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Can winism Survive in the 21st Century
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I would be if I too had such a lovely outfit." She may acquire such an outfit, but within a few days her desire for the clothes dies down. On looking at the outfit she no longer derives anywhere near the same quantum of happiness that she had when she initially bought it. She next turns her attention to a golden watch which another friend received as a birthday present, and mekes up her mind to obtain a similar watch. She may persuade her parents to buy her an early birthday present, but within a few days of being given the watch, her interest in it fades as way. What goes on in that teenager's life also goes on in the life of most people. The example serves to illustrate two points. Firstly, we are constantly looking for things which will make us happy, i.e. bliss is our true nature and we are constantly seeking happiness. Secondly, materialism can only bring us temporary satisfaction. The spiritual path alone can bring permanent happiness.
Let us look at how the internal enemies are at play within the teenager, and we can also examine some of the ways in which she can overcome these enemies.
Firstly, Māyā (illusion)
The girl is under an illusion that the new outfit, or the gold watch will give her happiness. It must be remembered that no external object will provide permanent happiness. Bliss is within you - for you to discover - so remove the veil of Māyā and seek yourself, and you shall find true happiness.
Secondly, Lobha (Greed)
The girl desires initially the outfit, and then the gold watch. Once desire for one item has been quenched, she craves for something else. Materialism leads to such an infinite spiral of desire and greed. Just when you think you have found happiness, you realise you have lost it. If you desire true happiness, then stop this craving for material wealth, it will get you nowhere, and instead have only one desire, a desire to know the true nature of the self.
Thirdly, Krodha (Anger)
What if the girl had not been able to obtain the desired outfit? Her strong desire for the outfit would have been vented as anger. She would
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