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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
charity so, that is the only amount which really speaking belongs to me. If you would be kind enough to spend this monsoon here I would own two millions then".
These words convinced the preceptor. He was much pleased and he decided to spend the monsoon there. People observed many religious rites there in the monsoon and the merchant surpassed all the rest in such observances.
Thus the money which you spend after religious purpose or in charity only belongs to you and not the rest. The money which you spend after luxuries and pleasures only create "Karmas" and you will have to reap the bitter rewards of these Karmas. Temptation leads to mental unrest and the absence thereof results in mental peace. In religious rites and charity there is no temptation and hence the mental peace.
WHEN ONE CAN REALISE MENTAL PEACE?
Spiritual joy cannot be had in the absence of peace. When a buffalo bathes in a pond, the water of the pond is disturbed and hence turbid. You cannot visualise the bed of the pond then, but when mud settles down and water is still, then only you can see the bed or the bottom below the water current. Similarly desires annihilated settle down the Karmic dirt and then bring about steadiness of mind; with experience of spiritual joy within. Still such joy is the minutest part of ecstacy enjoyed by the emancipated soul but such joy once enjoyed induces the enjoyer to enjoy the same spiritual joy again and again.
One can make progress in the spiritual domain by reflecting. "I am soul, I am omniscient, omnipotent, inexhaustible reservoir of happiness. I am not deprived of my merits or joy. They lie unto myself". Religious practices can be enhanced by entertaining such thoughts as "I am soul, this body is lifeless. The matters of the world are lifeless bodies. I came alone to this world and shall depart alone. None belongs to me". The peace, the joy and the pleasure experienced then, are unparalleled, and incomparable with any temporal joy.
For such progress internal devotion to the Lord is essential. Restraint of senses is also necessary. Austerities are also required.
