Should We indulge in Worldly Affairs?

The Bhagavad-Gita is a handy guide book to take us step by step to kaivalya.  Here, the first doctrine enunciated is work, action, karma. None can keep quiet without doing any work. So, one has to work and this includes eating, drinking, breathing and earn a livelihood. This may or may not include your indulgences in marriage, family, society and national interests! However, whatever one does attracts results of action, karma phala. These will be the seeds for the next lives and one has to be careful about this. In fact, Blessed Lord reveals the secret as to how to get rid of these karmakleshas. He says, "Do whatever you like, but do it in my name and offer it to Me. Say, 'Krishnarpanamastu'!" This will absolve the doer of action from being afflicted by karma kleshas."

   Second doctrine is that of Yoga which enables one to concentrate and contemplate. Method of performing yoga is also explained in the Gita. Yoga will also help to transcend time, space, and causality. Yogins can stay unperturbed under all grave provocations and thereby be always happy and peaceful. The doctrines of bhakti (devotion), jnyana (Knowledge), and dhyana (concentration on the higher self) are given as the essential steps to attain liberation. When one exhausts all these and fails to attain salvation, the doctrine of self-surrender, sharanagatim principle is advised. This will certainly bring total solace and eternal joy and happiness since the self or the ego is erased and the devotee rests peacefully with the Bhagavan. This Bhagavan is none else but the Self, the Atman, who breathes and holds us day and night till our body deteriorates to the point of stopping breathing! This state of being with one's self is really the ultimate one can expect in this world. 

   Hence, the question is whether one should go on in an endless search for happiness indulging in sensuous life and suffer dualities? Yes and No. This depends on the age factor. One can enjoy as long as one is not aware of the true nature of the world. Once the true nature of the  transient world is realized nobody will go after it. One should realize the self before one leaves one's last breath.
  There is another problem with the jiva indulging in worldly affairs. It is the fickle mind that keeps him busy with the external world. It is, first, to go out to  get food and then seek recreation. Most of the time we spend time in matters that do not concern us, at all!  Since mind has no intelligence, it acts foolish and the person fails to use the intelligence bestowed to it. May be some are unaware of it, or may be, do not have it at all due to early stage of evolution? However, this problem can be solved by taking recourse to yoga and silence. There is no meaning worrying about anything and foolishly seeking pleasure and happiness from people and things outside. One who is established in one's self is the happiest since the self is the fountain of happiness.