Aspirants Guide

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba

Page 96

supreme Godhood a state of pure knowledge and infinite bliss, through attainment of the state of Sthita-Prajna and Nirvikalpa Samadhi. He thus conquers all invisible peaks of spiritual development and becomes a perfect soul.
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ADVERSE FEELINGS
We have thus, analyzed from the spiritual point of view the progress and order in which impure states of the individual soul can be purified. In modern days, we can concede that the development of the spiritual path is more difficult. This is because the propitiation of the previous births is limited, association with enlightened souls is difficult to obtain and a common person is surrounded by antagonistic and evil events in life. Also an aspirant fails to loosen his attachment to the flimsy and worldly pleasures of mundane life.
In other words, the strength of determination has to be further reinforced constantly to overcome the varied scnsual temptations and their effects on day-to-day life. For this, again, great tolerance, patience, courage and sincere following of the right path are necessary.
In the modern atomic age, the battle of the Sadhaka against adverse feelings and experiences is long drawn, tough, full of calamities and spread over both the imminent and transcendental forms of Sadhana. Still, however, with firm determination and by frequent or constant association with the wise, victory is easy, simple and natural; because the attainment is aimed at one's own pure state, which is the rightful, inborn and eventual destination of every wise person.
LIVING EXAMPLES OF VICTORY OVER ADVERSE FEELINGS
(1) This is an incident of the time of Bhagavan Mahavira. There was once a discussion among monks (Shramans). The topic of discussion was as follows: "Who drowns deepest in the ocean of life a person of lust, anger, greed, delusion, or pride ?"
The monks discussed their different views, but there was no agreement. All jointly approached Bhagavan Mahavira and sought a reply.
There was a counter question from Bhaga- van Mahavira, "If we throw in the water a fine, dry boat, will it sink ?"
VIBHAVA-BHAVO AVO
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