How do I know I have made more permanent progress towards god?
Any religion or spirituality that is practiced remains for the birth and in next birth if born in a country devoid of that religion – the soul will not make progress. This is the effect of bad karma
Lets say you love pizza or Basundi. You have a hearty meal. 3 months later you suddenly remember that food and you crave it or feel sad you can’t have it due to diabetes than that particular desire has taken a more permanent control over you and the stronghold of Maya over you in this regard is permanent
Thus any sadness or unhappiness is a victory of Maya over you. This continues from body to body.
Not having something is not the same as not desiring it. In India the fakes will not have things but continue to desire it. The yogi has those things but does not desire it
Bhavin