Introduction: The Struggle of Desires in Spiritual Life
One of the biggest challenges in the spiritual journey is overcoming vasana—deep-rooted worldly desires that bind the soul (jiva) to material existence.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan, in His divine discourses, emphasized:
“Renouncing desires is the greatest of all spiritual endeavors.”
While many focus on rituals and religious knowledge, true spiritual growth comes from detachment from material pleasures and focusing on Bhagwan. This article provides practical strategies to eliminate vāsanā, strengthen devotion, and progress toward moksha (liberation).
What is Vasana? Understanding the Root of Desires
Definition of Vasana
Vasana refers to subtle mental impressions and cravings that develop through repeated indulgence in:
- Shabda (Sound) – Music, speech, external distractions
- Sparsha (Touch) – Comfort, physical sensations
- Rupa (Sight) – Material beauty, movies, digital distractions
- Rasa (Taste) – Cravings for food, unhealthy habits
- Gandha (Smell) – Attraction to fragrances, luxury items
These sensory experiences create attachments, making it difficult to focus on spiritual progress.
Why is Overcoming Desires So Difficult?
- The mind constantly chases pleasure, making detachment challenging.
- Forceful suppression of desires leads to inner conflict.
- Without self-awareness, one may fall back into old habits.
“If one finds joy in both spiritual discourses and material pleasures, their devotion remains divided.”
— Bhagwan Swaminarayan
To truly progress, we must evaluate our attachment:
✅ Do I desire Bhagwan more than I desire material pleasures?
✅ Are my daily habits aligned with my spiritual goals?
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Vasana
1. Self-Diagnosis: Measure Your Attachment to Desires
Before removing vāsanā, assess your level of attachment:
- How often do I think about material pleasures?
- Do my senses control me, or do I control my senses?
- When I miss a worldly pleasure, do I feel disturbed?
➡️ Keep a Daily Journal: Track how often your mind wanders toward material indulgences vs. spiritual focus.
2. The 1% Rule: Gradual Reduction of Desires
Rather than suddenly giving up everything, Bhagwan Swaminarayan advised a step-by-step approach to removing vāsanā.
| Habit | Gradual Reduction Plan (1% Rule) |
| Eating outside weekly | Reduce from 4 times a month to 3, then 2, then 1, then stop. |
| Watching TV/Phone | Reduce screen time by 10 minutes per day. |
| Unnecessary gossip | Replace with spiritual discussions (satsang). |
➡️ Action Tip: Reduce one material attachment by just 1% each day, and over time, desires will naturally dissolve.
3. Redirect Your Desires Toward Bhagwan
Instead of completely eliminating desires, Bhagwan Swaminarayan taught to shift them toward God:
✅ Instead of craving taste → Offer food to Bhagwan and eat with gratitude.
✅ Instead of enjoying movies → Engage in kirtan, bhajans, and satsang.
✅ Instead of seeking fame → Perform selfless service (seva).
| Spiritual Habit | Example |
| Meditation & Prayer | Set daily time for devotion. |
| Physical Discipline | Perform 5 dandvat pranām daily. |
| Diet Control | Eat sattvik food, avoid unhealthy indulgence. |
➡️ Action Tip: Replace one worldly habit with a spiritual habit each week.
4. Follow Niyam (Spiritual Disciplines) to Strengthen Control
Bhagwan Swaminarayan established niyam (rules) to help devotees overcome desires:
✅ Strict vegetarian diet – Avoid excessive indulgence in taste.
✅ Regulated speech – Avoid gossip, unnecessary discussions.
✅ Limited sensory exposure – Reduce attachment to digital distractions.
➡️ Action Tip: Write down 3 niyam you will follow daily to overcome vāsanā.
The Role of Satsang: Why Your Company Matters
Bhagwan Swaminarayan emphasized that spiritual company (satsang) determines spiritual growth:
| Type of Company | Effect |
| Kusang (Bad Company) | Increases attachment to material pleasures. |
| Satsang (Good Company) | Strengthens self-discipline and devotion. |
🔥 “Just as fire melts iron, association with Nirvasanik Santos burns away desires.” 🔥
➡️ Action Tip: Spend at least 30 minutes daily in satsang, reading scriptures, or listening to Santos .
How to Know You Have Overcome Desires? (Self-Assessment)
✅ No attraction to temptations – Worldly pleasures seem unimportant.
✅ Discipline in all situations – Even in comfort, you remain detached.
✅ Uninterrupted devotion – Nothing disturbs your connection with Bhagwan.
➡️ Final Test: Imagine losing all wealth, fame, and comforts.
Would you still feel content in Bhagwan’s presence? If yes, you are on the path to true liberation.
Final Step: Attaining Spiritual Liberation
Bhagwan Swaminarayan prescribed a balanced spiritual approach:
1. Increase Devotion Gradually
💡 Set small, consistent habits of prayer, reflection, and seva.
2. Reduce Indulgence Wisely
💡 Do not force extreme renunciation. Let it happen naturally over time.
3. Seek the Company of Santos
💡 Their wisdom helps in overcoming inner obstacles effortlessly.
✅ “When one reaches a state where desires no longer dictate actions, the soul naturally merges with Bhagwan.”
Conclusion: The Journey to Becoming Nirvasanik
Overcoming vasana is not about forceful suppression, but gradual transformation through:
✅ Self-Assessment – Recognizing attachment to material pleasures.
✅ 1% Daily Improvement – Small, consistent habit changes.
✅ Redirecting Desires – Replacing material pleasure with devotion.
✅ Spiritual Disciplines (Niyam) – Regulating senses and mind.
✅ Satsang With Santos – Learning detachment from realized souls.By applying these principles consistently, one moves closer to becoming nirvasanik—a state of true spiritual liberation and eternal bliss in Akshardham.