Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

SR No.: 023322
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Vijaylakshmansuri, Ghanshyam Joshi, Kirtivijay Gani
Publisher: Mohanlal D Mehta
Publication Year: 1963
Total Pages: 568
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 39 MB

Page 39

16
PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
You manage your worldly affairs under the notion, "I" means my physical self" and remain engrossed in the preservation of your physical self. This preservation and protection of your physical self does not inspire you with any spiritual concept nor procure any leisure for you to observe religious rites. But just see. to what plight one is reduced when one leads such a life.
MAHESHVARA DATTA
There was a city named Vijaypur. A kshatriya named Maheshvaradatta resided in that city. His wife was Gangila. The parents of Maheshvaradatta were old and were capable of spending the time in devotion of God and in religious rites, if they so desired; but they were not inclined at all to devote their time in such manner. How can one be inclined to devotion of God or such religious activities if one has spent one's life in worldly affairs? Casual visit to a saint or attending religious discourses or observance of some religious vow creates greater interest in such practice at a later stage in life and thereby one can improve one's life, but the parents of Maheshvaradatta never called upon any saint. They were fully engrossed in their worldly affairs.
Maheshvaradatta also lived the same type of life from morning till night and maintained his family. The family food was nonvegetarian and even wine was consumed. How can we expect discrimination of proper and improper diet when there is absence of religious atmosphere. Today also people hardly care for propriety or impropriety in diet because religious atmosphere is absent. The wise people know that the flesh eaters and consumers of wine secure hell and have to undergo unbearable tortures there.
Once upon a time, Maheshvaradatt's father was ill. Despite best medical treatment he did not recover. Medicines help only when longevity helps. When he found that his days were numbered he worried thus, "What about my wife? My son, my family and my cattles brought up with great affection?" He was much worried and uneasy. Maheshvaradatta saw this and asked, "Father, let me know anything you desire. I shall fulfil it. You do not worry at all." The father replied, "Son, you are very wise and diligent, so you will maintain your family quite well, still times are very critical and so spend money carefully. Look after