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The Essence of Homedasti Homaasti
(445) Ignorance and a futile beginning are always companions. Such a person, devoid of knowledge and understanding, is pierced and overwhelmed by the consequences of wrong actions, resulting in a mixed state that is not beautiful. Therefore, such a person, with a mind clouded by ignorance, is prone to reversals and blind to the distinction between good and bad in the present moment. Despite witnessing the manifest suffering of the world, they remain attached to it due to excessive delusion and do not experience distress or weariness. They remain entangled in worldly attachments, and their inert nature binds their soul with the dust of sin. Even though they have received the seed of the supreme Dharma, the form of human existence, in the field of karma, these people of limited intellect do not strive to cultivate this seed through virtuous actions. Instead, they become engrossed in trivial and harmful pleasures, abandoning righteous conduct and virtuous behavior. Alas! Such people deserve condemnation! This state of ignorance is a path to degradation and downfall, and it can only be overcome through the guidance of great souls, the scriptures, and the company of the righteous. It is impossible to achieve this through any other means.
“The life of such a person, devoid of knowledge, is like a hard rock,
Only through the company of the righteous, the scriptures, and the guidance of great souls can they be softened... captivating the mind.”
Even when this state of ignorance persists, the human mind is naturally protected from harmful and illogical arguments. These arguments are like a snare, a source of suffering, a destroyer of faith, and a generator of pride. Thus, such arguments are a clear enemy of the mind, causing harm in various ways. Therefore, those seeking liberation should not be attached to such harmful and illogical arguments, but rather focus on virtuous actions, good conduct, meditation, and compassion. All alternatives are associated with ignorance, and these arguments are their plan. What is the purpose of them? Moreover, all such arguments are based on speculation, illusory perceptions, and influenced by personal opinions. Just as one might wonder whether a running elephant will strike the one who is far away or the one who is near, so too are these arguments. Many other types of errors arise from such arguments. Therefore, what is the purpose of such harmful and illogical arguments?
Wise beings strive to achieve the knowledge of the subtle realities, and these subtle realities are never accessible through mere intellectual reasoning but only through the scriptures. Therefore, those who are devoted to the scriptures, righteous conduct, and meditation, and who are engaged in the practice of yoga, are aware of these subtle realities. In the same way, the great sage Patanjali has said, “Through the scriptures, inference, and direct experience, a person attains the highest truth.”
There are many who hold different opinions about the truth, but those who consider them to be different are mistaken.