A cyber cadet in Queensland Australia is questioning the ways of Western materialism an wonders where to turn. Gurudeva cautions against renouncing the world too soon. He says the first thing is to have a clear intellectual philosophical foundation, and, of course, the perfect place to begin is with Dancing with Siva and Merging with Siva.

Unedited Transcript:

A question from Queensland in Australia wondering what life is all about and materialism of the West, beginning to see through all that. Wondering about the monastic path or the family path. Something that satisfies this wonderful individual soul who wrote to us on e-mail.

You explained in your e-mail that you now are able to better see through the illusion of the materialism of the West, which is especially strong this side of the planet. But I'd like you to know the far East is fast catching up with the West in the illusions and materialism and you're feeling that you have renounced the world and now don't know what to do. It's a little soon to renounce the world because if you do the world will renounce you and you will really be in a brand new quandary. The first thing is to have a clear intellectual, philosophical foundation and some sort of Yoga practice under the direction of someone you have faith in. To start with read and study Dancing with Siva, Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism. Then move on to Merging with Siva, Hinduism's Contemporary Metaphysics, 365 daily lessons. This will put you on the right track and you will have the right perspective of inner and outer life.