Key of Knowledge

SR No.: 006702
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown
Publication Year: 1919
Total Pages: 1204
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 25 MB

Page 850

RE-INCARNATION,
829
evolved out humane tendencies are on the high road to get a human form. Let man take a lesson from animals; they are at least honest.
Terrible as the law of karma is in its effect as the instrument of punishment, it can nevertheless be made to remove the evil, not only of the present life, but, also, of all the past lives, and that in the course of a single earthlife, if one only applies oneself to attain emancipation with one's whole heart. But this is possible only by giving up all kinds of worldly activities and by becoming absolutely desireless.
The subject, strictly speaking, belongs to the next chapter, but it may be said here that ahimsa is the first great requisite without which no real progress whatsoever can be made on the spiritual path.
Obviously, the means employed to achieve an end must be commensurate with the aim in view. Here the aim is to manifest the hidden condition of bliss, which includes freedom from pain and a prevention of its recurrence. Our want of happiness is due to our desires which, if they remain unsatisfied, create worry, and, if satisfied, a deeper and stronger longing for the objects of enjoyment. Desire, therefore, is the root of all evil. The principal form of austerity, therefore, should consist in a firm determination to be desireless; one should take what is called a vow to that effect, and exert one's will persistently to adhere to it. There should be no desire for the enjoyment of the palate, the eye, the ear, and the like. One should practise ahimsa every day of one's life. Ahimsa means not injuring others. Since we injure others only to satisfy our desires, desirelessness must