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I am the Soul
in the soul does not arise, then the observance of the Mahavrata is nothing more than the material state.
Brothers! Understand this well! The Mahavratas are worthy of observance and should be observed. If anybody is opposing them, he is in grave error. But at the same time it is also to be understood that the observance of the Mahavratas is not just for the sake of it. But for the awakening of the conduct of thought in the form of being enthralled with the natural disposition of the Soul, in its wake. If the external rituals are being observed without this understanding, then it is to be called only external renunciation. Hence, Srimadji says that accepting a Guru who has no knowledge of the self and shows off only external renunication, is a mark of the matarthi.
Now the question arises - how does one differentiate between a Sadhu who is merely following external renunciation and one who is self-realised? How does one identify? Superficially he may be maintaining a good character, may be undergoing a considerable suffering, may even be discussing the knowledge from the scriptures, he may even be explaining the scriptures, so shouldn't we take him for a Guru? This question is bound to occur naturally. If along with all this, he also has realised the Self, it will not remain hidden. The most important thing is that a self-realised Sage will never be over-assertive. He will not only never say, 'What I do and say is right, rest are all wrong', but not even think so. He will not have any interest in any activity which enhances the scope of attachment and aversion. Every activity of his is connected to the feeling of detachment. He never believes that he is great and others are lowly. He believes that everybody behaves according to their respective kshayopsham - 914 - state of karma, and nurtures an impartial feeling towards them. Thus his flow of thoughts is in a different direction compared to others. How can such Satpurushas remain without being identified?
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