Why indulgences that don’t seem dangerous may still be dangerous

Why indulgences that don’t seem dangerous may still be dangerous – We sometimes give in to certain sensual temptations that run contrary to the principles we hold sacred. And if we don’t suffer any serious negative consequences, we may deem those indulgences safe, thereafter indulging in them more nonchalantly and more frequently. 

While indulging thus, we may read wisdom-texts that describe how sensual indulgences can end in disaster. But when we don’t undergo any similar consequences, we may downplay those texts as alarmist or extremist. However, such downplaying can be misinformed and misleading. To understand why, consider warnings that tell swimmers to stay away from danger zones: areas in the ocean where the waves tend to be stormy. Some swimmers may swim in those areas without facing any danger, but by the law of probability, each day of calm waters increases the likelihood of a day of stormy waters. Therefore, each foray into danger zones makes those swimmers more prone to disaster. 

Spiritual traditions often compare material existence to a vast ocean, wherein sensual indulgences can be like danger zones. We may explore those zones without suffering any visible consequences. That doesn’t mean those zones are safe; it just means that because of some past karma, the consequences of our actions are getting delayed. Still, sooner or later, those consequences will come. Put metaphorically, those waters will turn stormy — it’s a matter of when, not if. When that happens, temptations may impel us into such grievous wrongs and such horrendous consequences that our whole life may turn into a nightmare. No wonder the Bhagavad-gita (02.67) warns that those who dwell indiscriminately on tempting objects can be swept away.

One-sentence summary:

If our past sensual indulgences haven’t turned out to be dangerous, that doesn’t make those indulgences less dangerous; it just makes our future indulgences more dangerous.

Think it over:

•  What’s wrong if we label as alarmist scriptural narratives about the dangers of sensual indulgence?
• Why might we not experience the dangers of sensual indulgence?
• Is there any temptation that you give in to nonchalantly? How can you counter that nonchalance?

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02.67: As a strong wind sweeps away a boat on the water, even one of the roaming senses on which the mind focuses can carry away a man’s intelligence.

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