Old bad habits do not go away easily. Knowingly or unknowingly we tend to behave according to our old habits. If we are not attentive or careful, we revert to our old habits. No matter how many times you bathe an elephant, it still rolls in the mud. Similarly, we drop many old beliefs as we progress in spirituality, but they come back after many years and we may not be aware of it.

We should not repeat our mistakes. For that lots of practice is necessary -- not to slip away in ardor or sentiment. In any circumstances one should ask himself, "Am I behaving as per my old bad habits or new good habits according to Gita?"

Understand each situation. Your words, thoughts, behavior, relations, etc. should be checked constantly. There is no telling when illusions, false conceptions, fears, suspicions, or blind faith will take over. Nobody should think that they are free of ignorance or the tamsik behavior of pride, lust, anger, greed etc. Always be humble.

Wrong beliefs take over because they look right. Ravanas always dress up like saints to deceive. Robbers dress up like spiritual leaders -- so be careful. Thirst can't be satisfied with a mirage of water. Mirabai said, "Worldly happiness is like a mirage and should be discarded."

As we break our past bad habits and drop false beliefs, we should limit expectations in relationships. Every person can turn towards good or bad at any time. We fail to accept that fact despite knowing that we can't change other people. But we still keep trying to do everything possible to change the other person. We don't want to change ourselves, yet we want to change others.

We will be wise only when we bow down to Gitaji and the Truth. Ride the chariot that is directed and moved by God to our ultimate good -- Infinite Happiness.

--Swami Radhanandaji