Way of Life Part 3

SR No.: 006515
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 348
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 18 MB

Page 14

THE WAY OF LIFE
attachment for those objects; but that attachment should not be deep or strong. The absence of a deep attachment is possible only when the inner enemies have been conquered and discarded. At least, a little victory should be attained over the inner enemies. Only that man, who attains at least, a little victory over the inner enemies can attain control over his senses; and attain liberation from the strong and deep attachment for worldly objects. The man who cannot attain a victory over the inner enemies; or who does not desire to attain a victory over the inner enemies, can never attain a victory over his senses. Without a victory over the senses, one cannot carry on the pilgrimage on the path of Moksha. Without a victory over the senses, one cannot carry out one's spiritual activities rightly. Felicity cannot be attained without spiritual endeavours; serenity cannot be attained without spiritual endeavours.
RECOGNISE YOUR INNER ENEMIES AND DISCARD THEM
That is why I exhort you to recognize and discard your inner enemies; otherwise, you will be deceiving yourself. I suppose you know what happens to those who consider their enemies to be their friends; and repose trust in them. An avaricious person cannot properly distinguish friends from foes. He commits the blunder of mistaking friends for foes; and foes for friends. Avarice itself is an enemy. It is an inner enemy. This enemy carries out the task of impelling the jivatma to become steeped in illusions. Avarice has several other names such as greed, cupidity, stupidity, attachment and acquisitiveness,
One should not be excessively avaricious. A man who is excessively avaricious can never exercise a control over his senses. The lack of control over the senses is the root-cause of all sins. The absence of control over the senses is the rootcause of spiritual ruin.
If Ravana had not desired the company of Sita, the wife of Sri Rama, he would not have faced such a total ruin. If Hitler had not desired to conquer Russia, he would not have suffered such a total ruin. Realize well the cases of Hitler and Ravana who were men of overleaping ambitions. Let us talk of our
-