________________
Istopadeśa – The Golden Discourse
यो यत्र निवसन्नास्ते स तत्र कुरुते रतिम् । यो यत्र रमते तस्मादन्यत्र स न गच्छति ॥
(43)
Wherever the man sets his abode, he gets attached to the place and thereafter does not wish to go elsewhere.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Typically, the man gets attached to his place of residence and does not entertain the idea of leaving it. The same is true of the Yogi who, having experienced the joy of self-realization, does not wish to go back to worldly pursuits. Having acquired right faith, he regards all external objects as alien and does not wish for the company of these objects. Fixed in non-attachment, he knows the sweet-bitter taste of fruition of karmas but remains a non-enjoyer. He does not desire virtue or merit, food or drink, family or friends. There is neither attachment nor aversion towards the objects of the environment.
The Yogi directs all his efforts towards increasing the purity of meditation, thereby reaching a step nearer the goal of selfrealization. He practises austerities, acquires knowledge of the Scripture, and observes vows, with a view to reaching that state of real meditation. Austerities, external and internal, are the means of stopping the influx of new karmas and the destruction of existing karmas. Study of the intricate nature of reality on the authority of Lord Jina is essential for bringing home the truth of the worldly
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. . . 110
