Is there a choice? Our lives would become a constant rollercoaster if we opt to reside in either of the other two houses—the House of Pleasure or the House of Struggle. It’s essential to give ourselves a break! Let’s examine the three options available to us:

1. House of Pleasure – The allure and pitfalls of sensory gratification.
2. House of Problem Solving – The challenges and setbacks we encounter.
3. House of Peace – Home State – The benefits of dwelling in the Heart Space.

To clarify, it is only natural to seek gratification of our senses. Additionally, it is reasonable to expect that we will face struggles throughout our lives; from our ‘womb to the tomb’, struggle is an inherent part of existence in this material world. However, in this section of the book, we propose dedicating daily time and energy to the surrender zone—the Heart Space. By spending some time each day in our Home State, we ensure our effectiveness as human beings and cultivate a sense of inner contentment.

1. Sense gratification in the House of Pleasure

“Persons who are actually intelligent and philosophically inclined should endeavour only for that purposeful end which is not obtainable even by wandering from the topmost planet down to the lowest planet. As far as happiness derived from sense enjoyment is concerned, it can be obtained automatically in course of time, just as in course of time we obtain miseries even though we do not desire them.” – Shrimad Bhagavatam (1.5.18)

When we seek to satisfy our senses, our goal is to increase pleasure and reduce pain. However, life is not simply about experiencing constant pleasure. Pleasure and pain are two sides of the same coin in this material world. In fact, there is a pervasive law of pleasure in this world, similar to the law of gravitation. This law states that everything we enjoy in this world will eventually bring equal or greater suffering.

Let’s take a moment to consider our own bodies. Reflect on the different ways our bodies can bring us happiness. Write them down. Now, let’s also acknowledge the various diseases and discomfort that our bodies can inflict upon us. Compare the two lists. Can you see the stark difference? The reality is that our bodies age, become vulnerable to diseases, and eventually meet the inevitable fate of death, regardless of their initial beauty.

Now, let’s address the question of when suffering begins. Some argue that discussions about spiritual life and death should be reserved for advanced age, while youth is a time for enjoyment and celebration. However, upon closer examination, we realize that suffering begins right from the moment of birth. Consider the number of paediatricians who have dedicated their lives to the care of infants and children. The existence of specialized medical care for children dates back to the fifth century BC, as evident in ancient Ayurvedic texts and Greek writings from the first to fourth century AD, which discuss specific childhood illnesses. It is a sobering reality that people have suffered since time immemorial, and this suffering begins right from birth. In fact, the third canto of Shrimad Bhagavatam explores the plight of a child in the womb of its mother. It is rare to find a child emerging from the mother’s womb with a smile or laughter; instead, every child enters this world crying out in pain.

To be continued….