Page 18 - GOTIL (ENG) Sample

xvi Introduction

in becoming detached from such objects. Life based on
these values was simple, sensible, and pleasing, and tended
to foster laudable qualities such as honesty, respect for
others, and kindness.

Of course, rural living does not automatically bring peace
of mind and spiritual wisdom. Some villagers are little
more spiritually enlightened than the dogs and buffaloes
that they live among. And city dwellers who try to “get
away from it all” by moving to the country often merely
bring their passion and problems with them. This material
world being intrinsically miserable, true happiness lies
in God realization, which transcends both the excessive
sensuality of city life and the complacent tranquility of the
country. For either in town or village, human life without
endeavor for God consciousness is little better than that
of the animals. Nevertheless, simple agrarian life is more
conducive to God realization than the complex urban
society of today. For those with eyes to see it, everything
in nature speaks of God. Therefore sages traditionally
preferred to live far from the hubbub of urban life.
Breathing fresh air and drinking pure water, they could
peacefully meditate upon God as the cause and upholder
of nature.

Unfortunately, industrialized man has strayed far from
such innocent existence. Modern city life is highly
artificial, being far removed from its source of sustenance.
Even if of theistic bent, city dwellers tend to have very
little knowledge of the relationship between God, nature,