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Transformation of Consciousness of a Lay Person
ing more spacious homes, surrounded by art objects and other beautiful things. And we strongly identify with all this. The things and the comforts we get, give us a kind of secure and comfortable feeling. It also gives a false feeling of contentment and happiness.
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Then our mental and emotional desires start to become stronger. There's entertainment in various forms, desire for a change of scenery - the so called holidays. A want for intellectual stimulation arises and we seek.
One pre-condition is the desire to change oneself. One may have the experience of inner dissatisfaction with oneself or with one's life -- even when everything is going smoothly. Disappointments and sufferings in life are sometimes also very helpful to give us enough of a jolt, a shock to look with disenchantment toward life's ups and downs and to question the values we hold.
At this point, instead of becoming depressed or negative -- the usual human response one is to seek and long for a change in one's consciousness, in our own being. Not to run away, not to blame others, one's work place, surroundings or destiny for one's unhappiness and misery, but long for and seek some new knowledge how to change oneself and one's attitude. This is the very beginning to initiate a process towards inner transformation and spiritual development.
-- In today's society, filled with so much violence, anger, greed, envy and pride, the human egotistic tendencies have blown out of all proportions. The craving for fame, name, self-adoration of one's own personality, either the mental or intellectual part of personality, have subtly and then, not so subtly, corrupted the average person and even spiritual leaders and spiritual followers alike. Is there a way out? Yes, there always is.
-- There are very few individuals who can become total renunciates. Our world and our times have changed. There are fewer and fewer monks and nuns in the world practicing and participating in a totally ascetic life-style. There are fewer and fewer truly self-realized spiritual masters and teachers who could lead by example; by their humility, gentleness and high level of spiritual consciousness. This, of course, would affirm the Jaina 'cosmic wheel of time' theory and
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