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I am the Soul
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scriptures, contemplating upon them and understanding the principles, but they lack the humility to seek refuge at the feet of a Sadguru. That is, they so believe that they can follow dharma sitting right at home and eliminate their shortcomings by recognising them; so there remains no necessity of seeking refuge with the sages.
What a great ego! In spite of doing everything necessary, the ego remains as it is. If it has not reduced even by a fraction, how will it take the right path? Thus the self-conceit does not dissolve, but the ego gets fed and fattened. That which is fed increases, does not decrease. If you take ill and if there isn't enough immunity in you, you take such medicines that increase your immunity and can fight the germs. How alert you are about the ailments of the body!
But this is a scourge which has attached itself to the soul from infinite time. And we have been feeding it. Why! We not only feed our ego, but like to go to places where our ego is fed! What do you say about our tendency? It is because of this ego that great jivas are yet wandering in this world, collecting sorrow in worldly life. Is this ego worth feeding or worth discarding? Let us understand it and try to eliminate it.
Hence Srimadji says - There is no uplift without the refuge of the Sadguru. The self-conceit will not be removed without his refuge. So go seek refuge and follow his orders. Those who do not follow the orders are liable to have an increased selfconceit.
Perhaps you know this story. A criminal was once accosted and jailed. His offence was proved and in punishment he was to be flogged. He had been warned not to speak and that his punishment would be doubled if he spoke.
When he was brought out to be flogged, he was told that he would be flogged ten times.
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