Atmssiddhi

Author(s): Shrimad Rajchandra, Manu Doshi
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba

Page 55

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Guru, and that the passions can be easily overcome by going to the shelter of such a Guru.
Ätmasiddhi
Since the four types of Kashäy are usually presented in the order of anger, ego, deception, and greed, one would expect this stanza to begin with Krodhädi (meaning anger, etc.) instead of Mänadi. However, the above order pertains to the time factor in which the Kashäy can be overcome. Krodh, for instance, is very gross and can be easily identified, while other passions are subtle and are not so evident. Therefore, it is comparatively easy to overcome the instinct of anger first; greed or desire is the last to be overcome.
In Vachanamrut (Vyäkhyänsär-1, #199) Shrimad has mentioned the order, in which the Kashäy arises, as ego, greed, deceit, and anger.
Ego or false pride is a predominant Kashäy in humans, being a part of human mentality. If something happens that hurts our ego, we find it hard to bear. We are egoistic and are not willing to let it down. We want to preserve it at all costs. In Sadguru Bhakti Rahasya, Shrimad has therefore written:
Anant Kälathi Athadyo, Vinä Bhän Bhagawän; Sevyä Nahin Guru Santane, Mukyun Nahin Abhimän.
It says that the worldly soul has been wandering since the infinity because of the ignorance of its true nature. That happens on account of not surrendering to the true Guru and that in turn happens, because the soul has not given up its ego. Egotism is thus the foremost Kashäy, which is very hard to overcome and which prolongs the worldly life. Shrimad has therefore said (Vachanämrut #21-83) that had there been no ego (false pride), the world would have been a heaven. Hence this stanza rightly starts with Mänädi.