whole process can be accomplished instantaneously. Besides being rapid the process is
really very easy provided we are in dead earnest. While ‘holding’ requires force and
effort ‘letting go’ does not require any force or effort and can be brought about by
merely a change of attitude.
The real trouble with most aspirants is that the degree of earnestness is very
feeble and there is not sufficient pressure of will to break down all the hindrances and
difficulties which stand in their way. Weaknesses and desires which would simply fade
away in an atmosphere of earnestness and realistic approach to the problems of life
continue to keep them in bondage, year after year, life after life, because a sufficiently
earnest desire for reaching the objective is absent. That is why intensity of desire is a
sine qua non of rapid progress on the path of Yoga and there is no limit to the extent to
which the time taken for reaching the goal can be reduced. In fact, Self-realization can
be instantaneous if the intensity and earnestness of desire is correspondingly great but
it is a big ‘if’. Usually, the intensity of desire increases gradually with one's progress
and it is only when the aspirant is almost nearing his goal that it attains the required
tempo.
It is, however, necessary to mention that this desire to find one's Self is not de-
sire in the ordinary sense and we use the same words in this way for lack of better
terms to express our ideas. It has more the quality of indomitable will, that intense
concentration of purpose before which all obstacles and difficulties gradually melt
away. It is because this Mumuksutva is sometimes reflected in the emotional field of
our consciousness and there produces an intense longing for the realization of our aim
that there is some justification for calling it a desire.
(on account of being) mild; soft medium; mode-rate(and) intense or powerful from it; after that also; even gradation; dif-
ferentiation; distinction.
- A further differentiation (arises) by reason of the mild, medium and in-
tense (nature of means employed).