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The flow of water downward and the movement of the flame upward are natural phenomena. Likewise, the mind is naturally turned outward, towards the world.
It is with great difficulty that a child, even when taught, learns to chant a divine verse [sloka] or sing a kirtan [songs in praise of the Lord]. However, the same child learns movie or commercial ad songs appearing on the television effortlessly, without tutoring.
Why?—Because the mind is naturally tuned outward, towards worldly matters.
All lives, from the tiny ant to the huge elephant, always wander about searching for joy outside. Man also desires only external activity. Ordinary men perform activities all through their lives only to earning their living. It is, therefore, difficult to turn the mind inward and see the Lord within.
The man who goes to the beach to enjoy good breeze takes note of only the waves and the pleasure of sea breeze but never stops to think about the huge ocean. He looks at the sky and never beyond – at the planets and stars. He looks at everything superficially and never thinks deeply. Thought of world welfare and environmental health in some leads to various scientific inventions. Only a very few wonder, question, ponder over the purpose of their birth/existence and turn their vision inward.
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