Try to recall how you feel when someone praises you, glorifies you and applauds to you. Compare that feeling with the emotional state when you admire the sunrise or the sunset, when you receive positive emotions while looking at a wonderful landscape, when you watch a nice movie, or read an interesting book.
Now compare the second feeling with the first one, the one when you were being glorified. You should realize that the first type of feeling emerges from self-glorification, self-praising. It is a secular feeling. The second arises from self-realization. This is a spiritual feeling.
Another contrast: try to recall what you feel when you succeed in something, reach your goal, win a game or a bet, become the best of the best. Now compare it with the joy you feel when you plunge into your favorite work, a work in which you put all your efforts and knowledge. Try to see the difference between the secular and the spiritual.
One more difference. Imagine as if you have power, a high/ranking position. You look down on everyone, and your subordinates fulfill your instructions. Imagine that you have great popularity and glory. Now compare that feeling with the feeling when you meet with your friends or relatives, where you enjoy each of the moment of joy and laughter.
Comparing it all, try to understand the true motives of secular feelings: arrogance and ambition. Those are unnatural. These feelings are born within the society and are there to keep you under control. Unlike admiring the beauty of nature, meeting with friends and enjoying the pleasure of work, these feelings do not make one truly happy: they cause nervousness, anxiety and emptiness.
Now, for a day or a week, try to pay attention and remember which of your actions are not “polluted” with the thirst for that nervousness, for the desire to feel these empty emotions, to attract attention, to be popular, to succeed, and to have power.
Anthony de Mello (1931-1987) Catholic priest
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
