by Swami Radhanandaji

It is quite possible for a person to have conquered his senses even while surrounded by worldly pleasures. Therefore, an external appearance does not always constitute a true reflection of the mind (Gita 3:20).

Anyone who wears an ascetic's garb but is fully occupied with worldliness, lust, greed, and false prestige is nothing but a wolf under a sheep's skin. Likewise, dwelling in a lonely place like a far away mountain or deep woods does not relieve you from the samsar if you still lust after the worldly vanity. On the contrary, a so­ called samsari in worldly garments may let his heart soar high in heavenly thoughts (Gita 3:20). There is no distinction between the worldly man and the hermit if both have banished their thought of egoism (Gita 2:71, 16:18, 18:53).

A sure way to banish egoism is through Abhyasa Yoga by following Gitaji.