I am The Soul Part 01

SR No.: 006790
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Tarulatabai Mahasati
Publisher: Shri Gujarati Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Association
Total Pages: 468
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 105

I am the Soul
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offer joy or sorrow, they are not equipped for it'. When such a firm belief arises, then the attachment with the inanimate is broken leading to the arousal of the feeling of disenchantment. It is this feeling that draws a jiva to the study of the Self. When it becomes evident that the inanimate do not really offer any happiness, the search for the same is directed towards the Soul. Here you may wonder if such disenchantment ever arises. Of course, it does. It arises in those who are in search of the Soul.
Let me relate an episode from the bygone ages. There was a highly learned Brahman scholar, proficient in the four vedas and numerous treatises. He basked in the vainglory of having subjugated several learned men in debates. He carried the impression that he was unparalleled and prided over the idea. Brothers! This conceit is a dangerous thing. It is a bottomless pit. Man keeps trying to rise above this pride, yet unknown to him it is this pride that keeps drawing him deep into its clutches.
This Brahman would be on the look out for any saint-sage coming his way and would soon go over and question them into subjugation. His questions used to be so perplexing that the other person would be baffled. The Brahman would then gloat over his victory.
Once a great yogi, a learned sage immersed in spiritual knowledge happened to visit this town. He had unravelled the mysteries of the self and used to be content keeping to himself. Our Brahman, as was his habit, reached this sage and began his complex discussions on attachment and detachment. The learned sage was quick to grasp the intent of the former and very politely said, "Oh great Brahman! I am unable to answer your questions. What is detachment? What is sadhana? What is disenchantment? These are subjects that I am not qualified to explain. But if you do care, please go over to King Janaka in Mithila city. He will tell you how a sadhaka (a seeker) goes about the sadhana (the effort, the search).