Whether we are talking, eating, listening whatever we are doing, the reason we are here in this world is to study ourselves. We study ourselves to find out how vast and uncomplicated our minds really are. We can only find this unbiased truth by our own direct experiences.
Do not pretend you are anyone but yourself, there is no need to feel insecure in your perceptions. Through self-cultivation undertake to perfect who you are, there is no need to try to become someone other than who you are. Accept yourself with your sad and happy moments accept them all.
Dissolve all ties to the gross worldly realm of duality, conflict and dogma. Learn to value what is important today in the subtle realm, rather than what appears to be desirable tomorrow in the worldly realm. You can do this by living a virtuous, selfless life and being of service to all.
If you want external influences not to affect you, be aware of them and have an open mind. First, by overcoming your own self-importance; if the self is not overcome, one cannot remove the past conditioning of the self. Having awareness and an open mind reverses the course of past conditioning.
Quote: I pursue the spiritual because it gives me tremendous satisfaction.