________________
I am the Soul
243
Only that Sadhaka who has recognised the true form of the vrtti can estimate the value of vrata. Otherwise - Til ag 3179741 - for a matarthi who does not know yrttis, a vrata will lead to more aberration. That which was intended to reduce passions, will lead to more intense passions. It has been observed that people performing penance are more prone to anger. The reason is that they perform unlimited penance without realising the purpose.
Why! Several jivas perform penance-sacrifices only to satisfy their egos! They keep saying - "In a month I observed so many upavasas, ayambils, ekasanas. I give up leafy green vegetables, roots and bulbs on special occasions, I do not take food after sunset'. Not just that! "I put in so many hours in samayik, in devotion. My daily ritual goes on undisturbed. Come what may I never miss all this'. Wherever they go they don't miss reciting this over and over again.
Not just that! They start comparing with others. 'Look I do so much and my neighbour or my so-and-so relative does nothing at all. If you have been born shouldn't there be some religious activity?' Brothers! What vrtti does this show? All this is being done to show off before people and to inflate the ego. What was achieved with the sacrifice? Only the ego was fed. Wasn't that backtracking? Then what else is he but a matarthi?
Some people keep an account of the vratas they have observed - So many atthai-navai, so many turns on the rosary, self-contemplation for so many hours every day and so on and so forth. Now there is nothing more left to be done'.
Brothers! I shall ask them, “You have listed all these, but what about the sins you have piled up all through the life? Why don't you list them? Why don't you say “I have sinned ever so much! This is the limit, so no more sins henceforth”.”
You don't count the sins. You would rather say “I will sin as long as I live!' and not 'I shall perform penance and sacrifice as long as I live'.
For Personal and Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
Jain Educationa International
