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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
The men of knowledge declare that next life is contracted mostly on sacred days and that is why one should practise more of righteousness and religious observances on such days. We generally observe 'Poshaha' on sacred days. Those who cannot observe may perform other kinds of penances or religious vows. At the most they might refrain from consuming green vegetables, avoidable diets, nocturnal diets etc.
Sacred days are celebrated since the primeval times. The day is marked with enthusiasm and tenderness of feelings and all these factors make the soul possessed of gross activities to perform light activities. Thus, time factor also is responsible for the dissolution of Karmic Bonds.
Very pious surroundings at the sacred places of pilgrimage also induce the person to perform religious acts. Even miserly persons spend their money with liberality of heart at these places. Those who perform them daily, should perform them more on sacred days and at the sacred places of pilgrimage.
Any religious rite observed without zeal and tenderness of feelings gives results slowly and the results are comparatively meagre ; while those observed with all zeal and tenderness of feelings bestow profuse results.
Mild devotion can occasionally be intensified but complete absence of devotion has no scope of intensification whatsoever. So regularly observe religious acts to your capacity and when proper opportunities of circumstances and conditions shall prevail, zeal and tenderness of feelings shall be intensified. Karmas of preceding numerous lives shall be annihilated and we shall have our mission accomplished. Your mere engagements in luxuries and passion shall lead you to the state of Sarthavaha's son.
TALE OF "SARTHAVAHA'S" SONS
There was a merchant named Makandi in the city named Champa. He was very wealthy and with fame highly established among the people. He had two sons. One was Jinapalita and the other was Jinarakshita. Both these sons were hailed for their erudition, venturesome nature and heroism. They had sea voyages eleven times and earned immense wealth, still they were inclined to launch upon the 12th voyage. Greed is uncontrollable indeed!
