Radanath Swami Question: Why are we attracted to certain things even though we know they are unfavorable for our spiritual life?
Radhanath Swami Answers: It is due to our conditioning in previous lives that we have a particular type of consciousness. The scriptures say there are eight million four hundred thousand species of life that exist in the universe. Each one has its own particular likings and dislikings. Therefore, according to our previous conditionings and our past good or bad deeds we are conditioned to enjoy in different kinds of activities in this life.
We have to overcome our previous bad conditionings through our god-given intelligence and through associating with pure minded people. The Puranas tell the story of a hunter named Mrugari who would find the greatest pleasure in seeing half-dead animals suffering. But later, through the association of the saint Narada Muni, he was transformed to such an extent that he would be careful not to step on ants while walking.
