Someone Asked Premanand Ji Maharaj: I have committed many offenses even now I don't consider myself a good person but by your mercy listening to satsang I have given up opium addiction alcohol illicit relationship with woman but I'm not convinced that my mind will not defeat me and I will fall into Old Habits how can I get that strength(How To Stop Going Back To Old Bad Habits By Premanand Ji Maharaj).
Premanand Ji Maharaj Says: by the name by satsang by studying scriptures see all sins happen due to a maligned heart in a dirty mind we have so much happiness inside us that we don't have to look outside but we have become Externally focused and sensor looking for pleasure outside.
We see happiness in drugs and sense objects and it doesn't matter if we do sinful and irreligious activities to obtain them. this is how our intelligence is corrupted our intelligence is destroyed.
Finding Strength in Spiritual Practice
You're fortunate and have mercy see that you're listening to the words of satsang and trying to follow and trying to improve yourself. you should not be afraid but you will have to take a stand. I can give up my life but I will not make this mistake again.
You have This capability for sure. we have forgotten our strength our capability. that's why this happens. it is natural to make mistakes, but not repeatedly. this is not natural. till now you have not heard about satsang. you knew what was wrong but ignored it and we're committing sins. but not anymore.
So now be careful and you will get the strength from satsang. where did you get the strength to leave everything? yes what you could never even imagine, you could give up. drug addiction, alcoholism, illicit, relationships these are big things. it is difficult for people to even give up tobacco.
Difficult to give up even smoking. so you are very brave those addictions that people cannot even imagine of giving, up you have left them. so where do you get the strength from satsang chanting the holy name. is that strength limited? they can give you so much strength that you can conquer.
Embracing Celibacy and Self-Restraint
Lust anger greed attachment pride and jealousy is afraid of devotees it cannot defeat devotees lust anger greed attachment pride and jealousy they run away from devotees. a true devotee is a brave and strong Warrior he's an associate of Lord hari no one can corrupt him. you too are a devotee.
You have forgotten yourself and are thinking yourself to be a man, a woman and accepting various weaknesses. be careful about one thing. being defeated is not a big thing but considering yourself defeated is a big thing, and that's what we teach.
Even if you're defeated thousand times we will not consider ourselves defeated we will try again and defeated now if he just accept that we are sinful how will that help we are not sinful we are part and parcel of God.
But we' have committed sins we've made a mistake our practice failed and we were defeated but we will not be defeated one day we will defeat these urges because we are the children of the all powerful.
So just understand I'm not just sharing words of the shastras but realizations of life if you instruct something without having experienced it it will not have an effect but if you have experienced it it will be impactful so you are the same as me and I the same as him you have just forgotten.
That is why you repenting what have you gained till now think about it did you get lasting peace a restful mind or Ecstasy of spiritual Bliss even in the most difficult situation feeling that permanand did anything happen no this mentality has made you a slave and it is scaring you to this day that it can defeat you anytime.
Confronting Fear and Doubt
Don't be afraid be Fearless when it comes to defeat us we have Hare Krishna we have gurudev God says this is not just plain talk we have seen this in life the holy name and Guru kripa have protected me at every step and have seen how they protect you, like a child tries to grab everything and the mother slaps him to protect him.
That's how they're protected whoever is successful in their journey is because of God's mercy you can talk High philosophy but when Maya comes and shows us very attractive ways it will make you fall down.
It is impossible to resist temptation be saved by dressing her as a mother with folded hands otherwise doesn't matter how knowledgeable you are Maya will trample you but a devotee who took shelter of God God protects him like a little child I think we should not be afraid about who will defeat us yes we should not be so Fearless.
That we just jump into the fire you have to understand that too we should not be so afraid but at the same time not be so Fearless that we become careless you have to cross with folded hands to okay so chant radha, radha, radha.
Then no obstacle can defeat you and an inside a secret an obstacle can only trouble us if we accept it lust we thought about it then agreed to it then we will be defeated because you agree to it an addiction will first make you think there is pleasure in this just have it today and if you agree to it.
Then you're bound to it be very careful about giving you acceptance then no one can defeat you it's the truth see yourself before any drugs or sense gratification your first plan for it inside if you destroy this planning which is called sankalp then no one can defeat you but we relish the taste of planning.
Trusting in Divine Mercy
Thinking if we do this it'll be this then it'll be fun let's do it and immediately the mind and senses are tricky players they subjugate you right away and when you see the results then you get upset and you have to face all sorts of misery so don't be afraid keep going keep going because everybody's power is hari understand.
That in the demons in lust in Anger the power is haris and if you're opposed to God then doesn't matter how much you try to appease the planets they will work against you because you're oppos to a source of power they're getting their power from there but if you have taken Refuge of God.
Then doesn't matter how blad the planetary alignment is they will be auspicious No Authority can obstruct you the result of your a will come but it will not be able to defeat you it will come Ram Krishna paramhans had cancer in his throat Bhai ji had cancer in his stomach realize Saints face many difficulties.
Maybe their karma or Karma they took on to help others but it's not able to disturb them they're in spiritual Bliss and Anand everything passes and when they leave their body it's like like a flower Garland falling from an elephant's neck so become Brave and chant the name.
Don't have bad conduct only enjoy those Pleasures sanctioned by the scriptures like you're married and have a wife you are allowed by Dharma within certain limits but don't do anything irreligious there are two laws law of the land and the scriptural law for example if you try and commit suicide then God's law will be against you and also the government's law will take effect and if you're caught doing this then you'll be punished.
See where was law created it came from Vedic laws so let's not commit any mistakes and you'll be able to get out of it so don't be afraid but at the same time don't be too Fearless understand both things don't be afraid that I'm trying to control but I may fall down no tell yourself.
I won't fall but you have to be careful of bad Association if if you end up in the same bad Association as before and start seeing the same old dirty things then no mother of Satsang thing can save you so we have be afraid of this that we don't end up with the same bad Association and fall down but don't be so afraid that unable to walk on the path of Truth is that okay. Thank You
Conclusion:
Despite past mistakes and struggles, individuals can find redemption and inner strength through spiritual practice and self-reflection. By embracing celibacy, self-restraint, and faith in divine mercy, one can overcome past offenses and embark on a path of spiritual growth and fulfillment.
FAQ: How To Stop Going Back To Old Bad Habits By Premanand Ji Maharaj
Q: I've made many mistakes in the past, and I'm worried about falling back into old habits despite my efforts to change. How can I find the strength to stay on the right path?
Ans: It's natural to have concerns about relapsing into old habits, but remember that you've already taken significant steps towards positive change. Drawing strength from spiritual practices like chanting the name of God and engaging in satsang (spiritual discourse) can provide the inner fortitude needed to resist temptations and stay committed to your journey of self-improvement.
Q: How can I overcome the allure of sense gratification and find lasting happiness within myself?
Ans: Sense gratification often leads to temporary pleasure but leaves us feeling empty in the long run. By redirecting your focus inward and cultivating mindfulness, you can tap into the inherent happiness within your soul. Embracing celibacy, self-restraint, and adherence to ethical principles outlined in scriptures can help you find fulfillment beyond fleeting pleasures.
Q: Is it possible to break free from addiction and destructive behaviors with the help of spiritual practices?
Ans: Absolutely. Spiritual practices like chanting the holy name and seeking guidance from enlightened sources can provide the strength and clarity needed to overcome addiction and destructive behaviors. Trust in the transformative power of divine mercy and your own inner resolve to make positive changes in your life.
Q: How can I conquer the fear of relapse and stay steadfast on my spiritual path?
Ans: While it's natural to feel apprehensive about relapse, maintaining faith in divine protection and surrounding yourself with positive influences can help dispel fears. Remember that setbacks are part of the journey, but with perseverance and a commitment to self-improvement, you can overcome obstacles and continue progressing towards spiritual growth.
Q: What practical steps can I take to avoid falling back into old patterns and associations?
Ans: Avoiding bad influences and cultivating good company are essential steps in staying on the right path. Be mindful of your surroundings and make conscious choices to align yourself with positive influences and environments. By remaining vigilant and committed to your spiritual practices, you can navigate challenges and maintain your resolve to lead a virtuous life.
Q: How can I trust in divine mercy and overcome doubts about my ability to change?
Ans: Trusting in divine mercy means having faith that higher forces are guiding and protecting you on your journey. Reflect on past experiences where you've received unexpected support or clarity, and draw strength from those moments. By embracing humility and surrendering to divine grace, you can overcome doubts and continue moving forward with confidence and determination.