Of course, even pure desires are a bond. But they are not hindrances, however many they may be. A thorn is removed by another thorn and both are thrown out afterwards, is it not? So also, when impure Vasanas are overcome through the influence of pure Vasanas, one has to outgrow both. This means that even the purest of Vasanas, the craving for Moksha or Liberation, has to disappear in time. Only then can You become That. A shackle is a shackle, whether it be of iron or gold. One has to be free from both. That is to say, one should attain a stage when neither good nor bad will attract or repel.

Any one aiming at the realisation of God should practise the diminishing of impulses, the curbing of the mind and the understanding of the fundamental principle. Not one of these is enough for Moksha. In the Jivanmuktha, impulses persist, but as fried seeds only. They will not cause further births. See, the subtle body is the Ajnani, the seat of Ignorance. It is saturated with impulses and traditions and experiences. The Atma is free from all these. It is ever pure. It belongs to neither sex, has no mind, no senses, no form. Not only that; it has no Prana, even! It cannot be said to be alive or dead. How can contemplation on such an Atma be anything other than pure? How can light and darkness co-exist? How can purity and impurity co-exist?

Of all the workshops in the world, the workshop of the body is the most wonderful, because it is the tabernacle of the Lord. In such a factory, the impulses are sublimated into vows, the impurities are weeded out, beneficent desires are shaped and good imaginings are brought about. The main aim is the uprooting of impulse, though this is a difficult task.

Mountains can be swept away sooner than these deeprooted Vasanas. But with will-power and zest, supported by faith, they can be overcome in a short time. Only, do not give up your determination and faith whatever the loss, hardship or obstacle. Remember, the Vasanas overpower you and keep you down as their slave. Opium and Brandy enslave you and hold you in their full grip only for some time: but Vasanas grip you for a whole lifetime! The entire meaning and purpose of Dhyanam is to attain freedom from these mighty and manifold Vasanas.