How to Avoid Vices: The Path of Witnessing, Soul-Awareness, and Paramshanti

The Need to Understand Vices

In the present times, one of the most urgent spiritual questions before humanity is: How do we free ourselves from vices? Lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego, jealousy, fear, and countless subtle tendencies constantly influence the human mind. These vices do not merely affect behavior; they deeply impact our mind, intellect, values, and destiny. True spiritual growth does not begin by suppressing vices but by understanding them clearly—their forms, their sources, and the way they operate within us. When awareness deepens, transformation becomes natural, and Paramshanti begins to manifest in life.

Recognizing the Nature of Vices and Illusions

Vices are not external enemies; they arise from illusion (Maya) and ignorance of our true identity. Though they appear powerful, in reality vices are weak and temporary. They gain strength only when we give them attention, acceptance, and emotional engagement.

Illusions continuously captivate the senses and intellect. If one remains unconscious, the mind begins to identify with these impulses:

---------“I am angry”-----------“I am greedy”----------“I am lustful”---------------“I am attached”

This identification is the root cause of bondage.

The First Step: Becoming a Witness

The most powerful spiritual practice is the practice of witnessing.

To be a witness means:

• I am separate from my mind

• I am separate from my body

• I am separate from my thoughts

• I am the soul, the observer

Thoughts will arise. Emotions will surface. Situations will challenge. This is natural. But when we observe without merging, vices lose their grip. If desire arises and we identify with it, we become desire. If anger arises and we oppose it emotionally, we become anger. But if we see it as separate, it dissolves.

Soul, Mind, and Body: Knowing the Difference

Spiritual freedom begins with clarity of identity.

• The body is made of the five elements.

• The mind generates thoughts influenced by the environment.

• The soul is pure, eternal, conscious, powerful, and free.

The soul is not polluted by vices; only the mind carries impressions. When we mistake the body or mind as “I,” suffering begins. When we stabilize in soul-consciousness, Paramshanti naturally flows.

Why Fighting Vices Doesn’t Work

Many people try to fight or suppress negative thoughts. This only strengthens them.

Vices grow through:

-------Resistance--------Hatred toward oneself-----------Indulgence-----------Repeated focus

Just like hunger increases the more one indulges, desire intensifies when enjoyed mentally. Even opposing a thought with ego gives it energy. The correct approach is non-acceptance without hatred.

The Power of Focus: Where Attention Goes, Energy Flows

Lust, anger, greed, and ego are inherently powerless. They become powerful only when we focus on them.

• Thinking about anger deepens anger.

• Replaying desire strengthens desire.

• Remembering insult fuels ego.

Ignorance magnifies vices. Knowledge dissolves them.

When focus shifts from vices to:

---------Soul awareness-----------Supreme Light------------Higher purpose-------------Paramshanti

The vices automatically weaken and disappear.

True Knowledge: Remembering Our Divine Identity

The most transformative realization is this:

I am not ordinary. I am an elevated soul. Scriptures like the Gita repeatedly remind us that the soul is imperishable, divine, and powerful. We are children of the Supreme, not slaves of desire. The wise contemplate the Creator. The ignorant chase creation and pleasure. The difference between freedom and bondage lies in where consciousness rests.

Tolerance, Endurance, and Karma Settlement

Many emotional storms are actually old karmic accounts settling. Pain, insult, loss, and frustration are not punishments; they are clearances. Anger is temporary. Pain is temporary. Situations are temporary. If one endures with awareness, the karmic knot dissolves. Tolerance increases soul power. Paramshanti deepens.

Life as a Drama: The Detached Perspective

Life is like a movie. Scenes change. Characters enter and exit. Those who forget this suffer. Those who remember remain peaceful.

The wise observe:

------Pleasure and pain equally-------Praise and insult calmly---------Gain and loss neutrally

This detached witnessing is the mark of true awakening.

Choosing the Right Company and Direction

Not everyone walks the same path. Some are deeply attached to illusion, pleasure, and ego. They may mock spirituality or tempt others. Such souls are not enemies—they are simply at a different stage. A true companion is one who resonates with your inner height. Avoid bad company without hatred. Move forward with clarity and compassion.

Victory and Defeat Begin in the Mind

Victory is decided in the mind. Defeat is decided in the mind. But liberation happens beyond the mind, in the soul. Do not consider yourself weak. The soul carries infinite strength. The moment you recognize this, Maya loses authority.

Awakening of Souls and Collective Transformation

Humanity is slowly awakening. Souls are remembering their divine origin. As individuals detach from illusion, a collective transformation begins.

When the soul awakens:

• Desires lose charm

• Fear dissolves

• Peace becomes natural

• Paramshanti spreads into the environment

This awakening is not escapism; it is true responsibility toward world welfare.

Conclusion: Living in Paramshanti

To avoid vices:

• Identify them without fear

• Observe them without attachment

• Withdraw focus without suppression

• Remember the soul without doubt

Vices are temporary. Maya is weak. The soul is eternal. When consciousness stabilizes in the soul, Paramshanti (Supreme Peace) becomes the natural state of being. This is not theory. This is lived truth.