Answer
We have to consciously move away from material indulgence—especially material sex life in this world. It is a form of sense gratification, and sense gratification here is simply a bio-physical and psychological experience. It is not spiritual pleasure. Although it may be imagined or projected as something higher, from a spiritual standpoint it is only a temporary and artificial reflection.
A sincere spiritual practitioner does not become satisfied with imitation. Just as someone who knows real cricket will not be interested in playing with toy equipment, similarly, one who understands spiritual reality will not be attracted to these lower substitutes. There is a recognition: “Why should I run after these limited, temporary experiences? I want the real thing.”
What exists here is only a distorted reflection of a higher, spiritual reality. In what form or detail that original exists in the spiritual world we may not fully conceive at present, but the understanding is clear—this is not the original. Therefore, one must gradually develop detachment (vairāgya) from the illusion in order to approach the pure conception.
The root issue is self-centeredness. Material enjoyment is centered around “my pleasure,” and that very tendency creates distortion. Spiritual purification means moving away from this self-centered outlook and toward a service-centered consciousness—“How can I serve the Lord?” That shift is essential.
So yes, one has to become free from these lower engagements. And how does that happen? By regulated practice—such as following brahmacarya—old habits gradually weaken when they are no longer fed. What is not practiced loses its strength over time.
But then comes an important question: what about positive engagement?
The deeper understanding is that the soul already has its natural inclination. Just as a child inherently learns to walk without formal instruction, the soul, when awakened, naturally moves toward its real function. Therefore, the focus is not merely repression, but awakening.
By associating with Krishna—especially through the holy name—and by engaging in genuine devotional practices, one’s original consciousness begins to awaken. As that awakening happens, many so-called “problems” like lack of control, agitation, and inner conflict gradually resolve on their own.
So the essence is this:
Rather than only struggling against lower tendencies, focus on awakening higher consciousness. With that, the rest naturally falls into place.
