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ASPIRANT'S GUIDE that it is not externally manifested while anger is detected by several external signs; and hence, its detection becomes simple. Covetousness is, again, shown to be the last of all passions to be separated from soul (Atman), as described in the Jaina doctrines. This is due to the utter difficulty of conquering its subtle types. The condemnation of covetousness and the greatness of contentment are known to the world by famous sayings such as, "Covetousness fathers sin," "The pit of desires is limitless and endless," "Desire is the root cause of sorrow," and so on.
A person blinded by covetousness resorts not only to deceit, treachery and injustice, but may go to the extent even of killing the other person. A person subjected to covetousness resorts to such condemnable acts as described above and therefore the Sadhaka should continue in his efforts to strike constantly at the gross and subtlc forms of covciousness and resort to the virtuc of supreme contentment for his further advancement.
GLORY OF CONTENTMENT 1. Discontent is a great sorrow and contentment is a great happiness. Let the Sadhakas have such firm conviction and let them try constantly to feel contented. 2. Wealth in the form of cash, land, houses, cars, and jewels is known to the world, but few in the world know that contentment is the wealth before which all other forms of wealth are just trifles. 3. Contentment is natural wealth, while voluptuousness is unnatural penury. 4. True calmness is the highest austerity (Tapas). Contentment is the highest happiness. Desires are the worst diseases. Compassion is the noblest religion. 5. A person free from attachment is free from worries, one free from worries is free from anxiety. The person who is not attached to any object is an uncrowned king or queen of the world. 6. Giving up attachment to wealth and such like, is difficult. Persons endowed with a sense of discrimination are also sometimes enslaved by covetousness. One should therefore, constantly study and put into practice, the causes that reduce covetousness.
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SADHAK-SATHI
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