When we realize that we do not have full command of our own will—when we wish to do something but our will fails to support us—we should first examine the situation to understand the cause.

We will discover that the culprits are fragments of our historical, transient personality, which coalesce to form "complexes" that take on various, often painful, shapes. By clustering together, these complexes can gain a degree of volitional dominance over the central "I" of the personality.

It requires knowledge, wisdom, and compassion to view these psychic entities as if they were the crew of a ship, with ourselves as their captain. To prevent squabbles or mutinies, the captain must guide and keep watch over the crew, recognizing their demands and understanding their needs. Once these are understood, the captain can intervene to rectify situations, redress injustices, or clear up misunderstandings—perhaps even sharing a laugh about them.

Achieving this requires the right disposition and a willingness to engage as if in a delightful game—a game that, when taken seriously (much as children take their own play), can ultimately be a source of joy. This is spiritual realization.

Those who believe that the path consists of self-torture, weeping, fasting, or constant lamentation have failed to grasp its true meaning. They have lost their way; instead of following the path pointed out by the Masters who came before them, they have wandered into a thicket of thorns—from which they will emerge only with great pain.

Matsya Avatara Das