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(240)
The greatness of this pure religion, which is supremely beneficial, removes suffering and brings happiness, resides in the heart of the seeker. Therefore, it is no surprise that this seeker would even sacrifice his life, even be willing to die for this religion, and not turn back from the heat. Because he considers this religion to be his very life, he considers himself lost if this religion is lost, and he considers his life protected if this religion is protected. He believes this with a pure heart. Therefore, by accumulating and protecting this religion, which is like his life, he grows in his devotion to it; and he sacrifices his life for it. In other words, he dedicates his life to the noble activity of awakening the true self, of achieving the realization of the self, which is the manifestation of the true self; and if he faces a threat to his life, he continues to engage in this activity of awakening the true self, continues to strive for self-realization, and never abandons this religion. He is a steadfast follower of the religion.
Here, the author says:
"Only one friend follows even after death; everything else perishes with the body." (59)
Meaning: Religion is the only true friend that follows even after death. Everything else perishes with the body.
Commentary:
Religion is the only true friend because friendship is based on companionship. A friend is one who does not abandon you in happiness or sorrow, in prosperity or adversity, in good times or bad times, who remains in your heart and does not abandon his love for you. If anyone deserves the name "friend," it is religion. Because after death, only religion follows the one who practices it, it goes after him, it remains with him forever.
Interpretation:
The author emphasizes that religion is the only true friend, unlike other relationships that end with death. This is because religion provides a constant source of guidance, support, and purpose, even in the face of death. The author uses the term "friend" to highlight the intimate and enduring nature of the relationship between a person and their religion.