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**Dimadrusti:** Just as those who scratch an itch are focused on the means of scratching, but not on eliminating the itch itself,
(311) so too, the mind of these bhavagamini beings is focused on the objects of desire, but not on the elimination of desire for those objects.
**Meaning:** Just as the minds of those who scratch an itch are focused on the act of scratching, but not on eliminating the itch itself, so too, the minds of these bhavagamini beings are focused on the objects of desire, but not on eliminating the desire for those objects.
**Commentary:** The beautiful analogy presented here (see Vritti) is worth pondering, and its underlying message is worthy of acceptance.
A person suffering from an itch finds the scratching very pleasurable, and therefore derives so much joy from scratching that even if their nails wear down from scratching, the itch doesn't go away! They then seek out other means of scratching, such as grass or other objects. Now, if a wise physician comes along and tells them, "Brother, I will completely eliminate this itch for you. Let me use Triphala," then the person will say, "This itch is better than no itch at all. It feels good to me, so do whatever it takes to make me scratch." Although this scratching provides temporary pleasure, it ultimately leads to inflammation, the itch worsens, and the disease takes root deeper. But just like a foolish animal, these ignorant beings don't understand this.
Similarly, the bhavagamini beings are afflicted with the great disease of samsara, which is like an itch. They experience the sweet itch of desire for worldly objects, and they try to eliminate this itch by indulging in those objects, but no matter how much they indulge, the itch doesn't go away. It only intensifies, like a fire that is fed with fuel. The inflammation of suffering arises, and the disease of samsara takes root deeper. Instead of finding satisfaction in worldly objects, they only become more attached to them.
It has been said, "If the itch is gone, what is the benefit of living without it?" Therefore, they cling to Triphala! Just tell them where to find it!
They are so engrossed in their desires that they don't even think about eliminating them. Their minds are focused on the means of satisfying their desires, but not on the elimination of those desires. Just as the mind of someone scratching an itch is focused on the means of scratching, but not on eliminating the itch itself, so too, the minds of these bhavagamini beings are focused on the objects of desire, but not on the elimination of desire for those objects. Their ignorance and lack of maturity, coupled with their attachment to worldly pleasures, keep them trapped in this cycle.
Here, the word "chuch" refers to the act of grasping, which is a characteristic of the cycle of birth and death.