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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
ed. So he threw away the sword, the instrument or symbol of executing anger.
Thereafter he began pondering over the meaning of the other word "Viveka (Discrimination)". His application of mind was sincere and zealous so he realised the meaning of this word as, "Discrimination means one should abandon attachment for one's body, wealth, and relatives." On such realisation he flung away the head of Sushuma whom he loved very much with deep attachment.
Now he began to meditate over the third word "Samvara". After some time he realised, "Samvara means restraining the activities of the senses and the mind". He stopped all his physical movements because such movements perturbed the senses and the mind. He stood still and silent on the spot with pacification of mind.
With self restraint righteousness followed. Chilatiputra became a saint as far as his emotions of the heart were concerned. This incident is in no way less wonderful. People attend to the discourses of saints and monks all throughout their life, read religious books and practise various religious rites, still they cannot control the operations of their senses and mind. But here Chilatiputra spent his entire life in mean and debased activities, had never contracted company of any saintly person nor attended to any religious discourse, still however as a result of his pious acts of his previous life, he came across the holy sight of a saintly person, entertained staunch faith in his words and promptly practised whatever he understood. It is not easy to practise what we understand. The authors of the sacred scriptures have laid down, "It is very rare and difficult for the worldly beings to acquire birth as a human being, listening to the religious preachings, faith and endeavours for self restraint."
Now just see, what happened further about Chilatiputra. He had attained to the status of a saint engrossed in meditation. His body was stained with fresh blood which attracted some wild ants which began stinging his body to enjoy the taste of blood. But the wild ants have very severe stings. A single sting can make us upset, but here hundreds of ants had assembled and were stinging simultaneously. But Chilatiputra had digested the significance
