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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
186
luxury and on others. If we do not control our mind our body becomes a slave to it like the Nawab who had become a slave to his servants. It is said in the Yogavasista, "The mind is like a dead thing because it is devoid of form and substance. This dead mind enslaves people. How wonderful is this foolishness?”
The following incident illustrates how the mind defeats and enslaves man by means of its desires, Alexander invaded India and occupied some areas. He happened to meet a Mahātmā (a great man). With great pride, he introduced himself to the Mahātmā, "I am Alexander. I have conquered many countries and I am trying to conquer India." The Mahātmā said, "After conquering India what will you do?” Alexander said, “I will conquer Africa." The Mahātmā said, “What will you do after conquering Africa ?" Alexander said, "Gradually I will conquer the whole world." The mahātmā said, “Very good, after conquering the whole world, what will you du?"
Alexander said, "I will conquer the stars one by one."
The Mahātmā said, “Very good. I wish to know what you wilį do after conquering the entire universe." Alexander said, “After that I will sleep happily.” The Mahātmā said, “You are really a wonderful man. If sleeping happily at the end is your objective you can do so now. Why should you think of sleeping happily after so many battles, conflicts, plunders and massacres ?” Alexander was speechless.
Happiness lies in contentment. संतोषः परमं सुखम् ।
Santoshaḥ Paramam Sukham. The highest felicity lies in contentment.
A certain old lady was searching for a necdle in the light of a street-light, that is near an electric pole. She was greatly worried because she could not find it. Someone asked her, “Where did you lose your needle ?" She said, "I lost it in my house.” The man said, “Then you search for it in your house. Why do you search for it
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