“So long as our unfoldment requires us to continue our existence in the world of manifestation, we must have two ideals. One is the relative and the other is the absolute ideal. The relative ideal demands that we provide for the objective aspect of life; whereas the absolute ideal inspires us to realize the highest state of perfection, which is oneness with God, or Self-realization. These two ideals are complementary to each other. They are by no means contradictory, unless we make them so. Some live in the conviction that this world is altogether a source of bondage, unrighteousness, and misery. The cause of such belief lies in an ignorant perspective of the world they live in. The truth is that the world, to us, is like our two hands which we may use to strangle ourselves, or to save ourselves from being strangled.
Philosophy, religion, or truth does not make us rich, but it teaches us how to utilize what we possess, in order to regain our spiritual perfection. Philosophy lifts us into that state of consciousness at which the senses are instruments and Soul is the master. The ideal of life is not to be entangled by the world, but to live in it and remain free from its delusive influences. A true devotee loves God for God alone. No amount of disease, misfortune, poverty nor persecution can change his course of life from spirituality. He is firmly established on the Self. Spiritual perfection cannot be attained by casual effort. It takes time to accomplish any great task. It requires determination and unfaltering perseverance. To reach the spiritual ideal is the greatest undertaking in life.”
Realization of the Self
Swami Premananda