"True seeking consists in freeing the mind and intelligence from the clutches of kaama and krodha (passion and anger). Servitude to sensory objects will bring in the onslaught of passion and hatred. The whole of spiritual tuition is aimed at gaining inner control and stability.
"As exposure to sensory objects disturbs the mind with attractions and repulsions, spiritual wisdom and absorption in the Self fills the same mind with inspiration, strength and poise. When spiritual insight deepens, the influence of sensory objects in generating kaama and krodha will become weak. The process works not by shunning sensory objects or interactions altogether, but by taking to them abstemiously and building simultaneously the subjective strength through introspection and dispassion. Herein lies the secret of spiritual saadhana."
-- Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha