Temptations in the consciousness are like dust in the carburetor (Gita Daily)

Based on Bhagavad Gita Chapter 02, Text 44

When dust enters into the carburetor of a finely tuned engine, the engine can no longer function optimally. Though the dust initially seems inconsequential, after some time the engine starts malfunctioning ; then we understand that the insignificant dust has caused significant trouble.

Just as dust particles are pervasive in our polluted environment, temptations, especially sensual temptations triggered by lust and greed, are pervasive in our materialistic culture. Therefore, it is almost natural and inevitable that temptations enter and stay in our consciousness — if not in the foreground, then at least in the background. As the temptations offer the prospect of imminent enjoyment, they seem not just harmless, but even pleasantly titillating. However, what seems titillating initially soon becomes tormenting; the hope and the hankering for enjoyment distracts and drains us mentally. This mental tiredness makes us malfunction materially in our worldly responsibilities and especially spiritually in our devotional activities. When we try to fix our consciousness on Krishna while also entertaining temptations of material enjoyment, the Bhagavad-gita (2.44) indicates that we just can’t get any devotional happiness.

Read More – http://www.gitadaily.com/2012/06/08/temptations-in-the-consciousness-are-like-dust-in-the-carburetor/