Atma the Self

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

Page 94

ĀTMĀ The Self....
the dynamic Soul acts according to the dictates of the mind! His aim and aspirations are the fulfilment of his wants and desires. He takes the path whose main ingredients are (Artha and Kāma), 1) Wealth and earthly possession 2) Sensual and materialistic pleasures. It is now (Aham and Mama) Me and Mine in his daily life. He becomes arrogant, rude, careless and acquires many vices. He does not care for what he eats or drinks, where he goes for material gains and happiness or to avoid pain and miseries. He indulges in perverse tendencies, even resorts to deceit, fraud, lies, exploitation, violence, etc. He acquires ill-gotten wealth and becomes 'Laxmidasa' A Slave of the Wealth Demon' instead of the 'son of the Goddess of Wealth' - 'LAXMI NANDANA".
He is blind with egoism and self centered with wealth and women. He becomes a drunkard, a gambler and is addicted to other vices. He has no reverence towards his parents and elders, and contempt for his brothers, sisters and others for very minor selfish motives and thus accumulates untold woes (demerits). When the life span is over, he leaves the body of 'LAXMINANDANA' and travels towards hell or towards sub-human existences for an idefinite long period having continuous births and deaths in different bodies.
The same 'Laxmi Nandana', with the education and guidance imparted in Childhood blossoms into the flower of Young Age with humility and culture. Due to the excellence of conduct now he appreciates the doings of wise, spiritual and experienced persons. Now he is afraid of committing sins, avoids sinful pastimes such as gambling, lustful eyeing towards the opposite sex, alcoholic drinks and meat eating, etc. Because of the ideal religious family surroundings and proper education, he becomes slightly inclined towards religion, with a gradual increase in self dedication, faith charity, towards fellow beings and compassion. Gradually he reduces his wants, controls the desires, worships his parents. Also he gives reverence to the preceptors, the teachers and the elders and obeisance to the Deity. Now he understands and appreciates the value of the most precious human existence and the extremely rare opportunity to reach Eternal Salvation.
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