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Chapter 1: Background
32
માનાદિક શત્રુ મહા, નિજ છેદે ન મરાય; જાતાં સદ્ગુરુ શરણમાં, અલ્પ પ્રયાસે જાય.
119 CIL
Mänädik Shatru Maha, Nij Chhande Na Maräy; Jätä Sadguru Sharanamän, Alpa Prayäse Jäy.
Mighty foes like egotism cannot be destroyed by one's own indulgence; they can be overcome with little effort
by surrendering to a true Guru.
Explanation & Discussion:
In Jain terminology, the passionate instincts are called Kashäy. Krodh meaning anger, Män meaning ego, Mäyä meaning deception, and Lobh meaning greed are the four main types of Kashäy, which need to be overcome by spiritual aspirants. However, it is the experience of those who have tried to overcome them, that it is very hard to do so. Those passions are therefore termed here as mighty foes. In Vaidic terminology, the passions are actually termed as Ripu, meaning enemies. That tradition lays down sexual instinct, anger, delusion, greed, ego and jealousy as the six enemies of spiritual aspirants. Those enemies are so strong that it would not be possible to overcome them by one's own efforts. It is therefore necessary to seek help. This stanza states that such help can come forth from a true
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