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ASPIRANT'S GUIDE ceaseless pondering on soul (Atma). Only the inattentive has fear; there is no fear for the alert and the attentive." These are the noble words of the Jina. Liberation is not far from that person who, having attained to appropriate circumstances, experiences even momentary internal awakenness. 4. Wealth, adventure, character, fortune, self-control, self-restraint, and the company of learned ones all these come to the Sadhaka who is ever awake. 5. Constant vigilance and awakenness of the soul are necessary for keeping up appropriately the vows undertaken. The same is also required to the nourish the feeling of detachment and the state of divine contemplation. 6. The mother looks after the growth and health of the child with full tender care and alertness. We look after our luggage during travelling with equal care. The soldiers on duty on the border protects the territory of their country with all alertness. As Sadhakas, if we will look after the various facets of internal and external Sadhana with this care and alertness, we will definitely attain to the higher state of awakenness of Alma, and with that, the true and ultimate reward of Sadhana.
LIVING EXAMPLES OF ATMAJAGRUTI (1) The sermon of Lord Buddha was in progress. The devoted listeners were bathing in the river of knowledge, flowing from the deep experience of life and powerful effulgence of knowledge. The religious assembly was full with the presence of monarchs, kings and emperors, the wealthy, the learned and pundits, and the common masses.
Suddenly Lord Buddha became silent. The curiosity of the audience was enhanced because the topic of discourse was incomplete. Yet, no one had the courage to inquire of Lord Buddha why he had stopped his sermon when all looked at his face and the firm expression on it. The assembly slowly dispersed.
Next day, his disciples folded their hands and submitted, "Lord, nobody has understood the reason for the discontinuance of your sermon yesterday. Kindly let us know what it was."
Lord Buddha replied, "O, monks ! Your initiation commits you to receive the sermon with utmost attention so that you attain to the bliss of the soul. The legs and fingers of two or 104
SADHAK-SATHI
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