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larly, but his conduct is not ethical, and his character is not virtuous, then others are compelled to conclude that for him, meditation is nothing more than a habit or addiction. Accomplishment of joyfulness, peacefulness and satiety is not the "be-all and end-all" of meditation. All these are initial and elementary benefits only. The crucial and fundamental test of a regular practitioner is.metamorphosis of his way of life, conduct and character. If this happens, than one is sure that he has practised well and has realized the true spirit of sādhana.
The fact is that for living a useful and purposeful life, and for decent and gentle behaviour, spiritual consciousness is essential. It is also essential for :
(i) achievement of inner harmony and development
of vital energy; (ii) removal of impediments in the way of
acquisition of wisdom; (iii) destroying the obstacles in the flow of spiritual
energy; and (iv) demolishing the iípenetrable fort of delusion.
Spiritual consciousness is also needed in making one's life happy and free from strife. One who is ready for practising meditation must not allow himself to be enmeshed in polemics, but must overcome all such hurdles of illusion. He must penetrate deep inside to realize the truth and give greater importance to his own spiritual experience. He should not depend upon others. His motto should be---"appaņā saccamesejjā" i.e. "Search the Truth thyself," that is to say, "Do not believe blindly what others declare". When the spirit of the above aphorism is grasped properly, and when, by the practice of meditation, one has the real experience, the innate delusion will be destroyed, and, with that, all problems concerning social life will be solved. One would then live a successful and happy life.
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