Entitlement to Enlightenment
An Adjustment of Attitude
This article is based on the discourse given by my spiritual master 'His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu' on Srimad Bhagavatam (the topmost esoteric Vedic compilation of Vyasadeva) at the Govardhan Retreat Center, Govardhan on Feb 10th.
Attitude
'One's response to a situation'
I have heard from my teachers that one's attitude in life is everything—attitude towards difficulties, disturbances, opportunities, failures, successes, etc. Attitude is the one attribute that counts the most in any given situation. It determines one's course of action, happiness, and peace of mind and ultimately shapes destiny.
In the introduction to 'Nectar of Instruction,' Srila Prabhupada says, "Advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness depends on the attitude of the follower." Therefore, one really needs to focus on one's attitude in this world with the aim to alter it positively and achieve the topmost potential of human life.
Entitlement
'An embarrassing situation of degradation'
This undesirable quality called' Entitlement' – or a 'Me- Centered' approach has become very prominent today. I have seen it more and more significantly in the younger generation, which is not used to the inconveniences or discomforts of existence. This immediately disagreeable trait makes one unattractive to the more mature and sober eyes. This is the attitude of keeping oneself in the center- whilst disregarding other people's needs and exploiting the resources (people and things) for one's own enjoyment. Such souls are motivated to perform an action only for the sake of personal benefits and develop a tendency to blame, complain, mourn, or become fearful and anxious when the results are undesirable.
Entitlement can be practiced on a very gross level, as mentioned above. However, each of us practices this unseemly and unfavorable trait through each of our senses. Senses tend to enjoy various sense objects based on their previous positive experiences, or they may avoid certain objects based on their negative experiences. Thus, senses try to steer us toward enjoyable sense objects in their pursuit of temporary gratification. The more we fulfill the urges of the senses, the more they become entitled and demand gratification. Therefore, they develop this unseemly Attitude of Entitlement.
Enlightenment
'Spiritual wisdom about the purpose of life'
Understanding one's proper position as a soul just passing through and undergoing trials and tribulations for its purification helps curb this attitude. Spiritual wisdom literature enlightens one about one's original identity as a spiritual being entrapped within a body for a particular time. Its natural position is that of a servant to the Lord. The souls living as a servants in this world will be able to gain freedom from entrapment in the material world. In contrast, those living in Entitlement and under the illusion of proprietorship will continue their material entanglement in the world through numerous bodies.
This knowledge about a living entity's identity, position, and purpose, as well as the identity and purpose of the world, constitutes Self-realization or Enlightenment.
The purpose of every soul is to break free from this material existence and attain its natural position of service in the spiritual world. This purpose can only be achieved by first training to live a life of service during the material existence.
Service.
'An extraordinary life of meaning and purpose'
Service refers to any action or task undertaken for a higher purpose beyond material benefits or personal gains, in the spirit of detachment, sacrifice, and love. This attitude is diametrically opposite to Entitlement. Loving service brings forth rewards that extend beyond superficial bodily gratification and provide the soul with the deepest satisfaction and profound bliss. Such a service is incredibly purifying, causes spiritual growth, and connects one to the divine force, causing gradual purification of consciousness.
Such souls engaged in selfless, ceaseless service are able to achieve the topmost potential of human life and live with extraordinary clarity of purpose and enlightenment. Moreover, such a selfless service purifies one's existence and clears up the karmic debt to such an extent that one is ultimately liberated from the shackles of material existence.
Reconfigure.
'Adjustment of Attitude'
Therefore, we can see that there is an immense need in the world to shift their attitude from Entitlement to Service. This shift in mindset can be achieved with training of mind & senses, constant reminders to self, and an eagerness to achieve the feeling of profound bliss. Once one starts tasting the divine bliss of selfless service, one can pacify the noise of their senses and keep returning for more service. The higher taste of service will eventually subdue the body's demand for intoxication of Entitlement. Thus, one needs to reconfigure and realign one's attitude in life to fulfill a higher, more meaningful purpose.
This adjustment of attitude is almost constantly needed in the temporary material world due to its inevitable disturbances, chaos, impurities, and negative influence of other entitled souls. Therefore, constant association of like-minded people who are deeply entrenched in this service attitude is highly recommended to propel one towards the servant mentality. Also, continuous engagement of senses, mind, and intelligence (gross and subtle components of the physical body) in services unique to their nature and propensities is an extremely effective treatment for their diseased state.
One must strive to identify Entitlement whenever it rears its head, correct impairment in attitude through enlightenment, and constantly steer towards the healthy attitude of service, thus living an extraordinary life of higher purpose and meaning. I sincerely pray that we can all make this journey from:
Entitlement to Enlightenment.
Thank you for enlightening us!