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DISCOURSE XXIII
RESOLUTIONS OF SOUL
(Adhyavasāyas)
Gentlemen!
We are proceeding on and on with the subject of 'Karma' and making you conversant with the technical terms of Karma. Today we would like to introduce to you the term 'Adhyavasaya' frequently used in the literature on 'Karma'.
MEANING OF ADHYAVASAYA
A man of literature would explain this word as 'endeavour, labour, zeal' etc. A philosopher would mean something else. A logician would mean'conclusion'. A Vedanti would mean ‘nature of mind'. Sankhyas would mean 'inclination or knowledge, but the Jains use this term to mean 'resolutions of the soul'. Adhyavasāya means ‘resolutions of the soul.'
IMPORTANCE OF THIS RESOLUTION
Thoughts, feelings and desires depend upon the resolution of the soul. Thus it is very important for the development of life. If these resolutions are healthy, life becomes ideal and if they are debased, life becomes rotten. They are responsible for the rise and downfall. Bear in mind this fact properly. Let us convince you on this matter by narrating the tale of Rajarshi Prasannachandra.
RAJARSHI PRASANNACHANDRA
Once upon a time Lord Mahavira, the saviour of all the three worlds, adorable to all, the last prophet made his holy arrival in the park outside the city of Rajagruhi. He was accompanied by a large band of ascetics learned monks and also those who engaged in meditations. This band included Rajarshi Prasannachandra who practised meditation. Mostly he spent most of his time in meditations. He fixed up a place at the other end of the
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