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122 Gandhi's Teachers: Rajchandra Ravjibhai Mehta
specific statements, content, and arrangements of advice vary but essential message and guidelines are the same. All religious traditions indicate that one has to rise above worldly desires, passions, and pleasures and make a sincere effort for the liberation of soul. Barren knowledge and empty rituals may be impressive, but are not enough and one misses the point in attempting to do just that. Bad karmas flow through wrong knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, and conduct. Any intention to do wrong to others and propensities of lying, stealing, lack of chastity, and overindulgence in bodily affairs serve as barriers to the liberation of soul. Straightforwardness of habits, simplicity, humility, forgiveness, and austerities help and burn the fruits of karmas. Fortitude, equanimity of mind, and cheerfulness under all circumstances also help. In the final stages of liberation, one has to transcend not only egotistical propensities and worldly cravings but even the desire for liberation has to be overcome, as there is complete cessation of desires and emotions and total freedom from karmas in the final stages of liberation.55 Any lingering desires, emotions, or cravings only indicate that perfection has not yet been reached and something is lacking in gaining total purity
of soul.
Notes and References
1. Padas refer to spiritual steps.
2. See: Chapter 2 - The Life of Rajchandra.
3. It is a long poem about the "supreme state." Some verses and complete paraphrased poem have been included in Chapter 2, footnote 26. See: Ibid.
4. This letter of Rajchandra was translated into English by Dr. Bhagwandas Mansukhbhai Mehta and is found included in the fifth edition of Atma-Siddhi by Shrimad Rajchandra. See: Jaini, J. L., Atma-Siddhi of Shrimad Rajchandra. Ahmedabad: Shrimad Rajchandra Gyan Pracharak Trust, 1923 (the fifth edition was published in 1978).
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