Chapter 4 - Balance

Understanding balance in life is a key element of spiritual growth. Ultimately the key is to gain a steady state of mind when we work and interact with the outer world.  A steady state of mind allows us to consider problems holistically, and act -- not in short-term -- aggrandizement, but long-term good. This is only possible when we are able to sacrifice pleasures that don't do us any good, rather harm us.

It is in this context, a balance in pushing for success in the material world (a great job, a wonderful business, or peak of being in one's procession), has to be tempered with the understanding of what is the right thing to do in such an environment. This is possible if we understand the concept of Preyas and Shreyas. I will relate these concepts to the way our mind functions. The path of preyas is the path of pleasant. Eating candies, can be considered Preyas -- pleasant -- since many of us enjoy it. However, that in itself does not make it good. For example, too many Lindt chocolates can make you feel sick in your stomach. However, what is good may also not be always pleasant. Studying is such a deal. While we all know it is good, it is not really pleasant. However, the fact is that when we study effortlessly, we are also able to reflect on it better and learn. This is only possible when we sublimate all other desires and activities to studying -- when we are studying. At that time, when studying gains top priority, and becomes pleasant, our mind has the ability to be fully engaged. 

I capture this disparity between pleasant and good in the picture below. In general, when the mind is engaged in pleasant thoughts, it is effortless. In this stage the mind is engaged, and ready to tackle the problem at hand. However, when the pleasant thing is turns out to be bad, we start regretting it when engaging it over a long period of time. Eating candies is like that. Some alcoholics or people who engage in drugs can be in this category. We are not helping others, but rather hurting ourselves in pursuing this path of the pleasant. 

In contrast, what is unpleasant may not always be bad. A discriminating mind knows it is unpleasant, but wants to get the job done because it sees the "big picture" of the "good." The key of balanced approach and spiritual practice over the long run is to keep doing the good, and sublimate the unpleasant feelings. Finally, the unpleasant and bad situations are naturally repulsive. The mind finds something unpleasant, and knows it is bad. So it is critical that these situations are totally avoided. In general, it is clear that pursuing the good path is the only way to achieve balance. 

In our self observation practice, it is important to assess what is unpleasant and how we react to our own assessments of looking at the greater good.  This understanding is critical to living the Vedantic ideal and the pursuit of the truth.