________________
312
THE WAY OF LIFE
call themselves Yogis, Dhyanis, etc. Some have also become gods (Bhagwans).
Let them become what they want to become freely but you be careful and cautious about such people. Some people start Yogashramas where spiritual exercises are taught with the purpose of earning money. Such Yogashramas are being started. Some people start a training camp for meditation only in order to propagate their own religion or creed. Some people indulge in hypocrisy under the name of spiritual pursuits. Only external show and exhibitionism! Do not get confused or enticed by the attractive advertisements that appear in newspapers. All these things are going on in addition to a total negligence of the ordinary principles. When man cannot be human how can he become a Yogi ? How can he become a Dhyani ? First of all, it is essential that man should become human. It is necessary to make your way of life noble and ethically excellent.
From the Audience: A certain Bhagwan Shri who calls himself a God speaks of "Non-gradual methods” (Akram Vignana) of attaining moksha ignoring this gradual and methodical way of attaining spiritual development. He says the "Non-gradual method" is the best way to attain moksha directly.
Maharajashri : You ask such Bhagwans how many have reached Moksha by that method. That Bhagwan who prohibits the methodical and gradual endeavours observes the principle of gradual and orderly methods with respect to the maintenance of physical health. In his wanderings from place to place, he observes the principle of gradual and orderly endeavour. In all the activities of his worldly life, we find method and order but we see disorderliness (Akrama) or the absence of gradual endeavour in respect of the attainment of salvation. The Bhagwan makes all those who go to him touch his feet but he is an ordinary householder. Sometimes, he even uses abusive language. Even in his book, we find abusive language.
In our Dharmagranthas, we come across the stories of some people who were dacoits and who became sadhus; but in their present life they carried out no systematic spiritual endeavours
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org