Q. Why does a spiritualist condemn material enjoyment? After all, God has created this world for our enjoyment?

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A: Sense gratification is like salt; only adequate quantity of salt must be used in cooking - not too much, not too little. Similarly, sense enjoyment has to be only to a limit. In the Gita (6.17), Lord Krishna Himself confirms as follows:

"He who is regulated in his habits of eating, sleeping, recreation and work can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system. In this way, one gradually makes progress on the path of spirituality which is the actual goal of our life."

Spiritualists deride only excessive indulgence and not regulated enjoyment by following scripturally recommended regulative principles. Factually, there is no enjoyment here. We only go through sufferings in the initial stage of our attempt at enjoyment and ultimately are left frustrated when all our different plans for enjoyment fail and, of course, by physical debility and mental depression in old age.

Gradual taming of the mind and the senses is required. Rigorous control will make the mind rebel. It is, no doubt, a challenge. By cultivating Krishna Consciousness, we nourish the spirit soul and our consciousness transcends petty material pursuits. USA ex-Army General George S. Patton said: "Accept challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory."