The search for fulfilling yourself is always on – whether you search inside or outside is a matter of choice. If, in your view, life is about experiencing whatever the world has to offer, then you will look outside and so will your life be. If, in your view, life is about experiencing the Advaita(Oneness) in everything then you will look inside. You would choose to look outside if you think that the world is “out” there waiting to be experienced – this is living in duality. You would choose to look inside when you think that the world is “in” here – this is living in singularity or Oneness or Advaita. Whether you look inside or outside doesn’t make a difference to the Absolute / Truth, it does however make a world of a difference to you and how you lead/experience life.
If you choose to look outside then living by a moral/ethical framework is essential for your own well being and that of the society you live in – that is what religion & politics tries to achieve but fails since there are so many people who don’t want to conform to a moral/ethical code of living – its considered boring. Instead a life filled with indulgence of sensual pleasures, greed, self importance, adventure seems much more exciting but is not sustainable in the long run since the world of duality works on a simple principle of karma – you will reap what you sow. Then comes the tough choice of choosing the boring lifestyle over the interesting one. Some are able to transform, whilst some succumb to the “interesting lifestyle” and pass away in indulgence.
For those seeking Advaita – the story starts by closing your eyes which is a metaphorical way of drawing your senses inwards instead of outwards. In a society that is primarily looking outwards for fulfilment, it is difficult to turn away from the practices upheld by the society but it’s not impossible, if your will is strong enough.
We all are born with equal possibilities – which ones we choose to represent our life makes all the difference…
Bodhisattva 