Alcohol

And

Tobacco

Dr.
Shriniwas
Kashalikar
 There is always a discrepancy between our
imagination, thoughts, feelings, instincts, physical
requirements and our habits! They are almost
never identical. They may be similar, dissimilar
and sometimes even contradictory.

Thus we may not think the same; what we

imagine, we may not feel the same what we think
(and talk and write) and we may feel happy or sad
in satisfaction of our instincts or otherwise! Hence
even if we fantasize a utopia of some heaven on the
earth, intellectually it may inconceivable. Even if
there is intellectual argument about good and bad
feelings; it may not be valid in day to day
emotional interactions. Even if there are deep
sentiments about morality pertaining to passions;
they may not match with our instinctual actions
such as sexual behavior! Similarly irrespective of
what we think and feel about our habits or
addictions; many of us continue to indulge in
them.

This is also why; spiritual perceptions occupy only

a small corner of our thinking and intellectual
debates occupy a small fraction of our literature
 and art. In fact; adolescent and often illicit sex,
voyeurism, crimes such as kleptomania, and habits
such as smoking, drinking etc. form a
romanticized and conspicuous part of our
cinematic and dramatic creations.

On this background it should be easy to

understand; why habits such as tobacco and
alcohol in different forms; are popular amongst
many of us; irrespective of their age, sex,
occupation, economic status, nationality, race,
religion etc. This continues to be so inspite of their
(well publicized) risks for health; and their
condemnation by the ministries of information and
broadcast of different countries and several
philanthropic organizations.

Whether the alcohol and tobacco are the culprits

or whether our vulnerability to addiction; are
responsible for the sway these things hold on life;
is a moot question.

Moreover; our nature also seems to vacillate

between hedonistic pleasures and some kind of
elation of austerity!
One question that tends to bother us; is; what are
we going to gain by “sacrificing our pleasures
and/or excitement of indulgence; while facing the
reality of life; especially when no one can
guarantee sound physical health and sound
financial status and even philanthropy; by
abstinence?”

It is in this context that the ancient wisdom, which

is valid today; guides us!

The seers of the past such as Sadguru Shri

Gondavlekar Maharaj; comprehended all these
and many more complexities of our nature; and
provided us with; the eternally benevolent
guidance.

Thus; our problem is of inadequate emergence of

our consciousness, which is entrapped in pettiness
of perspective, policy making, motivation and
actions, inevitably associated with excitement of
petty gains and misery of petty failures! Hence;
even if we are not addicted to tobacco, alcohol or
anything else, (and may take pride in it); we still
can be destructive to self and the others.
 Hence they did not indulge in fanatic and
inconsiderate condemnation or blatant
encouragement of our vulnerability and weakness.
In stead; they provided us with the means of
empowerment and enlightenment to rise above
and grow out of the vulnerability and weakness!
They enabled us to overcome the attitude of
delirious justification and pride; as well as the
incapacitating sense of guilt about our addictions
and habits!

They showed us the way of fulfillment of our life.

They showed us the culmination of the essence of
our perspective, imagination, thoughts, feelings,
instincts, needs and also our habits! They gave us a
holistic solution to evolve a sublimely meaningful
life, instead of nagging or pampering us; about our
habits in isolation!!

Hence; in stead of going into the domestic,

economic, medical, cultural and other angles and
issues involved in the habit/addictions (including
those of tobacco and alcohol); with a fragmented
approach; we should (at least provisionally)
 unhesitatingly accept and verify the scope and
limitations of the holistic solution provided by the
seers!

Which is this holistic solution?

This holistic solution is; a really universal practice

of NAMASMARAN that endows the
enlightenment and empowerment on us;
irrespective of our age, sex, occupation, religion,
race, nationality etc; to blossom all inclusively and
experience the ultimate fulfillment in life!