The ultimate good of man is in Self-Realization or God Realization. This process begins when man turns away from evil and realizes from experiences of good and bad that everything is perishable except the Brahman, the Creator, the Master, the Father or the God. Whatever name or form we choose for the Nameless and the Formless Supreme Being, we are sparks of that Great Eternal Being -- just like a diamond remains a diamond even if covered by mud or soil.

An aspirant, at an early stage, seeks a teacher to guide him. The aspirant prays to the Lord for protection so that the pure relationship between a teacher and disciple never stains due to anger, greed, lust, jealousy or name and fame; that both may be protected from ignorance, superstitions, beliefs and false religious traditions. The joy of spirituality can't be put into words or feelings or be articulated in any way.

It is considered absolutely necessary to preserve all vital energy to travel on this path. To overcome the illusive world of duality it is necessary to use our intelligence by abandoning lower propensities and developing higher objectives.

One of man's worst enemies is jealousy of fellow beings. This vice keeps us at animal levels. Ravana and Duryodhana suffered from powerful jealousy, and it caused their destruction. Arjuna was qualified for higher knowledge, as the Lord observed, because of he was free from jealousy of any creature.

May we never hurt others, and may we always avoid inner jealousy. May the Lord grant us our noble wish, aspiration and prayer.

-- Swami Radhanandaji