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Chapter 12: Guru's Explanation of the Soul Bearing the Consequences
152.
One becomes a king and another a pauper; such differences cannot occur without cause; that indicates bearing the consequences of
wholesome and unwholesome Karma.
- 84
Explanation & Discussion:
There are innumerable living beings in the world, but they are not identical. When we see insects like ants, or birds like crows, we tend to think that those of the same flock are identical, but they are not. All crows, for instance, look alike; but that impression arises because we get only a fleeting image and do not have the opportunity to observe them properly. If we examine closely, it could be seen that no crow is exactly similar to another.
This becomes clear when we observe the domesticated animals like cows or horses. In case of human beings, that becomes even more obvious. No person looks exactly similar to any one else. They differ in height, complexion, strength, facial features, etc. Even the functioning of their minds is different. One's concepts, sentiments, emotions, aspirations, etc. are bound to be different from those of others.
Even their intelligence and spiritual inclinations are different. Iftwo persons pray to the same deity at the same time, the mode and depth of their devotion would be different. If they simultaneously undertake Samayik, one can gain equanimity quicker than the other; he may dwell therein deeper and longer than the other. Moreover, the level of equanimity in the same person also varies from time to time. Sometimes he gains it easily, while on another occasion he fails to gain it in spite of repeated efforts.
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