If you are a spiritual seeker, you have likely felt it: that constant pull between two worlds. One moment you are drawn towards the divine and the next, the material world quietly calls you back. This inner oscillation never truly stops.
In a way, you are safe until you taste real spiritual experience. Because awareness carries it’s own weight. But the moment even a single drop of genuine spiritual awareness touches you, everything changes. That is when the real Tug of War begins: between your Soul and your Karma.
Here is the truth about that Tug-of-war: The material side, what we call Shrishti, never needs your effort. It is the natural, automatic pull of karmic longing. You don't have to choose it, fight for it or even invite it. It simply pulls you, effortlessly, like gravity.
The spiritual side, however, requires a conscious choice. You have to deliberately walk to the other end and pull the rope. It demands intention, perseverance and an honest thirst to see beyond what the eyes can see.
But here is the beautiful part: You are never tugging alone.
The moment the Divine observes your sincerity, your willingness and your longing to go beyond, He quietly walks over and holds the rope alongside you. You just have to start pulling.
And this game goes on and on for lifetimes until you eternally dissolve into the Divine song of silence (aka Enlightenment), far beyond the noise of karmic longings.
— SCD Balaji
