It can seem hard to accept. Hard to believe. But while the ultimate goal of Self-Realization may seem abstract, changes we make today can lead us there later. We can put the Gita's eternal principles in practice right away and stick to them.

If you are sincere in your pursuit, your mind will become pure and quiet and you will be able to grasp these values and the ultimate goal. But we often forget that goal, and our insincerity shows. When we have conflicts with a family member, a business colleague or even a stranger, we make a firm resolution not to let anyone dictate us from then on. However, our reaction, generally stemming from anger or irritation, fades away quickly and we once again find ourselves in the same situation. Why does this happen? We never seem to learn our lesson. We quickly forget the problem, its root cause and the discomfort it causes.

In other words, the unwise forget the purpose of their life. We are supposed to progress continuously toward Self Realization by learning from our mistakes. A wise person never forgets the ultimate goal and knows he has to have peace within himself before he can deal with others effectively. He knows this is his own journey and only he can make it. A horse can be taken close to water, but he has to drink it himself to quench his thirst. Similarly, a saint, a holy scripture, a right vibration or sometimes even a rude awakening will remind you of your true existence and draw closer to your God, but ultimately it will be your call and no one else's.

The Gita provides a road map during your difficult moments, but it is your responsibility to incorporate it into your life and benefit. Approach a saint or a well-wisher for clarification on what may be right or what should be avoided. Never forget your ultimate goal of self-realization. That should be your only purpose; the rest is all a hallucination. So make a firm commitment right now and finalize your goal!

--Swami Radhanandaji