In today’s world, where the pursuit of material comfort and fleeting pleasures is often seen as the ultimate goal, the teachings of saints like Narhari Bapu, Mahavir Swami, and Goswami Tulsidas remind us that true spiritual awakening comes not from indulgence but from detachment. In this blog, we explore how the concepts of simplicity, detachment, and awakening can help guide us towards a more spiritually fulfilling life. Let’s explore together in this blog – “Vishay aur Vilaas” to find out if our inclination towards Vilaas is halting our spiritual growth.

Let’s begin with a glimpse into the life of Narhari Bapu and the lessons we can learn from his simple yet profound practices.

Narhari Bapu’s Spiritual Discipline: A Life of Simplicity

Narhari Bapu, a revered spiritual figure, led a life of simple rituals and deep devotion. Every morning, he would open his door, step out, and visit a nearby Hanuman temple. He would sit there in contemplation for a short while before returning to his home. His actions seemed ordinary, yet there was something extraordinary about them.

When questioned by those around him about his habits, he responded with a simple explanation — he was unaware of his actions, as he was lost in his devotion and inner peace. This reflects an important aspect of spiritual life: it is not about the actions we perform but the consciousness with which we perform them.

Narhari Bapu’s daily routine embodies the essence of spiritual simplicity. He didn’t seek material pleasures or comfort but lived with a quiet focus on the divine. His actions were not driven by worldly goals but by the desire to remain aligned with a higher truth.

it is not about the actions we perform but the consciousness with which we perform them.

True Awakening in context of Vishay and Vilaas

Awakening is a term often thrown around in spiritual discussions, but what does it truly mean to be “awake”? It’s not simply about waking up at a specific hour or following certain rituals. Spiritual awakening refers to a deeper understanding of life — a consciousness that transcends worldly attachments.

In the context of this reflection, awakening happens when a person’s soul becomes aware of the transient nature of material desires. It is when one starts to detach from the illusion of pleasure and begins to perceive a higher spiritual reality. As Goswami Tulsidas, the great saint, points out in his works, a person only truly awakens when they free themselves from the cycle of Vishay (material pleasures) and Vilaas (attachment to worldly indulgences).

A key teaching in the spiritual path is understanding the difference between necessity and excess. The physical body requires sustenance, but when desires become excessive, they start to control the mind, leading to attachment. This attachment distracts the soul from its true purpose: spiritual awakening.

This distinction is beautifully reflected in the teachings of Goswami Tulsidas, who explains that while basic needs, such as food, are essential for survival, indulging in excessive pleasures becomes a barrier to spiritual growth. The desire for more than what is necessary, for instance, longing for a lavish meal when a simple one will suffice, symbolizes the soul’s attachment to worldly desires.

जानिअ तबहिं जीव जग जागा ।
जब सब बिषय बिलास बिरागा ।।
(Translation: Know that the soul is truly awakened when it has renounced all attachment to the pleasures of the material world.)

In this chaupai, Goswami Tulsidas emphasizes that true spiritual awakening is not about physical wakefulness or mere ritualistic practice. It is about the soul’s liberation from the entanglements of worldly desires (vishay) and indulgence (vilaas).

“Vishay” refers to material pleasures or worldly desires, while “Vilaas” refers to the attachment or enjoyment derived from these pleasures. When a person becomes detached from these worldly enjoyments, their soul begins to experience true awakening — not in a superficial or transient way, but in a deeper, spiritual sense.

Teachings of Renunciation and Detachment

The idea of renunciation, or Vairagya, is central to many spiritual traditions. In Jainism, as well as in the teachings of Mahavir Swami, renunciation is not about rejecting life altogether but about freeing oneself from the attachments that bind us to the material world.

Mahavir Swami, for example, lived a life of extreme asceticism. He practiced the path of non-attachment, taking only what was essential and avoiding indulgence in luxuries. He understood that the mind could not be free from its desires as long as it was dependent on the material world for satisfaction.

A true practitioner of renunciation doesn’t abandon the world entirely; instead, they engage with it but remain unaffected by its distractions. They understand the impermanence of pleasure and live with the knowledge that true joy arises from spiritual connection, not material wealth.

Simplicity is not just a physical practice but a spiritual one. Narhari Bapu, for example, preferred small meals and modest comforts. He avoided the indulgence of large spreads and instead opted for a simple, modest meal. This act of choosing less over more is a powerful reflection of his deeper understanding: true fulfillment comes from contentment, not excess.

The act of living simply allows the individual to focus more on the divine and less on material distractions. In fact, simplicity in living is a form of spiritual practice — one that teaches the mind to detach from external desires and cultivate an internal connection with higher truths.

Practical Aspects of Detachment: Living a Spiritual Life Amidst the Material World

Living in the material world doesn’t mean one has to be consumed by it. Spiritual detachment doesn’t involve escaping life but rather engaging with it in a way that doesn’t allow it to control you. The world offers material pleasures, but one must not become attached to them.

This balance between detachment and survival is key to a fulfilling spiritual life. Spiritual practitioners understand that their needs are simple and their desires minimal. As the chaupai reminds us, food is necessary, but seeking excessive amounts or indulgence in rich pleasures is a form of attachment that distracts from the spiritual journey.

A true spiritual practitioner serves others, but this service is not rooted in attachment to the outcomes. They live in the world but do not allow the world to govern their actions or their mind. This practice of humility and detachment enables them to stay aligned with the divine while still engaging with society. Spiritual practitioners do not require excessive comforts or luxuries. Their focus remains on the divine, and they seek only what is necessary for their survival and well-being.

This can be learnt and illustrated through a well-known tale of one of the mightiest warriors – Ravana.

Ravana’s Downfall: The Dangers of Attachment to Material Pleasures

King Ravana, the powerful ruler of Lanka in Hindu mythology, is renowned for his strength, intellect, and devotion to Lord Shiva. He ruled over a prosperous kingdom and was blessed with divine boons, making him nearly invincible. Despite his wisdom, Ravana’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive attachment to worldly pleasures (Vishay) and indulgence in material desires (Vilaas).

Ravana’s rise to power came through intense penance and devotion to Lord Shiva, and his ten heads symbolized his wisdom and command over various aspects of life. He ruled Lanka with absolute authority, amassing wealth, power, and glory. However, as he grew stronger, his desires expanded, and he became increasingly obsessed with satisfying his material cravings. His attachment to vishay—worldly pleasures and the illusion of invincibility—clouded his spiritual wisdom and led him away from the path of righteousness (Dharma).

The pivotal moment in Ravana’s life came when he became infatuated with Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Ravana’s desire was not based on love or a spiritual connection but on physical attraction and possession. When Ravana first saw Sita in the forest, he was struck by her beauty and decided he must possess her. This attachment to the physical and transient pleasures of the world (Vilaas) led Ravana to make a grave mistake. Despite knowing that she was already married to Rama, Ravana kidnapped Sita, driven by his own ego and material desires.

Ravana’s indulgence in Vishay (worldly pleasures) and Vilaas (attachment to material satisfaction) blinded him to the moral consequences of his actions. His desire for power, beauty, and supremacy took precedence over his wisdom and devotion. This pursuit of worldly gratification led Ravana to reject the spiritual path of detachment and moderation, which is essential for true growth.

The consequences of Ravana’s actions were dire. His kidnapping of Sita triggered a war with Lord Rama, who represented dharma (righteousness). Rama, the epitome of virtue, fought Ravana in a battle that ultimately led to Ravana’s destruction. Despite Ravana’s great strength and his many boons, his attachment to Vishay and Vilaas led to his downfall. He could not see beyond his material desires, and this ignorance cost him his life and kingdom.

Ravana’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of excessive attachment to material wealth and pleasures. It teaches that while fulfilling basic needs is natural, excessive indulgence and attachment to worldly desires can lead to destruction. True spiritual awakening comes when one frees themselves from these attachments, as reflected in the teachings of the Ramcharitmanas. 

“जानिअ तबहिं जीव जग जागा, जब सब बिषय बिलास बिरागा” — the soul awakens when it renounces attachment to worldly pleasures.

Conclusion: Finding the path of Simplicity between Vishay aur Vilaas

The ultimate lesson from Narhari Bapu’s teachings, along with the wisdom shared by Mahavir Swami and Goswami Tulsidas, is clear. True happiness and fulfillment come not from material excess but from simplicity, detachment, and spiritual awakening. The world offers fleeting pleasures, but true joy is found in understanding the transient nature of these pleasures and focusing on the eternal truth.

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