Among the many misnomers entertained during foreign rule, the most important one was to think that spirituality consists of sitting in a forest, or sitting idle and being incapable of accomplishing anything. This notion has affected seekers also.

In fact, the achievement of the four goals of life viz., dharma (adherence to righteousness), artha (righteous material earnings), kāma (fulfilment of material desires) and moksha (seeking liberation), without any conflict between them, is itself spirituality. This has been taught by our ancient seers. Otherwise why would we have worshipped Rama, who had the welfare of his subjects as his supreme goal in life?

In our Puranas there are stories of great saints such as Atri, who renounced urban life considering penance as supreme, and thereafter undertook penance for the well-being of the world and re-entered social life to correct emperor Vena when he was harassing his subjects.

Therefore, if everyone follows the spiritual path shown by the Maharishis, the number of people struggling for basic needs will reduce. For this, spiritual seekers should follow the correct path and people should support such seekers. Instead, if one gives up spiritual practices completely he will experience neither peace for satisfaction of his basic needs.

(Andhra Prabha magazine Nov 1992)