual life can make it easier to practice?
• How can you adopt this affirmative attitude toward spiritual life?

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18.46:  By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and who is all-pervading, a man can attain perfection through performing his own work.