________________
ASPIRANT'S GUIDE agencies can possibly interfere; no one can hide it from one's true self, Atma.
Now looking from the other angle, it is difficult to acquire because in the normal course, the desire for attaining truth and its preparation usually arise in later years of life.
As the Sadhaka has remained acquainted throughout the early years of life with false and perverse beliefs and practices, it becomes difficult for him to accomplish and accommodate different beliefs and practices. Just as it is difficult to prepare the background of any new activity, so is also the case in the practice (Sadhana) of detachment.
. However one has to face and get over the evil effects of the psychic influences of countless previous births and has to implant new psychic effects of "Sat" (truth) and "Atma" (soul) during the newly acquired mode of life. This, indeed, is not easy.
Three stages of the success of detachment may be recognized from the aspirant's point of view. 1. DETACHMENT IN THE STATE OF ONE STRIVING FOR LIBERATION
Just as the Sadhaka who has acquired knowledge of the self, travels on the path of liberation, the same way one who desires liberation also travels on the path of liberation with the help from true saints. He regularly propitiates right faith.
He can accelerate his pace of progress on the path of liberation when he remains in association with an inspiring and highly enlightened preceptor. In this association, he is induced to practice non-attachment, remains active and be regular in devotion and self-study. He subdues his miserliness and enhances his divine love for gods, spiritual masters, and religion. Such a Sadhaka spends more time in the company of the noble and the virtuous aspirants. He spends less time at his job, business, family and bodily requirements.
Furthermore, by developing moderation, contentment, simplicity, impartiality, humility, the practice of equal regard for all life, love and acknowledgement of virtues, regular food-habits, and allied virtues in life, he contemplates deeply on sublime teachings and practices the discrimination of the self and the non-self and thus tries to establish himself in a state of self-repose
72
SADHAK-SATHI
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org