Why is realization so tough?
Question
Namaste
Even when we come to know that we are atman,ever free,ever pure,why do we lust after material things?
I am asking this because I have tried everything to keep up my brahmacharya but have always failed...please tell me why don't we identify ourselves with pure atman even after getting to know?
Answer
Someone tells you that fire burns and you know the same. However, until you are burnt by fire, there is no realization. There is no direct experience. Similarly, you know you are the Atman after having read some material. But you have not realized it and hence the ignorance. There is not yet direct experience. So you continue in the realm of ignorance. This is why one should apply honest Sadhana and persevere till the self is irreversibly realized.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)